
Letter from the CEO
Dear Friend –
Thank you for perusing our 2022 Gratitude Report. As the name implies, it is only because of our generous donors, volunteers, and community partners that EarlystART can prepare Little Learners for bright futures.
You’ll see the positive results of our work sprinkled throughout this publication. What you may not see, however, is the incredible upheaval – arguably a crisis – happening in early childhood education.
For veteran organizations like EarlystART, we know full-well the issues that have long held back the field: low pay, fragmentation in the system, and diminishing public investment that leaves families holding the bill for high-quality care and education.
At EarlystART, we’re on a mission to not only imagine a brighter future, but to boldly pursue it with all we’ve got!
It’s the spirit behind startingEARLY, an initiative to increase the professionalism and capacity of the early childhood workforce. More than a means to removing barriers that have historically marginalized the early learning sector, it’s an actionable plan to create real change.
Better wages. Better educator retention. Better outcomes that support a vibrant community and future workforce.
As we go about this transformational work, know that your support and advocacy mean more than you can ever imagine!
Thank you for all you do to support EarlystART.
Deidre Anderson, CEO
Let’s keep imagining a better future for early education…then boldly pursue it together!

Board Update: A Message from Theodis
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m pleased to share that 2022 was a wonder-filled year of building bridges, inspiring minds, and impacting futures at EarlystART.
In a few years we’ve grown to a nearly $8 million dollar enterprise with three three early learning centers, the most recent expansion happening in the fall of 2020, on the heels of the pandemic. Since that time, we’ve learned that the world can change without warning and that resilience and innovation are oh-so essential.
It is why 2022 can also be described as a year of resetting and rebuilding. Our Board continues to re-tool our strategic plan with greater intentionality. We’ve leaned into our governance practices and empowered new voices at the table. Through it all, one thing remains abundantly clear: without high-quality educators, we will compromise the futures of our most valuable asset – our children.
Amid our nation’s crisis to retain early childhood educators, we ask, “How can we incentivize this vitally essential work, pay our teachers a livable wage, and find a way to fund it?”
The Board at EarlystART has responded unanimously:
- Increasing starting pay of educators to $15/hour, regardless of position – a rate that surpasses Missouri’s average starting wage of $12.50/hour;
- Committing to increase our advocacy efforts at both the state and regional levels for continued improvement to wages, benefits, and professional development.
Our work is far from done, but if we have learned anything in recent years, it is that we can emerge from the seemingly impossible when we unite for good.
Your continued investment in early childhood education and an equitably-compensated workforce will return immeasurable dividends – not the least of which is the wonder that inspires the best in each of us!
Theodis Watson, President
Board Members
- Theodis Watson, President – Central Bank of the Midwest
- Mary Jorgenson, Past President – Heartland Presbytery Representative
- Rebecca James, Vice President – Abovo
- Phyllis Hardwick, Secretary/Treasurer – Community Capital Fund
- Deidre Anderson, CEO, Ex-Officio – EarlystART
- Tom Eatman, Director – Builders by Design, LLC
- Alexis Kerr, Director – Hallmark
- Todd Navrat, Director – J.E. Dunn Construction
- Matthew Oates, Director – Burns & McDonnell
- Ruth Stricklen Pullins, Director – University Health
- Cydney Ricker, Director – Kansas City Chiefs
- Joni Wickham, Director – Wickham James Strategies & Solutions

Impact
Over 90% of EarlystART Pre-K students achieve Missouri kindergarten-readiness benchmarks, a rate that far exceeds the readiness rate (about 30%) for children in our city.

Commitment to Diversity!
Here, we believe we are shaping the world as we dream it to be: diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Developed by a collective community voice, EarlystART has long been rooted in the belief that every child has the ability to succeed in school and in life. Ending injustice, racism, and bias is fundamental to delivering on this promise.
%
77% of EarlystART children and families identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).
%
65% of EarlystART faculty and staff identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), reflecting diversity of the communities we serve.
Families see themselves reflected in classroom language, multicultural literature, toys, and curriculum, and their identities mirrored in staff and other parents.
Opportunities for meaningful inclusion and diversity are embraced. From celebrating Black History Month and Pride Month to marching in the Juneteenth Parade, EarlystART offers opportunities for students and families to grow in awareness and connection.
We promise a welcoming environment to all and are committed to an ongoing celebration of diversity.


EarlystART: By the Numbers
%
EarlystART kindergarten-readiness rate
%
Parents and caregivers supported by Family Advocate
Pre-K students entering kindergarten
Students benefiting from Bobbye Jean Fuller Early Education Fund
Family engagement events held
%
Students qualifying for Head Start/Early Head Start

Economic Impact of Early Education
Missouri’s lack of access to high-quality early childhood care, education, and services contributes to significant challenges for children, families, and the economy.

50% of all children live in a child care desert

2 out of 3 fourth-graders are reading below grade level (NAEP 2019)

Missouri is losing $1.35 billion/year due to child care issues (US Chamber Foundation)
In Kansas City
EarlystART works to ensure every family reaches its potential and that no child is turned away due to the cost of quality.

Less than ⅓ of children have access to high-quality early education

Costs are $10,000 to $16,000/year per child

Median households must spend nearly 20% of total income for a single child
Investing in Bright Futures
Research shows that childhood programs can yield a $4-$9 dollar return per $1 invested. The benefits are in the form of reduced costs for special education, social programs, and crime (The National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs).
This means that a gift of $5,000 returns $20,000-$45,000 in societal benefits for our local economy!

There’s No Place Like Home
“I chose to work at EarlystART because I love children and making a positive impact in their lives. It is a quality program that does a lot to support families and the community. The teachers are amazing and held to a high standard, with many growth opportunities for training and education.”
“EarlystART is like home. They take good care of my children, and keep me up-to-date with resources and what’s happening in the community. These are the teachers I love and trust like family.”
Artists-In-Residence
EarlystART’s dedicated arts educators integrate the arts in meaningful experiences for our families and the community. One of the ways we do this is through welcoming talented Artists in Residence to The Studio, our on-site makerspace. Watch this video to hear from one of EarlystART’s Artists-In-Residence, What-If Puppets!
EarlystART is a place where children thrive and families flourish.
Meet Marlissa Willis: a parent of two EarlystART students, EarlystART Parent Advocate, and a member of our Policy Council as well as our Parent Committee.

Questions with Phyllis Stevens
Every organization should be so lucky to have a Phyllis. She’s an above-and-beyond advocate, trusted advisor, and friend.
How did you get involved with EarlystART?
One gorgeous spring morning in 2016, my friend, Alan Dubois, invited me to visit EarlystART, an organization I knew nothing about. The mission resonated immediately – deeply touching my heart and completely invading my head. Then I met Deidre Anderson and, as they say, ‘That’s all she wrote.’ I was hooked!
What inspires your dedication to EarlystART?
When I was introduced to EarlystART, I had an epiphany. Though involved with social justice initiatives all my life, I’d never given much thought to the intrinsic power of high-quality early childhood education. Now, of course, I understand how investing in children from birth to five years will literally change the trajectory of their lives.
Why is it important to reach out to others about a cause that is so dear to your heart?
In an EarlystART video, the late community leader, Kenny Baum, said it best: “We have to do this.” And we do. For me, watching little learners grow is a joy but tells only part of the story.
I want others to know that, not only do our children and families benefit, the entire community benefits, society benefits.
“I’m thrilled to be connected to an organization that addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student. It’s a place where children can flourish in self-awareness and self-expression, and to imagine their place in the world. As for me, being involved is a way to live my values.”
– Phyllis Stevens

Spotlight on our Generous Community
Here’s to our amazing donors – individuals, foundations, and organizations – that lift up our wonder-filled mission. Thank you for your kindness!
$25,000+
15 and the Mahomies Foundation | Dehaemers Family Charitable Trust | Jackson County Outside Agency |
Alexis Kerr | Francis Family Foundation | Jackson County, Missouri |
Ann Baum | G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Fund | Jacob and Ella C. Loose Foundation |
Barbara Dehaemers | Geraldine and R A Barrows Foundation | Joseph Allen |
Beth Allen | Greater Kansas City Community Foundation | MARC Mid-America Regional Council |
Bill Dana | Hall Family Foundation | Oppenstein Brothers Foundation |
Carrie J. Loose Trust | Hallmark Corporate Foundation | Sherman Family Foundation |
Central Bank of Kansas City | Health Forward Foundation | Shumaker Family Foundation |
Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County | Irven E. & NeVada P. Linscomb Foundation Fund | Stanley H. Durwood Foundation |
Community Builders Fund | Jackson County COMBAT | UMB Bank |
David Dehaemers Jr. | United Way of Greater Kansas City |
$10,000-$24,000
Backstrom Family Foundation |
G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Fund |
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation |
Jason Backstrom |
Greater Kansas City Community Foundation |
PNC Foundation |
Ann Baum |
J.E. Dunn Construction |
R and C Charitable Foundation |
Jonathan Baum |
Kauffman Foundation Matching Gifts Program |
Royals Charities |
Sarah Baum |
Kids Win Missouri |
Paul Schofer |
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City |
Kirk Foundation |
John Sherman |
Carol Cartmill |
Jan Kreamer |
Marny Sherman |
Church Mutual insurance Company |
Tom Kreamer |
Laura Curry Sloan |
Clay County Children’s Services Fund |
MARC Mid-America Regional Council |
Sunderland Foundation |
Eleanor Schutz Fund |
Menorah Heritage Foundation |
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection |
Evergy |
Northland Community Foundation |
$5,000-$9,999
ArtsKC Regional Arts Council | Greater Kansas City Community Foundation | Jackson County COMBAT |
BlueScope Foundation | Health Forward Foundation | Mazuma Foundation |
GEHA | UICS Early Educational Sustainability Fund |
$1,000-$4,999
Aligned |
IFF |
Ryan Othmer |
Deidre Anderson |
Jackson County COMBAT |
Laura Palacios |
ArtsKC Regional Arts Council |
Sly James |
Torree Pederson |
Arvest Bank |
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City |
Charlie Pettijohn |
Ashwani Family Foundation |
Samara Jones |
PNC Foundation |
Alicia Beck |
Jorgenson Family Foundation |
Prime Health Foundation |
Kent Bumgarner |
Mark Jorgenson |
Ruth Stricklen Pullins |
Linda Bumgarner |
Mary Jorgenson |
R.A. Long Foundation |
Byron T. Schutz Foundation |
Judge Cleveland F. Moulton Christmas Poor Fund Trust |
Ann Regnier |
Central Bank of Kansas City |
Kansas City Chiefs Football Club |
Bob Regnier |
Central Bank of the Midwest |
Deborah Kass |
Charles Schellhorn |
Chief’s Ambassadors Charitable Foundation |
Kauffman Foundation Matching Gifts Program |
Lisa Schellhorn |
Church Mutual insurance Company |
Phadra Kee |
Paul Schofer |
Kevin Clark |
Judy Kirk |
Janice and Mark Schonwetter |
Bill Dana |
Alice Kitchen |
Schwab Charitable |
Jessica Easter |
Kristy Ladd Culp |
Laura Curry Sloan |
Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation |
MARC Mid-America Regional Council |
Linda Stevens |
First Interstate Bank (formerly Great Western Bank) |
Beth McCown |
U.S. Toy |
Frances Gershon Freiden Klein Fund |
Pat McCown |
UMB Bank |
Edward Fried |
Jean McDonnell |
Urban Leaders Fellowship |
Sandi Fried |
Tom McDonnell |
VMLY&R |
Greater Kansas City Community Foundation |
National Utility Contractors Association Greater Kansas City Region |
Stephen Westbrooks |
Greater Kansas City LINKS |
Leigh Nottberg |
Wickham James |
George Guastello |
Tyler Nottberg |
Joni Wickham |
Hunt Family Foundation |
Courtney Osborn |
Lauren Ziegler |
$500-$999
Betty Athey | Terry Dunn | Ebony Reed |
Richard Athey | Bernie Fromm | Dennis Rilinger |
Sarah Baum | Barnett Helzberg | Ginny Roady |
Irv Belzer | Shirley Helzberg | Mariah Roady |
Phil Bixby | Terrie W Huntington | Angela Sleyster |
Stanley Brand | Larry Jacob | Linda Stevens |
Linda Braude |
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City |
Matthew Stevens |
Michael Braude | Bill Kort | Justin White |
Stevi Brick | Regina Kort | Linda Word |
Peggy Dunn |
$1-$499
Mark Aaron |
Karen Glickstein |
Paula Neth |
Alice Jacks Achtenberg |
John Goldberg M.D. |
Network For Good |
David J Achtenberg |
Doug Goldstein |
Jessica Nollett |
Gretchen Adamson |
Nicole Goodman |
Rachel Nugent |
American Century Investments Foundation |
Mary Garcia Grant |
Matthew Oates |
Deidre Anderson |
Greater Kansas City Community Foundation |
Gary O’Banion |
Azphalt Angelz |
Lacy Haden-Peaches |
Ryan Othmer |
Linda Barber |
Scott Hall |
George Pagels |
Laurie Bayer |
Hallmark Corporate Foundation |
Suzanne Pagels |
Sally E Beal |
Phyllis Hardwick |
Laura Palacios |
Philip Beaudoin |
Jill Harmon |
Anissa A Parra-Grooms |
Renata J Beaudoin |
Betty Harris |
Jason Parson |
Benevity Community Impact Fund |
Jill C Hartman |
Chris Perkins |
Mollie Berenbom |
Judy Hellman |
Quill |
Steve Berger |
Robert Hill |
Margo Quiriconi |
Irene Bettinger |
Rachel Hodgson |
Linda Rallo |
Helen Betts |
Julie Holland |
James Redler |
Blackbaud Giving Fund |
Paula Holmquist |
Kennade Reed |
Anne Blessing |
Matrika Hornsby |
Patrick Reed |
Gins Boucher |
Vernon Howard |
David Renz |
Brady Enterprises |
Hutch Humphreys |
Harriet Rice |
Julie Braude |
Joan Israelite |
Richard and Annette Bloch Family Foundation Fund |
Linda Braude |
Rebecca James |
Kathryn Ricker |
Michael Braude |
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City |
Dick Roady |
Peter Braude |
Kay Johnson |
Mariah Roady |
Phillip Brown |
Gina Kaiser |
Sharyl Roady |
Kent Bumgarner |
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey |
Anastasia Rock |
Linda Bumgarner |
Kansas City Young Matrons |
Jeffrey Rogers |
Scott Burnett |
Jeannine Kausch |
Brian and Christine Rorie |
Mary Bush |
Anne Keil |
Ellen Rottersmann |
Brandon Calloway |
Janet Kelley |
Anne Russ |
Carol and Tom Barnett Foundation |
Christine Kemper |
Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, Inc |
Karla Carpenter |
Ericka King |
Stephanie Seger |
Candace Cheatem |
Lisa Klein |
Melissa Shanks |
Bonita Conley |
Jonathan Klem |
Arretta Shannon |
Rita Cortes |
Ada Koch |
Robert Shapiro |
Elynn Cowden |
Bill Kort |
Judy Sherry |
Samara Crawford Herrera |
Schylon Kubic |
Ishmael Shumate |
Samiyah Crawford |
Renee Kyles |
Julie Silverman |
Ravi Dasari |
Brent Lager |
Joni P Siplon |
Christopher Davis |
Brenda L Lappin |
Peter Sloan |
Stephanie Dawson |
Joanne & Bruce Levy |
Trukechia Smith |
Melissa Donoho |
Frank Lipsman |
Jolie Spatz |
Wendy Doyle |
Shelley Loethen |
Michaela Stemmons |
Dr. Howard and Rosanne Rosen Donor Advised Fund |
Katie Lord |
Linda Stevens |
Brittany Duncan |
Roberta Jeanne Lyle |
Phyllis A Stevens |
EPR Properties |
Linda Lyon |
Lisa Stewart |
Joni Etherington |
Mike Lyon |
Chris Stibbs |
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation |
Kim M McChesney |
Mara Strayer |
Kate Favrow |
Nina M Ward |
Je T’aime Taylor |
Barbara Flawn |
Tonya Mater |
The American Online Giving Foundation |
Moe Flynn-Hart |
LaTasha McCall |
The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania |
Janie Foltz |
Tricia McGhee |
Terri Thompson |
Micole Franklin |
Vernita McMurtrey |
Emily Thorpe |
Kristy P Frazier |
Gail Meriweather |
Gail Vessels |
Liz Freeman |
Jill Meriweather |
VMLY&R |
Amy Gale |
Chris Migneron |
Christy Vopat |
Elizabeth T Garver |
Kate Migneron |
Joel B. Voran |
Jerome Getz |
Julia Brown Miller |
Jumesha Wade |
Shahzad Ghafoor |
Melanie Miller |
Joni Wickham |
Erika Gibbs |
Sarah Miller |
Brandon Wikoff |
Givinga Foundation |
Georgia Mueller |
Ivera Williams |
Cydney Glaze |
Barbara Mueth |
Gene Willis |
Joanna M Glaze |
Anne Mulvihill |
Women’s Association of Southminster Presbyterian Church |
Lawrence Glaze |
John Mulvihill |
Miriam Zimet-Aaron |

EarlystART held 38 Family Engagement Events this year!








Save the Date for future EarlystART Events!






Financial Overview 2022
EarlystART ended 2021 in a positive financial position which was primarily driven by lower costs due to enrollment and staffing shortages as well as a significant grant awarded for the StartingEarly Special Initiative.
Looking ahead, 2022 will be a year of investing in expanded recruitment and professional development initiatives for early educators in our efforts to best serve students and families.
Revenue and Contributions
Contracts |
$2,544,797 |
Grants/Contributions |
$2,293,463 |
Special Initiatives Grant |
$1,625,000 |
Program Fees |
$1,552,491 |
United Way |
$143,796 |
Interest Income |
$3,998 |
Other |
$16,861 |
PPP Loan Forgiveness |
$1,102,923 |
Total |
$9,283,331 |

Program Expense/Community Benefit
Early Education |
$4,797,238 |
Administration |
$1,644,308 |
Community Services |
$43,523 |
Special Initiatives |
$136,430 |
Fundraising/Marketing |
$79,533 |
Interest/Other |
$39,598 |
Property & Depreciation |
$169,462 |
Total |
$6,910,092 |
