The Stranahan Foundation aims to increase access to high-quality early care and education for low-income children (birth to five) by focusing on the development and retention of a highly skilled early educator workforce.
The grant program from the Stranahan Foundation for its Early Childhood Education Strategy aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of early childhood education for low-income children through two main avenues: Innovation and Proven Professional Development. With up to $1.1 million available for the spring 2024 funding cycle, it looks to support organizations and projects that develop, pilot, and refine innovative approaches or expand proven professional development models. These projects should aim to improve early childhood professionals' knowledge, skills, and practices, particularly in areas supporting children’s behavioral and social-emotional health, as well as grow the pipeline of quality educators within early childhood settings. Innovation projects must have a clear logic model for evaluating outcomes, show preliminary evidence of effectiveness, and have plans for repetition or scaling if successful. Proven Professional Development projects need substantial evidence of positive impact and a record of successful implementation across multiple settings. Grants can be up to $300,000 over three years, with the expectation of awarding up to five grants in this cycle.
A proven history of collaboration with professionals in early childhood education to achieve enhanced educational results for young children, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Comprehensive knowledge of the role that race, ethnicity, language, economic background, and other determinants play in the accessibility of premier early childhood education and the career advancement for educators in this field. The leadership of the organization (including board and staff) reflects the demographics most impacted by the inequality in early childhood education outcomes. Offers a chance to broaden, test, or initiate innovative concepts at an early stage, backed by a solid plan for how strategic, time-bound funding will support achieving long-term objectives. Demonstrates a capacity to significantly broaden and intensify its positive influence on early childhood educators and the children they serve beyond the duration of the intended grant.