Hope Starts Here’s work is guided by six collaborative teams focused on improving outcomes for children and families across Detroit. Each team plays a unique role in strengthening systems, supporting families, improving programs, and building lasting impact for early childhood communities.
Hover over and click on each section of the wheel to explore the focus areas, priorities, and leadership behind each team.
Hope Starts Here's partners seek to ensure that every child in Detroit grows up in a healthy environment with access to quality healthcare, mental wellness support, and family resources that help them thrive. Together, we provide families with tools and guidance to promote overall well-being, connect children to services that support physical, emotional, and social development, and strengthen communities where every child has the foundation to reach their full potential.
Learn MoreEmpowering parents and families to take an active role in shaping early childhood systems. Building leadership capacity so families can advocate effectively. Providing resources, guidance, and support to help families navigate programs and services. Connecting families with community partners to strengthen local networks and opportunities. Creating lasting impact by ensuring children and families have a strong foundation for the future.
Contact UsStrengthening the early childhood workforce through professional development and aligning programs to evidence-based standards. Providing educators with tools, training, and resources to enhance quality care and learning. Fostering collaboration among providers to share best practices and improve outcomes. Ensuring every child benefits from skilled, supported, and well-prepared early childhood professionals.
Learn More about CFD ECIC ResourcesCreating and sustaining physical spaces where children can learn, play, and grow safely. Investing in facilities that inspire curiosity. Designing environments that foster exploration, creativity, and social development. Ensuring classrooms and play areas meet safety, accessibility, and quality standards. Building welcoming spaces that support families, educators, and the community in nurturing every child.
Learn MoreCoordinating across agencies and providers to eliminate gaps. Using data and technology to connect families to services seamlessly. Streamlining processes so families can access support quickly and efficiently. Building strong partnerships to ensure consistent, high-quality services across the city. Leveraging insights and tools to improve outcomes for children, families, and caregivers.
Find HelpMobilizing public and private investment toward shared early childhood priorities to ensure sustainable resources reach families. Aligning funding with programs that directly support children's growth and family well-being. Creating long-term partnerships to strengthen community infrastructure and expand access. Ensuring resources are effectively used to build stronger, more resilient early childhood systems.
Find Resources
The 2026 Detroit Early Childhood Policy Table brought together families, providers, advocates, and policymakers for collaborative conversations around strengthening Detroit’s early childhood ecosystem.
Dedicated resource line connecting Detroit residents to vital services and support
Hope Starts Here hosted forums connecting mayoral candidates with early childhood priorities.
Detroit City Council approves zoning changes to address day care shortages
Advocating for investments expanding childcare capacity in Detroit.
