STLCF Partners with Gateway Early Childhood Alliance

Early childhood care and education in the St. Louis region is not working for Black and Brown children, families, and providers. High-quality early childhood education (ECE) lays the groundwork for decades of positive outcomes, not just for kids, but for their families, communities, and the economy.

In 2019 and 2020, the Tomorrow Builder Fellows (a group of parents, teachers, providers, and activists) led a regional design process to reimagine the ECE system. This process produced The Playbook, with input from over 1,000 community members, and amongst other recommendations, called for the creation of a nonprofit tasked with coordinating the region’s ECE system.

Today the group is excited to share that a Steering Committee, selected by a panel of community members, has launched and will lead the new coordinating entity as it becomes an established nonprofit organization.

This new organization – the Gateway Early Childhood Alliance (The Alliance) – will work to ensure our early childhood system values and supports Black and Brown lives and is led by a dynamic group of early childhood education providers and advocates.

Leaders behind The Alliance are a dynamic and dedicated group who are dedicated to advancing early childhood in the St. Louis region. Meet the Steering Committee and learn more here. Elizabeth George, Director of Community Investment at the St. Louis Community Foundation, serves on The Alliance’s Steering Committee.

The St. Louis Community Foundation (STLCF) is a proud partner of The Alliance and currently serves as their fiscal sponsor. The Community Foundation will also provide ongoing administrative services to The Alliance by way of back-office support including financial oversight, managing donations, and assisting with the amplification of their mission throughout the region.

Click here to learn more about the Gateway Early Childhood Alliance.