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.
Our Programs
Early Childhood Safe Spaces
We currently operate four Early Childhood Safe Spaces across New York City, providing young children with structured environments to learn, play, and grow, while equipping caregivers with parenting resources and workforce opportunities.
Manhattan
A welcoming space serving families from nearby shelters.
2 times weekly sessions with play-based learning, social-emotional activities, and parent-child bonding.
Parenting workshops and resources to support child development.
Shelter-Based Programs (Queens & Manhattan)
Located within family shelters, providing consistent early learning and play opportunities for children facing housing insecurity.
Serving one of the largest shelters in Manhattan, ensuring children and families have access to essential early childhood education and support.
Activities focus on emotional resilience, early childhood education, and social connection.
Parents participate in child development and well-being workshops.
Community-Based Program (Brooklyn)
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.
Bank Street Partnership
A partnership with Bank Street College of Education, bringing high-quality early childhood education practices to our programs.
Interactive learning experiences designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young children. Through Emotional Responsive Practice (ERP)
Workforce Development for Mothers (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 seven Early Childhood Safe Spaces across New York City.
Supported over 200 families through early childhood education and caregiver programs.
Created employment opportunities for mothers through our maestras program.
Early Starters USA continues to lay a strong foundation for young children, while empowering families with the tools they need to thrive.
