USA
Early Starters USA: Supporting Young Children and Families Through Early Childhood Education
Early Starters USA creates safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed early childhood spaces for young children and their caregivers across New York City. Our programs focus on children aged 0-4, fostering early learning, social-emotional development, and parent engagement to strengthen family well-being.
Over the past year, we have operated seven Early Childhood Safe Spaces, supporting over 200 families through our programs.
New York at a Glance
Launched: 2023
Children served: 289
Caregivers engaged: Nearly 600
Active Safe Spaces: 4
Locations: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx
Ages served: 0–4 years (with caregiver)
Program model: Caregiver-accompanied Safe Spaces (not drop-off childcare)
Our Programs
Early Childhood Safe Spaces
We currently operate four Early Childhood Safe Spaces across New York City, providing young children with structured, nurturing environments to learn, play, and grow, while equipping caregivers with parenting resources and workforce opportunities.
Early Starters’ New York model has evolved alongside the needs of families. While our early programs were launched within family shelter settings, our Safe Spaces now operate in trusted community locations across Brooklyn, two sites in Manhattan, and one site in the Bronx, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Community-Based Programs
A dedicated space for families to engage in early learning, play-based activities, and parenting support.
A nurturing environment where young children connect, explore, and grow.
Families can access additional community resources and support.
Shelter-Based Programs
Early Starters’ early shelter-based programs laid the foundation for our current community-based Safe Space model. Through this work, we provided consistent early learning and play opportunities for children facing housing insecurity and served two of the largest family shelters in Manhattan, ensuring children and caregivers had access to essential early childhood education and support.
Bank Street Partnership
In 2025, Early Starters USA launched a partnership with Bank Street College of Education, one of New York’s most respected institutions in child development.
Through this partnership:
15 mothers completed specialized training in emotionally responsive early childhood practice
Participants earned official certifications and academic transcripts
A second cohort of 20 mothers started training in November
For many participants, this program represents not just professional development — but empowerment and opportunity.
“This is the first place in the city where I truly feel seen.”
The partnership continues to explore employment and leadership pathways for graduates, supporting mothers as they transition from participants to educators and mentors within their communities.
Workforce Development for Mothers: The Maestras Program
We empower mothers from the communities we serve by training and employing them as early childhood facilitators (maestras).
Professional training and employment opportunities for mothers.
A culturally responsive and familiar environment for young children.
Financial stability for families while strengthening early childhood education.
Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Programming
We recognize the challenges families face and integrate trauma-informed care into all programs. Through partnerships with OHEL, Sesame Workshop, and mental health professionals, we provide:
Parenting workshops
Social-emotional learning activities
Direct psychological support for caregivers and children
Asheville Recovery Effort
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Early Starters International was honored to partner with the Asheville Jewish Community Center to support families affected by the storm. The strength and resilience of the Asheville community were truly inspiring.
We opened a safe space for children aged 1-5 for two weeks, providing a secure environment where they could play and heal. Thanks to two art therapists from the OHEL Trauma Team, children were able to express their emotions through creative activities. Meanwhile, parents found support and solidarity with others facing similar challenges.
Despite the hardships, the people of Asheville showed incredible hope and determination, and we are proud to have been part of their recovery journey.
As we look ahead, Early Starters remains committed to supporting communities in crisis, helping children and families heal, grow, and thrive. Inspired by Asheville’s resilience, we aim to expand our efforts to help more communities across the country.
Our Impact
Over the past year, we have:
Operated five active Early Childhood Safe Spaces
Supported 289 children and nearly 600 caregivers
Provided consistent early learning opportunities to families with limited access
Created leadership and workforce pathways for mothers
Built inclusive, multilingual communities rooted in care and belonging
Early Starters USA continues to lay a strong foundation for young children, while empowering families with the tools they need to thrive.
