10 Years Strong: Lessons in Action

​As we celebrate a decade of Oakland Starting Smart & Strong, we’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned alongside families, educators, and our partners. These learnings have helped shape our new Theory of Change, which lays out goals, outcomes, and strategies for Oakland’s entire early childhood ecosystem.

We developed this theory of change collaboratively with our partners, to ensure we have a shared vision and plan to make sure that Oakland’s children, especially our Black and brown children, have a strong developmental start in order to realize their full potential. 

​Here are some of the lessons we’ve learned and how they show up in our theory of change:

1. Families and providers are system changers. Real change begins when those most impacted lead the way. Our Theory of Change lifts up Parent/Caregiver and Provider Voice and Power as a core strategy, leading to outcomes like increased early childhood solutions that reflect community voice and policies and investments that prioritize families with young children.
2.  Belonging is the foundation of equity. When families and providers feel seen, respected, and connected, they can fully engage in shaping systems. Equity and belonging are embedded across our goals, especially the commitment that programs, resources, and systems are community-driven, equitable, and meet the needs of families and young children. This also means ensuring that every family has access to child health and developmental supports - a core strategy in our Theory of Change to improve child well-being and help all children reach their potential. 
3. There is no “one size fits all” system. Oakland is a powerfully diverse city, and children and families deserve flexible and culturally grounded supports. Our Theory of Change strategy to expand access to quality care and early childhood education ensures that families have equitable access to affordable options that meet each child’s unique needs.
4. Relationships are the real infrastructure. Trust and collaboration have been the foundation of every win. Our Theory of Change recognizes this through Collective Impact and Backbone Support, which strengthen partnerships across silos so families don’t have to navigate fragmented systems.
5. Early educators deserve more than gratitude—they deserve resources, voice, and dignity. Our Theory of Change emphasizes Workforce Strengthening as a core strategy, ensuring that educators and providers receive the tools, compensation, and respect they need to thrive, which directly contributes to outcomes like improved well-being of early childhood providers and improved quality of care for children.

Ten years in, we know the work isn’t done, but we’re stronger, clearer, and more connected than ever. With our new Theory of Change as a roadmap, we’re ready for the next ten years of building a system where every child, family, and educator in Oakland can thrive.