Part IV: What Can / Should I Do About It?
Why now? -
The ECD field is at an inflection point, thanks to a convergence of burgeoning neuroscientific knowledge, technological innovation and entrepreneurship, concern about inequality, and bipartisan policy interest. At Promise, we’re seeing signs of growing momentum all around us: in the recent influx of private and public investment in ECD, talk of baby bonds and child care affordability on the campaign trail, a surge of non- and for-profit ventures tackling the challenges of early parenting, and the the science of adversity infusing public discussions of family separation policies.
Moreover, at a time when Americans appear divided on almost everything, one thing we agree on is the need for greater investment in young kids. Across the political spectrum, a full 77% of voters support congressional action to increase child care assistance and expand early education.
Today is the day to act. As the Chinese proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
OK, where do I start?
Here are a few things you can do TODAY:
Join the ECD community: Promise’s Funder and Venture Networks unite diverse ECD stakeholders (e.g., philanthropists, investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers) to contribute to a thriving ECD innovation ecosystem. There are also a range of national, regional, and local ECD funders’ collaboratives that bring together grantmakers to share resources, coordinate investments, and maximize impact.
Learn more: Check out Promise's resources for philanthropists and investors! Our funder primers will introduce you to key ECD topics, including early language & literacy, developmental screening, and parent & caregiver education. For a deep dive into the science of ECD, visit the resource library of our partner, the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.
Invest in innovative, impactful work: Promise’s ECD Venture Index is the field’s most comprehensive open database of social entrepreneurs and their innovative ventures. Search by your primary areas of interest and discover promising ventures (nonprofit and for profit) to support!
I’m just one person / one foundation! Can I really make a difference?
Yes! The silver lining of our decades of underinvestment in ECD is that the field is rife with opportunities, and investments from the national to the neighborhood level can help put children and families on pathways to thriving.
While each individual effort makes a difference in itself, you’ll also be contributing to an urgently needed social movement to address the broader needs of the 23 million children ages zero to five in the U.S. today. Adding your voice and resources will build momentum, attracting others and sustaining their engagement. Join us in the campaign to spur innovation and impact in ECD!
How do we define success?
At Promise, our guiding star is the vision of a world in which all children, regardless of background, have the opportunities and resources to fulfill their innate promise. This means that every young child has at least one reliable, responsive relationship with a caregiving adult; grows up in a safe, stimulating home with nourishing food, play, and picture books; has access to affordable, high-quality child care and early education settings; is protected from the chronic adversities and toxic stress known to undermine development; and enters kindergarten with the foundational cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed to thrive. It also means a universal understanding of the lifelong importance of early childhood, and transformative changes in our systems, policies, and public and private investments to reflect that understanding.
I’m excited, but I still need some help figuring out where to invest.
You’re not alone – and Promise exists for this very reason! For additional support, join our Funder Network and check out our Funder Resources page.