Young children’s brains and bodies develop rapidly in the first five years. When we provide high-quality early learning and health opportunities during this critical time, we create better chances for health and happiness throughout a child’s life.
Oakland Starting Smart and Strong aims to make sure every child has access to high-quality early childhood experiences, and every adult in a child’s life – whether a formal educator like a preschool teacher or an informal caregiver like a family member – has the tools they need to support that child’s development every day.
As one of three California communities funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation’s Smart and Strong Initiative, Oakland Starting Smart and Strong is made up of community groups, early childhood educators, school district, city and county leaders, all connected by a shared commitment to create a strong foundation for Oakland’s youngest children.
We recognize that greater, more lasting progress is possible when we coordinate our efforts and work together across sectors on a clearly defined goal. Our collective impact work is divided into four pillars:
Through our work together, Oakland Starting Smart and Strong has achieved successes in each of these areas, on the path towards high-quality early care and learning for all young children and families in Oakland.
