The first 10 years of a child’s life are a critical developmental period that impacts all that follows. Opportunity and achievement gaps begin early for millions of children who live in families with low or below poverty-level incomes. Across the country EDC’s First 10 initiative is supporting community partnerships in building on families’ strengths, improving outcomes for thousands of children.
A Theory of Action to Drive Change
The First 10 Theory of Action outlines the goals and objectives that First 10 Schools and Communities should support, the kinds of schools and community institutions they are trying to build, and the roles these partnerships play in supporting these goals… Learn More
Featured Posts
Organizing Communities Around Children and Families: Two New Publications
For many families, kindergarten is when the gaps among the systems supporting a young child become impossible to ignore. By then, children may already have...
September 21, 2026
First 10 Named a Bright Spot in New CELS Research Brief on Kindergarten Transitions
We are thrilled to share that First 10 was named a “Bright Spot” in the CELS Center’s new research brief, Transitions to Kindergarten and Beyond. The brief...
August 6, 2026
Featured Resource
School–early childhood zones and hubs offer a practical, research-based path. To dramatically improve outcomes for children and families, key players need to take coordinated action:
- School districts should adopt a long-term view of the soon-to-be-students in their communities and partner with early childhood providers and community organizations to support children and families before kindergarten.
- Policymakers and funders should invest not only in programs, but also in building an infrastructure that connects them—recognizing zones and hubs as critical units of change.
- Communities should organize their institutions around shared geography and shared responsibility, creating the conditions for coordinated action.
In short: Start early, connect institutions, organize efforts, strengthen communities, and support families so that all children can learn and thrive.
