We launched Early School Success (ESS) because we believe that early childhood programs and the K–12 system must work together to offer young children high-quality learning experiences.

Developed out of what we learned through Early Works, ESS is a partnership with school districts. Districts engaged with ESS are provided with consultation, professional development, and coaching. This will support the use of developmentally appropriate teaching strategies for preschool through fifth grade. ESS districts will also develop deeper, more effective partnerships with families.

Following a competitive application process, the Forest Grove and Beaverton School Districts were selected as our initial partners. Both districts are deeply committed to young learners and excited about the transformative work we’ll be engaged in over the next five years.

ESS is in its first phase, a planning year during which we are working with these districts to:

• Analyze and define district and teacher strengths, needs, challenges, existing resources, and instructional practice
• Design and test approaches to address district and community needs informed by child development research
• Plan the implementation of the refined strategies.