Our Mission:
healthy early
childhood development.
We partner with parents and caregivers to promote healthy early childhood
development for children prenatal to age 5 in Kansas City.
our programs
Start at Zero (SAZ) offers holistic early childhood programming producing short-term academic, socio-emotional, health, social gains and family stability, paired with long-term benefits. SAZ’s hallmark program, Home Visiting, anchors Family and Community Support Specialists (previously known as Parent Educators) in local schools and community organizations in a signature two-generation approach. Other SAZ programming includes developmental screenings, Group Connections (community playgroups and interactive learning experiences), Parent Café (community parent conversation series), childcare provider coaching, and the Family and Community Leadership Program.
our impact
Early childhood development and education initiatives that are multifaceted and combine improvement efforts inside learning environments with extensive family engagement and comprehensive support for children and families have been proven to be the most effective. SAZ prioritizes partnering with children and families impacted by higher poverty rates, residing in historically marginalized areas, and residing in zip codes with decreased life expectancy and health inequities that come from their community environment. Innovative approaches, dedicated staff, financial investments, and the well-known positive and collaborative spirit of the organization continues to cement the ongoing delivery of high-quality early childhood education and programming in Kansas City.
500+
children impacted
Through holistic care and support, SAZ programming paves the way for meaningful next steps in learning, intervention, or monitoring.
350+
families supported
Families in our programming consistently demonstrate increased positive parenting skills (nurturing, discipline, support of child's development, safety) and increase their use of information and supportive resources for their family well-being.
#1
The only parents as teachers® affiliate operating in kansas city public schools system
Our signature Home Visiting program features the nationally-recognized, evidence-based Parents as Teachers® curriculum.
our partners
Gifts and resources from generous private citizens, foundations, businesses, and community organizations combine with innovative approaches, dedicated staff, and our well-known positive and collaborative spirit to cement the ongoing delivery of high-quality early childhood education and programming in Kansas City.
our team
As a holistic hub for early childhood development and education, we’re proud to have nearly 50 years of combined experience partnering with children and families. Our staff includes child development professionals, doulas, community health workers, and parent educators - all committed to making investments that transform our community. (pictured: SAZ staff members, Briana Moore, Britney Howard, and Esmeralda Ramirez)
our board
Our talented Board of Directors steers our organization, ensure the organization has adequate resources, and empowers our staff to advance the mission. (pictured: Board Members, Dr. Catricia Tilford and Reshida Roné)
our commitment to justice, diversity, equity & inclusion (JEDI)
We understand that fulfilling our vision is impossible without working from the lens of structural inequities. We promote JEDI principles in our strategic planning, and throughout every layer of work.
“
Our Parent Educator has watched both our children grow, and has worked with us to learn what works and what doesn't."
Parents Ashley Bowman and Gregg Anderson / Read Feature
get involved
SAZ prioritizes partnering with children and families impacted by higher poverty rates, residing in historically marginalized areas, and residing in zip codes with decreased life expectancy and health inequities that come from their community environment. Investing in children and families in Kansas City is a team sport, and we can’t do it without you. Whether you have more time than resources, or more resources than time, a parent/caregiver, a professional, or the “everyday person”, we believe everyone has a critical role to play!
Sign Up For a Program
Our programs are free* and equip families and children to grow into the best advocates and lifelong learners they can be.
*with the exception of the Legacy Leadership Institute
Volunteer opportunities
Need volunteer hours? Want to gain experience in early childhood programming? Love talking with others about our mission? This is the place for you!
GIVE
Every gift is transformational. Help ensure that children have an environment that enhances their development, and support families along the way!