Early Childhood

The benefits of high-quality early care and education last a lifetime. Research shows that investments made in young children and their families can lead to dramatically better outcomes for individuals and communities over time.  When these children become adults, they are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and be in good health. Improving the quality of early care and education settings can further enhance the benefits of attending preschool, particularly for children from low-income families.

Harder+Company has deep experience working with early care and education partners across the nation—including dozens of First 5 agencies throughout California. Our evaluation and planning efforts have addressed kindergarten readiness, quality rating and improvement systems, formal and informal systems of care, family support and engagement, home visitation, and systems change strategies.