AnnouncementsRead important announcements from Oakland Starting Smart & Strong.
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OSSS Turns 10: A Decade of Community-Led Change in Early Childhood!
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10 Things We've Learned in 10 Years
1. Families and providers are system changers. Real change begins when those most impacted lead the way. 2. Belonging is the foundation of equity. When people feel seen, valued, and connected, transformation is possible. 3. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” system. Oakland’s diverse families need flexible, responsive, culturally grounded supports. 4. Relationships are the real infrastructure. Trust, collaboration, and long-term partnership make systems work better. 5. Early educators deserve more than gratitude—they deserve resources, voice, and dignity. 6. Community wisdom is data, too. Stories, lived experience, and qualitative knowledge are as powerful as numbers. 7. Healing and justice go hand in hand. We can’t move forward without acknowledging harm and centering care. 8. Silos slow us down. Cross-sector collaboration unlocks smarter solutions and deeper impact. 9. Joy is strategy. Celebration, connection, and play are part of how we build resilience and community power. 10. The work isn’t done—but we’re stronger than ever. Ten years in, we’re still learning, growing, and building—together. Do you have photos featuring OSSS over the years? Share them with us! Upload them here.
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“Strong committed sustained collaboration across multiple sectors is critical to the success of this work, which is why backbone conveners/initiatives like OSSS are so critically important to moving the dial/turning the curve in the right direction.” – LPT Member
One of the best parts about OSSS is the connections and friendships that I have formed over the years. Systems change is hard work- interagency collaboration is complicated but this team brings heart and soul to the table and so it makes the work meaningful and fun. I have made lifelong friendships here.” – Maria Sujo, Alameda County Office of Education “The right people came to the table, engaged, provided expertise, resources and leadership to get the job done. People remained engaged over the 10 years!!!” – LPT Member
I have also found the Boys of Color work through OSSS to really be a joy. Black people are expected to exist in societies that don’t recognize or see their own needs. There’s a lot of trauma-informed care that’s needed. Being a part of this workgroup allows me to navigate Black teacher needs and Black community needs and Black parent needs.” – Ni McCovery, BANANAS “Rather than focusing on competing for students and resources, people are working together to lift all boats" – LPT Member
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Past Announcements
OSSS receives one-time gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Read our announcement here.