What We Believe

Children watching a train go by.
Photo by Alexandria Mooney Photography

This work is urgent.
Fulfilling “The Promise” will require community collaboration including (but not limited to): families, community members, businesses, educational institutions, faith communities, and not-for-profit foundations.
Early childhood is the life period of most intensive development; focus here will have the greatest impact in eliminating the achievement/opportunity gap.
Supported families are able to engage, forming unified communities.
High quality early childhood programs that are informed by research are the most effective.
Practices, programs, and professionals should be culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible to all children.
Investments in prevention and early intervention are the most cost-effective use of public and private funds.
The coordination of programs and services across our community and agencies will result in administrative efficiencies, greater impact of services, and more convenience for families.
A holistic approach to family well-being involves nutrition, health, mental health and education resources.
We believe effective collaboration will require us to blur the lines between agencies, when possible, and let go of artificial territorial boundaries.
By focusing locally on the Kirkwod area, we can develop a model that is scalable and that can grow to envelop our entire St. Louis metropolitan region.