Ounce of Prevention Fund

Start Early, formerly known as the Ounce of Prevention Fund, is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for children living in poverty. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Chicago, the organization focuses on the critical first five years of life through a combination of direct program delivery, research, and policy advocacy. Their work includes managing Head Start and Early Head Start programs, as well as providing doula and home visiting services to support maternal and child health. Start Early is well-known for its Educare Learning Network, which serves as a national model for high-quality early childhood education and a platform for rigorous evaluation. The organization partners with both public and private sectors to influence early childhood policy and improve the quality of care and education systems across the United States.