Who We Are
Strong Start is a coalition of community leaders, early education providers, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, members of the business community, and other key stakeholders who are committed to expanding access to high quality early learning opportunities for all children age 0 to 8 in Santa Clara County.
The coalition looks for local, state, and national solutions to help increase access to high quality early education and conducts advocacy efforts at the state level to encourage increased investments in early learning.
Strong Start is an initiative of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) and builds upon the strong leadership of its many partners in the field of early education.
Our Mission
To ensure that all children age 0 to 8 in Santa Clara County have access to high quality early education opportunities.
Our Objectives
- Increase public understanding of the importance, economic impact, and community benefits of high quality early learning programs; and
- Increase support and expansion of access to high quality early learning programs for all children in Santa Clara County for at least two years prior to kindergarten.
Leadership Team
Mary Ann Dewan, Ph. D.
County Superintendent of Schools
Santa Clara County Office of Education
Susan Ellenberg
Supervisor, District 4
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
Jennifer Kelleher Cloyd
Chief Executive Officer
FIRST5 Santa Clara County
Avo Makdessian
Vice President, Community Partnerships and Learning
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
