Early Childhood Education & Early Literacy

Early Childhood

The first five years of life are a critical period of rapid brain growth and formative development. The field of early education and care not only plays a central role in the lives of children and families but is also the backbone for our economy. The professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through their work in early education and care are teaching our youngest learners during their most vulnerable and consequential years. Through community partnership and statewide advocacy, we work to elevate the field so it may thrive as the professional and vital sector we know it to be.  We are proud to support early education and care initiatives in Hampden County as one of our top priority impact areas. 

We are members of the Massachusetts Early Childhood Funders Collaborative. To learn more about the critical early years, visit EC 101.

Early literacy

Early literacy success is a key indicator of lifelong achievement including high school graduation, career success, self-confidence, positive societal engagement and much more. Learning to read is not just a school milestone but a human right and issue of social justice. We know that 95% of children can learn to read but many fewer achieve reading proficiency by the important third grade marker.

The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation continues its decades-long commitment to leveraging data and research to inform the way we, as a community, can collaborate to ensure that all children who can learn to read, do learn to read. We strive to foster innovation and systems building efforts that yield developmentally effective and inclusive practices that ensure successful literacy experiences for the children of Hampden County.