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.
News
Supporting Early Childhood Programs in Philadelphia and Southeastern PA
First Up partners with early childhood programs throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania to strengthen the environments where young children learn and grow. We work with center-based child care programs, home-based providers, preschool and Pre-K programs, educators, program leaders, system partners, and families.
Our approach recognizes that high-quality early childhood education depends on more than what happens in the classroom. Strong programs also need effective leadership, sustainable business practices, supportive relationships with families, and systems that help educators succeed. First Up provides individualized support designed to help early learning programs build on their strengths and continue improving over time.
Coaching and Child Care Quality Improvement
First Up helps early childhood programs strengthen teaching practices, leadership, learning environments, administration, and overall program quality through Quality Improvement Programs and individualized early childhood program coaching.
Coaching gives educators and program leaders opportunities to reflect on their current practices, establish goals, try new strategies, and receive ongoing support as those strategies are put into practice. Quality improvement initiatives can also help eligible child care providers progress within Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS quality rating system.
First Up works with programs across five key areas: learning environments, leadership development, business practices, program administration, and family and community partnerships. Together, these areas help create stronger and more sustainable early learning programs for children, educators, and families.
Support for Center-Based and Home-Based Child Care Providers
First Up supports both center-based programs and home-based child care providers. Through Home-Based Child Care Services, educators can access personalized support related to professional growth, program quality, business sustainability, and culturally responsive early learning.
Child care providers can also receive guidance related to business operations and technology. First Up’s Technology Services help programs strengthen areas such as financial management, business planning, technology use, and operational systems.
Additional enrichment opportunities, including the Lois B. Cohan Museums-to-Go program, help early learning programs expand children’s access to museums, cultural institutions, field trips, and classroom experiences.
By supporting educators, program leaders, and child care providers across multiple areas of practice, First Up helps strengthen early learning programs throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania while contributing to a stronger early childhood education system across Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Program Support
How Does First Up Support Early Childhood Programs?
First Up partners with center-based and home-based child care providers, program leaders, educators, system partners, and families to strengthen early learning environments throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Support can include quality improvement, coaching, leadership development, business practices, program administration, and family and community engagement.
What Types of Child Care Programs Does First Up Work With?
First Up works with a variety of early childhood programs, including child care centers, preschool and Pre-K programs, and home-based child care providers. Support is tailored to the needs, strengths, and goals of each program and the communities they serve.
Does First Up Help Child Care Providers Improve Program Quality?
Yes. First Up provides Quality Improvement Programs that help center- and home-based child care providers strengthen program practices and improve quality as assessed through Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS quality rating system.
Does First Up Offer Coaching for Early Childhood Programs?
Yes. First Up’s early childhood program coaching gives program leaders and educators opportunities to work with experienced coaches over time. Coaching is collaborative and can help programs strengthen specific areas of practice, reflect on current approaches, and apply new strategies in real early learning environments.
Does First Up Support Home-Based Child Care Providers?
Yes. First Up provides specialized Home-Based Child Care Services for educators operating child care programs from their homes. Support can help providers pursue professional goals, strengthen their businesses, and continue providing high-quality, culturally responsive care for children and families.
What Areas of a Child Care Program Can First Up Help Strengthen?
First Up works with programs across five key areas: learning environments, leadership development, business practices, program administration, and family and community partnerships. These focus areas help programs strengthen both the quality of early learning experiences and the systems needed to operate successfully.
Does First Up Provide Business Support for Child Care Providers?
Yes. Business practices are one of First Up’s key areas of program support. Providers can receive guidance designed to strengthen operations, financial sustainability, technology use, and long-term planning. Programs needing more specialized assistance can also explore First Up’s Technology Services.
Where Does First Up Support Early Childhood Programs?
First Up is based in Philadelphia and supports early childhood programs throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Its work helps strengthen child care providers, early learning environments, and the broader early childhood education system across the region.