The early childhood education space is in need of disruption. Currently, early childhood education is separately and unequally available to low-, middle- and high- income families. A "San Mateo Preschool for All" study estimates that existing programs in the Ravenswood City School District serve just 29% of the preschool population. Compared to programs accessible to low-income families, private f
ull-pay programs tend to be of much higher quality, with more experienced and qualified teachers who are compensated more highly. The outcomes of these programs, whether in academic or non-academic measures, are predictably unequal. All Five aims to create an economically sustainable network of schools that increases access to, and quality in, early learning. We are committed to bringing high quality teaching, curriculum, environment and support to children and families, regardless of socioeconomic status. We are an intentional socioeconomically diverse program, with 50% of students coming from low-income families and 50% of students coming from middle- and high-income families. Our model has five key pillars:
We cover all of the first 5 years of life. The first few years are the most critical developmental years. Most early education programs targeted at low and middle income families start at age 3 or 4. Our program starts at infancy and goes till age 5. We are intentionally diverse. The early education community is largely separated by socioeconomic status and unequal in quality. All Five is committed to bridging the socioeconomic divide of quality in early childhood education. 50% of students will come from low income families and 50% from middle and high income families. We invest in our teachers and pay them well. We invest in talent. Our teachers are paid a competitive wage, at about 20% more than comparable local programs. Teachers are also well supported in classrooms with low ratios – the top indicator of quality in early education. Teachers engage in weekly professional development sessions and new teachers are paired with mentor teachers. We get our families involved. We want our parents to be advocates for their child at school. All Five families volunteer in and out of the classroom and contribute to school planning and care. Monthly family cafes bring families together to connect with each other, voice their ideas and questions, and develop a sense of community. We bring together private and public funds for sustainability. All Five is dedicated to a blended funding stream, with operations fully covered by private tuition and public funding. This operational sustainability allows us to channel philanthropic gifts to start-up costs of expanding services, research and development, and centralized support to our centers and staff.
