The Challenge
Family Focus
Although the importance of the early years is now recognized, systemic issues including structural racism, inequitable access, and chronic underfunding hinder our society’s ability to meet the needs of young children, families, and those who provide care to them. Moreover, solutions designed for communities rather than with and by them have resulted in unintentional yet significant harms to BIPOC and other communities pushed to the margins.
Our Approach
Irving Harris Foundation believes that a radical shift is needed to achieve equitable outcomes for young children and families. The Early Childhood program invests in organizations, leaders, and movements that are transforming systems, policies, and practices to shift power and center equity so that all pregnant and birthing people, infants, toddlers, families, caregivers, and communities can thrive.