Start Early

🎉 Exciting news! To give programs more flexibility as budgets take shape—and time to explore our agenda (coming later this spring)—Early Bird pricing for the 2026 #HVSummit is extended through July 15. ✅ Register today: bit.ly/498ruha

From the steady reassurance during labor to the hands-on support that builds confidence & empowerment, doulas play a vital role. We're honored to share the story of one of the amazing families we've supported through our doula program Healthy Parents & Babies. #WorldDoulaWeek

Leave policy is early childhood policy.

Start Early recently launched a new systems mapping tool for communities. Systems maps uncover opportunities, inform smarter decisions, and strengthen return on investment. Learn more in our 2025 Insights & Impact Report: bit.ly/4baDzmw

We are pleased to announce the Head Start Future Thinking Project, a national initiative designed to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Head Start at a pivotal moment for the program and the families it serves. Read the full statement: bit.ly/4urXK6W

📣 Join us on Capitol Hill to champion home visiting! On Sept. 28, as part of a preconference activity at the 2026 #HVSummit, advocates will meet with Congress to elevate the impact of #homevisiting & support the #MIECHV Program. Learn more & register: bit.ly/40oczKd

New federal requirements for orgs receiving federal funding may be on the horizon. Join Start Early & @EdCounselDC on 3/16 at 3PM ET for a webinar that breaks down what the proposed changes could mean for #ECE & maternal health programs. Register now: bit.ly/4s6TxUU

Early nutrition can shape brain development. Start Early’s Sandra Adan shares how breastfeeding helps build neural pathways & caregiver connection. However families feed their babies—breastfeeding, formula or both—responsive, loving care matters most: bit.ly/4swUV2R

2025 demanded agility. Start Early Consulting partnered across the country to help systems leaders, advocates & coalitions advance critical policy priorities in a shifting federal climate. Explore our Year in Review: bit.ly/4baDzmw

⏰ Time is running out - early bird rates are extended through March 31 (or until sold out). Join us Sept. 29-30 in Baltimore for the 2026 #HVSummit - two days of learning, connection & collaboration across the home visiting field. 🎟️ Secure your spot: bit.ly/498ruha

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Earlier this year we launched our Together for Young Children with Disabilities campaign designed to strengthen advocacy for children with disabilities and developmental delays. Read more: bit.ly/4rfjIrl

Early learning & care faced unprecedented challenges in 2025. Start Early Consulting responded with action — creating practical, community-centered resources to support systems when needed most. Explore what we built in our 2025 Insights & Impact Report: bit.ly/4baDzmw

Want to hear the latest on early childhood research, advocacy actions and opportunities to collaborate? Sign up to receive noteworthy developments on state and federal early childhood policy news from Start Early. Join our email list today: bit.ly/4crjC9U

We know that high-quality early learning & care strengthens families, improves child outcomes and closes opportunity gaps from the very beginning. Now is the time to make meaningful investments in #ECE. Investing in our youngest learners is an investment in our nation's future.

Ahead of the #SoTU, we’re asking: What if every child had the support they needed starting before birth? The first 5 years set the foundation for lifelong success, yet families & educators are navigating a broken system from the start.

Early educator apprenticeships could be part of the solution to the #childcare crisis, offering paid training & helping fill workforce gaps in early childhood education. Read more from @hechingerreport: bit.ly/4tKssYF

Are you a Head Start grantee or organization seeking to strengthen your non-competing new or continuation grant applications? Join our Feb. 26 webinar from 3-4 p.m. ET. Register to stay up to date on the latest instructions for your application: bit.ly/4tHtYeb

This #BlackHistoryMonth, discover books curated by our #ECE experts. It's important for children to see themselves represented to create opportunities for connection, understanding & belonging at an early age. Read the full list: bit.ly/4qAHVrI

Early childhood is a critical time for brain development, shaped by safety & strong relationships. Fear & uncertainty affect young children even when it starts outside the classroom. We stand with providers putting children first. Read @NAEYC's statement: bit.ly/4rFWPh9

On Fri. a federal court extended an injunction blocking a funding freeze threatening #childcare & family support programs in 5 states—protecting critical services. While this offers immediate protection, ongoing advocacy is needed for long-term stability: bit.ly/4a7C0W7