About

The first 10 years of a child’s life are a critical developmental period that impacts all that follows. Yet, the disjointed patchwork of early childhood and early elementary programs in the United States leaves children vulnerable and at risk, leading to opportunity and achievement gaps for children who live in families with low or below poverty-level incomes. Across the country, EDC’s First 10 initiative is supporting school-community partnerships in improving outcomes for thousands of children.

First 10 engages elementary schools, districts, early childhood programs, and community agencies in building systems of support for children and families. EDC helps these First 10 partnerships develop and carry out plans focused on the strategies shown in the First 10 theory of action:

• Collaborate to Improve Teaching and Learning,
• Coordinate Comprehensive Services, and
• Partner with Families.

Typical First 10 practices include coordinating the transition to kindergarten, conducting joint pre-K and kindergarten professional development, coordinating connections to health and social services, improving the quality of early childhood programs, providing play and learn groups linked to elementary schools, and strengthening early grades curriculum and instruction.

EDC’s supports for First 10 Partnerships include:

• Assessing communities’ assets, needs, and work currently underway
• Partnering with communities to design plans to apply and sustain the three First 10 strategies
• Building community capacity to Lead Strategicallyand Continuously Improve
• Supporting a network of sites to facilitate peer learning
• Developing and sharing practical guidance to support communities in using the First 10 model

Hear from school leaders how First 10 has impacted their work and communities, in this 2.5 minute video:

Findings on First 10’s Impact

An evaluation conducted by the American Institutes of Research found that among other positive outcomes, First 10 pilot sites:

• Addressed barriers that limit families’ access to school readiness services.
• Increased collaboration between Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers.
• Aligned Pre-K and Kindergarten practices.
• Raised awareness of the importance of early learning through Parenting Campaigns.
• Improved collaboration among schools, early childhood programs, and community partners.

Connect with Us

First 10 works with elementary schools, early childhood programs, community organizations, and health and social agencies to improve outcomes for children and families.

Contact us at first10@edc.org to discuss partnerships and opportunities to collaborate.

LEARN MORE: SEE FIRST 10 APPROACH