News & Publications
Thought Leadership
The thought leadership our organization provides.
Recent Articles and Videos
What people are saying about First Up.
Coaching as Mutual Learning
Stephanie Simon, program manager of First Up, was on her way to a site visit when her phone rang.
“If you hadn’t answered the phone,” sighed an early childhood teacher in an underinvested neighborhood of Philadelphia, “I was walking out the door.”
Philadelphia School Leaders Say They Have Protocols for Immigration Enforcement in Trump Era
Philadelphia school officials reiterated their support for immigrant students after the Trump administration rescinded protections that kept federal immigration enforcement agents from targeting schools and other “sensitive” locations.
Some Philly Preschools Say They’ll Have to Close Classrooms if Lawmakers Don’t Pass a Budget Soon
For more than three months, Lisa Smith has operated several state-funded pre-K classrooms at Amazing Kidz Academy early learning centers in Philadelphia without being paid for those services.
Connections Newsletter
Published quarterly in both English and Spanish, Connections highlights what First Up people are doing and thinking. Sign up to receive future issues or peruse past issues here:
P.R.I.D.E Environmental Scan
The Positive Racial Identity Development (P.R.I.D.E.) Program began in Pittsburgh as a research-based initiative to understand how young children develop racial awareness, pride, and confidence. The original study included a comprehensive environmental scan, interviews with families and educators, and classroom observations—laying a strong foundation for this important work.
At First Up, we’re proud to build upon that foundation in partnership with the P.R.I.D.E. Pittsburgh team, extending the research and applying it within our own local context. Our P.R.I.D.E. in Philly Environmental Scan provides an in-depth look at how racial disparities, attitudes, and awareness of positive racial identity impacts the Philadelphia area.
P.R.I.D.E. in Philly Environmental Scan provides an in-depth look at how racial disparities, attitudes, and awareness of positive racial identity impacts the Philadelphia area.
Annual Report
Thriving Together
As we reflect on the past year at First Up, we believe that early childhood education is not just a profession, it’s a calling. Our theme, Thriving Together, captures the essence of our work and the spirit of our mission: empowering early childhood educators, families, and communities to ensure every child from birth to age eight has access to high-quality care and education. As you explore this report, you’ll see the impact of our work with Professionals, Programs, Systems, and Families, all guided by a strong Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) lens. This year’s theme reminds us that our greatest strength lies in Collaboration, Connection, and Community. Whether through our Annual Conference, which welcomed over 600 attendees, or through one-on-one coaching and mentorship, we have seen firsthand how collaboration fuels innovation, resilience, and growth.
Click the buttons below to download the 2025 First Up Annual Report either in PowerPoint or PDF format.