Letter from the CEO

Dear Friend –

Thank you for welcoming me “home” to EarlystART in 2023! Growing up through the foster care system, the word “home” is not a word I use lightly. As I think back to my childhood, I can only imagine experiencing the exceptional care and compassion for the students and families that I have witnessed in my time here at EarlystART.

While 2023 was a year of incredible change for EarlystART, I am honored to lead this work in a new wave of transformation. Because of our shared belief in the power of early education, we are uplifting the organizational culture and advancing our mission where it matters most: upskilling our early educators, encouraging innovative curriculum, and increasing our responsiveness to the community.

With your continued support, we will unlock new doors of potential and boldly achieve a brighter future for Kansas City’s littlest learners. Please know that your encouragement and advocacy mean more than you can ever imagine.

Thank you for all you do to support EarlystART.

Board Update: A Message from Joni

Children – regardless of their zip code or circumstances in life – deserve champions. On behalf of EarlystART’s Board of Directors, I thank you for being a champion.

It takes champions to uplift, to encourage, and to hold true to the belief that children are our greatest gift. With a quality education, they are our greatest hope!

In a time when early education faces great challenges – close to home and across the nation – you have walked alongside us during these difficult days. You encouraged us as we navigated tough decisions, not the least of which was an organizational downsizing in 2023 to ensure exceptional quality – long a hallmark of an EarlystART education.

Today, we stand together – our faces to the sun – as we embrace our vital mission with a fierce, hope-filled resolve. We pledge to do our very best in what will be a year of strengthening, inspiring, and empowering. Our littlest learners and families deserve nothing less!