Early Childhood

Two caregivers engaging and playing with an infant on a play mat with sensory toys.

Early childhood development is critical, as a baby’s mental, physical, and social-emotional systems are shaped between the ages of one and five. But in NYC, children living in poverty lack access to many resources needed to build strong foundations for future success. Robin Hood’s Early Childhood program works to improve and increase access to high-quality direct services for children, mothers, and caregivers, and influence policies that impact children and families.

By the Numbers

347

K

Children ages 5 and under live below the poverty line in NYC

90

%

Chance of children in poverty developing issues with speech, learning, or emotional development.

9,234

K

Children referred to early learning intervention services in NYC

Grantee Spotlight: CMOM

Learn more about how our grantee the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is helping the youngest New Yorkers grow and learn.

Our Strategy

We fund and support our grantee organizations and partners to:

  • Improve physical and mental health of mothers, infants, and caregivers:We support programs focused on advancing primary and mental health outcomes from pregnancy through early childhood.
  • Support infant and toddler development: We fund efforts to support parents and educators through individual or group coaching using evidence-based strategies to support their child’s cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development.
  • Champion early learning opportunities: We fuel investments that give children a solid foundation by creating opportunities for learning wherever children may be: doctor’s offices, libraries, homes, pre-K, shelters, and more.
  • Improve access to high-quality child care: We advocate for improvements in the quality of care, elevate equity for the workforce, and fight for affordability so families can make the best choices for their children.