2022 Annual Report

2022 Annual Gratitude Report: Just Imagine

Letter from the CEO
Board Update
Impact
Commitment to Diversity
EarlystART: By the Numbers
Economic Impact of Early Education
There’s No Place Like Home
Spotlight on our Community
Questions with Phyllis Stevens
Donors
Engagement
Financials

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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!

INVEST TODAY

DB+

There’s No Place Like Home

“I came back to EarlystART because early childhood education is at a tipping point and Kansas Citians need to come together for our youngest citizens. When you give to EarlystART, you are nurturing what makes each child inherently special. EarlystART kids stand out as confident, curious, and friendly because of your generosity.”

Alex Basalo

“Working with children reminds me how amazing and exciting life can be. Children motivate me to be a better person. St. Mark Center feels like home. Belonging and being appreciated are among my reasons for being here.”

Silvia Zavala

“My sister and I are stakeholders in EarlystART because of our passion and drive for early childhood education. We have 20 souls that we’re responsible for. Every child comes from a different walk of life – what comes easily to some won’t come easy to all. We’re working to see that every student is prepared to become independent, creative little learners that are also socially and emotionally resilient.”

Amanda & Akeyla Walker

“St. Mark Center became “home” and so much more to our family. The wraparound services were just what we needed, while St. Mark’s mission paved the way for my true calling: pursuing a career in the life-changing field of early childhood education. I could see how transformative it was for the children and families, and I knew that’s why God put St. Mark’s in my path.”

Kimberly McKeithen

“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.”

Nancy Bickel

“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.”

E’Lisa Brown

Parent of five EarlystART students over the years

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!

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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