Programs
At First Up, we partner with early childhood programs—including center- and home-based providers, program leaders, system partners, and families of young children—to strengthen early learning environments where young children thrive.
We achieve this by working in close partnership with program leaders and educators across five key focus areas:
1. Learning Environments – Supporting the creation of developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and engaging spaces for young children.
2. Leadership Development – Building the capacity of early childhood leaders to inspire, manage, and sustain high-quality practices.
3. Business Practices – Strengthening operational systems to ensure financial sustainability and effective program management.
4. Program Administration – Enhancing organizational structures and processes to support continuous quality improvement.
5. Family and Community Partnerships – Fostering meaningful relationships that connect families and communities to early learning opportunities.
Our Approach
First Up helps programs design strategies that enhance the experiences educators, children and families have every day. Our team – largely professionals with lived experience as directors, administrators, and teachers – bring practical experience, empathy, and insight to every partnership.
Quality Improvement Programs
First Up provides tailored assistance to center- and home-based childcare providers, helping to raise programs quality as assessed by the Keystone STARS quality rating system.
Coaching
Programs seeking to strengthen specific areas of practice can partner with experienced First Up coaches who bring both professional expertise and lived experience as former educators, administrators, and directors. Our coaching is collaborative, responsive, and sustained over time, offering program leaders and educators ongoing opportunities to reflect, practice, and apply strategies in real-world contexts. Through regular, relationship-based interactions, coaches serve as thought partners—supporting programs in building on their strengths, addressing challenges, and advancing equitable, high-quality experiences for children and families.
Home-based Childcare Center Services
First Up understands that HBCC programs are not only businesses but also culturally rich spaces where children and families thrive. Our programs provide responsive, personalized supports to educators grow their professional goals, sustain their businesses, and continue providing high-quality, culturally affirming care.
Technology Services
First Up partners with childcare providers to build strong, sustainable business and technology practices that support both their daily operations and long-term success. Our business services offer tools, coaching, and guidance in areas such as financial management, technology, and business planning.