Every child deserves a first chance at success.
Success in school and success in life.

First Chance for Children is committed to giving our youngest children
(birth to 5 years of age) and those most at risk, the kind of optimal quality
early education that not only will get them ready for kindergarten, but last a lifetime.

This is what we know. There is a window of opportunity when children
are born. It only lasts about 3 years. It's when the brain develops at a rapid pace
and early learning experiences, stimulating activities and a nurturing environment
can make all the difference in a child's ability to grow and thrive intellectually,
socially and physically later in life. Research shows that parents,
early educators and the communities in which they live are critical partners in
laying the foundation for a child's success in school and beyond.

And, we also know that the payback is tremendous. Children who are ready
to enter kindergarten will continue to out perform their peers throughout their
school years. They tend to have higher graduation rates, greater earning potential,
lower teen pregnancy rates and less interaction with law enforcement.
The economic and social benefit is significant. For every dollar invested in early
education, communities and school districts save $7 in the cost of
special education and social services.

First Chance for Children is dedicated to closing the achievement gap and
getting every child ready for school by establishing an early education system in
Boone County, Missouri that is second to none in terms of quality,
affordability and accessibility. To do that, we have established a network
of programs and services to:

Improve the quality of early childhood education through well-designed curriculum-based programs, quality rating systems and demonstration projects. We provide support for teachers and providers through intensive training, college scholarships and financial incentives to retain the very best teachers in the field.

Make quality early education affordable and accessible for at-risk families through our Early Scholars program of donations, grants and subsidies.

Educate parents about the importance of early education through programs like the Lend & Learn Library, Safe CRIBS and Parents as Teachers PLUS.

Expand the pool of quality programs by offering start-up and expansion grants for qualified providers, business coaching and assistance in applying for state accreditation.

Secure funding for early education in Boone County from public and private sources and leverage every dollar by partnering and collaborating with other organizations.

First Chance for Children
Every Child Deserves a First Chance

We believe every child deserves a first chance at success. That chance begins
long before kindergarten. First Chance for Children is committed to providing
the finest early education programs and learning opportunities in the nation:
programs that prepare children to succeed in school -
and that change lives forever.