Every Child Deserves a Strong Start.
The Early Years Initiative expands access to high-quality early childhood education through scholarships, educator support, and community partnerships.
Who we are
A new nonprofit built around one belief
Strong early education changes the trajectory of a child's life — and we're here to help more families reach it.
501(c)(3) nonprofit
A registered tax-exempt organization, so your support is tax-deductible.
Community-focused
Created by and for our community, with decisions made close to the families we serve.
Families & educators
We support the parents seeking care and the educators who make it possible.
Scholarship pilot
Our first initiative funds childcare scholarships for families who need them.
Our first initiative
The Scholarship Pilot Program
Our first step is funding scholarships for families who need help accessing quality childcare — paid directly to the providers caring for their children.
It's a focused, measurable start. Every dollar stays local, and every scholarship opens a door for a family in our community.
in our first cohort
Join us in expanding access to early childhood education.
Whether you give, partner, or simply spread the word, you help a child begin strong.
About us
Building a strong start for every child
We're a community-rooted nonprofit working to make high-quality early childhood education reachable for the families who need it most.
Our mission
What we work toward
To expand access to high-quality early childhood education by supporting families, strengthening educators, and investing in community childcare solutions.
Our vision
The future we imagine
A future where every child has access to quality early education and every family has the opportunity to thrive.
Our story
Why the Initiative was created
The Early Years Initiative began with a simple observation: in too many communities, the cost and availability of quality childcare put a strong start out of reach for the families who need it most. The earliest years are when the foundation for everything that follows is built — and when the right support makes the greatest difference.
We were created to help close that gap. By funding scholarships for families, supporting the educators who care for our youngest learners, and partnering with local childcare providers, we work to make high-quality early education more accessible across our community.
We're starting small and building deliberately. Our first step is a focused scholarship pilot — a concrete, measurable way to help real families right now. Our long-term vision reaches further: a community where every child can begin strong and every family has the chance to thrive.
Our team
The people behind the Initiative
Our founding board guides the organization's mission and governance, with day-to-day coordination keeping the work moving. Full bios and photos are on the way.
Matt Bergdahl
Board ChairMarilyn Shaw
Founding Board MemberDoug Prah
CoordinatorAdditional board members and full biographies coming soon.
Help us turn this mission into impact.
Your support funds our first scholarships and lays the groundwork for what's next.
Scholarship program
Scholarships that open doors
Direct support for families seeking quality childcare — paid straight to participating providers.
Purpose
Why scholarships matter
For many families, quality childcare is the difference between a parent being able to work and a child getting the early education that shapes the rest of their life. But cost is often the barrier. Our scholarships remove that barrier — helping families afford the care they've already found, and helping children get the strong start they deserve.
How it works
Simple, direct, and need-based
Based on demonstrated need
Awards are determined by family need, so support reaches those who benefit most.
Paid directly to providers
Funds go straight to participating childcare providers — never as cash to applicants.
Pilot under development
We're launching a focused first cohort and learning as we grow toward a larger program.
Application process & eligibility
We're finalizing how families and providers can apply, along with full eligibility criteria. Check back soon — or reach out and we'll keep you posted.
Get involved
There's a place for you here
Every contribution — of money, time, or connection — helps a child begin strong. Here's how you can help.
Donate
Your gift directly funds scholarships for local families. Every dollar stays in our community.
Give nowBecome a community partner
Childcare providers, businesses, and organizations can partner with us to widen our reach.
Start a conversationVolunteer
Lend your skills, time, or expertise as we build the organization from the ground up.
Volunteer with usConnect us with supporters
Know someone who shares our mission? An introduction can open the next door for us.
Make an introductionReady to help a child begin strong?
Start with a gift today, or reach out to explore partnering with us.
Contact
We'd love to hear from you
Questions, ideas, or interested in supporting our work? Send a note and we'll be in touch.
A registered nonprofit
The Early Years Initiative is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.