Creating Better Chances for Health & Happiness
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.
Committed to Creating a Strong Foundation
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.
Making Lasting Progress in Childhood Education
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:
- Improving quality in formal early childhood education
- Supporting informal caregivers (family, friends and neighbors)
- Healthy development
- Improving Oakland’s early childhood system
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.
