Start Early

05/29/2026

Doula care is evidence-based magic! Discover the power of doula support to help make the pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience better as we share how doula supports improve maternal mental health https://bit.ly/4wLOlsa

Explore Sheila Ater Capestany's life's work in doula care to ensure women feel seen, supported, and emotionally held throughout motherhood.

05/28/2026

Say hello to our Luncheon Chairs, Helen Zell and Bruce Rauner✨ We’re proud to have their leadership behind this year’s . 🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/430BBQU

05/26/2026

Join us on June 3 at our hosted by Helen Zell and Bruce Rauner for an inspiring afternoon featuring stories from parents, early learning providers, and advocates — plus a fireside chat between Start Early President Diana Rauner and Shannon Watts. 💬 Be part of the conversation on how early learning sets the foundation for lifelong success. 👉 We can’t wait to see you there! https://bit.ly/4uIFExp

05/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming Nila Diab as the new Executive Director of Start Early Illinois this June!

Nila brings deep experience in early childhood and nonprofit leadership, with a strong background in strategy, operations, community partnership and organizational sustainability. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Chicago Commons.

In this role, Nila will help lead Start Early’s Illinois work across programs, policy, research and partnerships – supporting our continued commitment to children, families and communities across the state.

We are excited for Nila’s leadership and the relationships she will continue to build with our staff, partners and the communities we serve. Welcome, Nila!

05/19/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're talking about something that doesn't get said enough:
When parents thrive, children thrive.

Swipe to learn why and what you can do about it and check out our blog to learn more: https://bit.ly/3PPNwOn

05/18/2026

🎂 Happy 61st Birthday, Head Start!

Sixty-one years ago, a bold idea took root: every child — no matter their zip code or family income — deserves a strong start in life. What began as an 8-week summer program in 1965 has since served more than 38 million children and counting.

Today, Head Start programs across all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories continue that promise every single day — offering early education, health screenings, nutritious meals and deep family support.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and learn how Head Start continues to change lives.

05/14/2026

The connection between a mother's mental health and her baby's development is undeniable — and it starts earlier than you think.
Home visiting programs are changing the game by meeting families where they are and building healthy parent-child relationships from day one. 🏠💛
Read about the strengths-based approach making a real difference for moms and babies →
https://bit.ly/4u7Rpx1

05/13/2026

We're thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of Educare Lake County in Zion, IL! 🎉

This is a landmark moment for families in Lake County — a new early learning home where children from birth to age 5 will have access to the high-quality education and family supports they need to thrive.

It truly takes a village, and we're so grateful to the community leaders, educators, families and partners who helped make this dream a reality. Read all about what Educare Lake County means for the future of early learning in Illinois: https://bit.ly/4wnV6QV

Learn more about the groundbreaking of the Start Early and the Educare Network's newest birth-through-age 5 school early learning school in Lake County, IL.

05/12/2026

The experiences children have in their earliest years don't just shape who they are today. They shape the foundation for their mental health for life.

The good news? Everyday moments matter more than you might think. A consistent bedtime routine. A warm goodbye before school. Time spent exploring outside together.

This month, we're sharing simple, research-backed ways families and educators can nurture positive mental health in young children — one small moment at a time.

Share with a caregiver or teacher who needs this. And know: starting early makes all the difference
🔗: https://bit.ly/4dilq6h

05/11/2026

Washington State home visitors are invited to deepen their skills in supporting perinatal mental health.

Join our three-part virtual training designed for home visitors with 6+ months of experience administering the PHQ-9 Questionnaire. This training focuses on strengthening screening practices and supporting families through early identification.

📅 Starts May 14 | 1–4 pm PT
Funded by Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families
🔗 Register now: tinyurl.com/4nbp74nd