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Pilot Unified Early Learning System

Description

Lead Akron's early childhood experts and civic leaders in developing a Unified Early Learning System, a coordinated approach to childcare, family support, and early education from birth through age 5.

Why is This Important

The earliest years of a child’s life are the most critical for development, yet too often, families in Akron face a fragmented, hard-to-navigate system of early childhood services. A unified system makes it easier to access quality care, supports early educators, strengthens workforce participation, and builds a stronger foundation for every child’s future and the region’s economic vitality.

Initiative Wins

  • Led a countywide coalition of early childhood experts to establish the foundation for Akron's Unified Early Learning System, aligning providers, schools, health partners, philanthropic and community organizations.

  • Secured pro bono consulting support from national early childhood organization Start Early and designed a Phase I of Akron's Unified Early Learning System focused on integrated family supports, child care business development, and professional development for early educators in every type of licenced child care setting.

  • Launched Phase I of Akron's Unified Early Learning System after securing $800,000+ in local private and public funding (including Akron Community Foundation, Barberton Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, City of Akron, Summit County, and the ADM Board).

  • Won a $10,000 US Conference of Mayors grant, and secured $20,000 in matching funds and a second pro bono consulting engagement with Start Early, to develop a Child Care Business Accelerator that will scale and deepen business and operational supports for providers in Phase II of the Unified Early Learning System.

Impact Spotlight

What We’ve Done This Quarter

  • Worked closely with the Early Childhood Resource Center and their Phase I project manager to implement the Unified Early Learning System.

  • Children’s Funding Project (through GAR Foundation support) began cost modeling for future phases of the Unified Early Learning System.

What We’re Working on Next Quarter

  • Implementing Phase I of the Unified Early Learning System (Fall 2025 - Fall 2026).

  • Working with the Children’s Funding Project to develop long-term financing strategies and secure resources for future phases.

  • Preparing for Phase II by building out the Child Care Business Accelerator and refining the next set of system supports.