Start Early Company Profile

Background

Start Early, formerly known as the Ounce of Prevention Fund, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing quality early learning and care for families with children from prenatal stages through their earliest years. Founded in 1982 by businessman and philanthropist Irving B. Harris, the organization aims to close the opportunity gap by ensuring every child in America has equitable access to early education and care. With a substantial presence in Illinois and partnerships in 25 states, Start Early has expanded its impact nationwide, delivering programs such as doula services, home visiting, Early Head Start, and Head Start.

Key Strategic Focus

Start Early's strategic focus encompasses direct service delivery, professional development, research, and policy advocacy. The organization specializes in early childhood education programs, including home visiting services and the Educare Learning Network. By integrating research and evaluation into their programs, Start Early aims to scale best practices and influence public policies that support early learning and care. Their primary markets include under-resourced communities across the United States, with a significant emphasis on Illinois.

Financials and Funding

As a public-private partnership, Start Early operates with an annual budget of approximately $74 million. The organization has received substantial funding from notable donors, including a $10 million donation from the Zell Family Foundation in 2014 and a $5 million contribution from the Pritzker Children's Initiative in 2016. These funds are utilized to expand and enhance early childhood programs, support research initiatives, and advocate for policy changes.

Pipeline Development

Start Early's key programs include:

Educare Chicago: A school on Chicago's South Side serving children from birth to age five, focusing on emotional and academic development through a Montessori-style curriculum.

Home Visiting for Homeless Families Demonstration Project: Initiated in 2013, this program partners with community providers and homeless shelters to deliver medical resources and support to homeless families.

Parents Too Soon: A program offering a network of support for teen parents in Chicago, providing guidance on child development and assistance in achieving personal goals.

These programs are designed to address the needs of under-resourced communities and are continually evaluated for effectiveness and scalability.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Start Early leverages various technological platforms to enhance its operations and outreach:

Cloudflare CDN: Ensures efficient content delivery and website performance.

WordPress: Serves as the content management system for their website.

Microsoft Publisher: Utilized for creating publications and marketing materials.

MobileCause: Facilitates fundraising and donation management.

Dell and Microsoft: Provide IT infrastructure and miscellaneous services.

Concur: Manages travel and expense reporting.

Adobe Creative Suite: Supports visual content creation and design.

These technologies support the organization's mission by enhancing program delivery, communication, and operational efficiency.

Leadership Team

Start Early is led by a dedicated team of professionals:

Diana Mendley Rauner: President.

Diana Sands: Board Chair.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, including education, business, and philanthropy.

Leadership Changes

In 2010, Harriet Meyer stepped down as president, and Diana Rauner, who previously served as executive director and board member, assumed the role. Under Rauner's leadership, the organization has continued to advocate for early childhood development programs and funding.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The early childhood education sector is characterized by a growing recognition of the importance of early learning in child development. The market includes various nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private companies offering early learning programs and services.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the early childhood education space include:

DreamBox Learning: Provides adaptive math programs for students.

Imagine Learning: Offers digital education solutions for language and literacy.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: A global education company delivering content, technology, and services.

Rosetta Stone: Specializes in language learning software.

K12: Provides online education programs for K-12 students.

These organizations focus on various aspects of education, from digital learning platforms to comprehensive curricula, contributing to the competitive landscape of early childhood education.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Start Early has established significant partnerships to enhance its impact:

Educare Learning Network: In collaboration with the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, this network has expanded the Educare model to 24 schools across the United States.

University of Chicago Urban Education Institute: Partnered to conduct research and develop education models supporting children and families in low-income areas.