At EARLY STEPS, we are creating a tapestry of diversity in New York City independent schools. For over 20 years we’ve been working with families of children of color who are applying for kindergarten and 1st grade. We provide support and advocacy services designed to facilitate access into New York City independent schools for these children. Today, more than ever, getting into these schools is time consuming and competitive – and tuition costs are sky rocketing. We work hard to make sure that we continue to provide children of color access and opportunity. EARLY STEPS is a membership organization. Half of our budget is derived from member school dues while foundations and individuals who believe in our work support the other half. This support allows EARLY STEPS to offer free services to our families.

The EARLY STEPS program was created in response to the needs of both schools and families. Independent schools want to increase their diversity while parents of children of color seeking a quality education for their children want guidance and support through the application process. EARLY STEPS is a resource for both. Since 1986, EARLY STEPS has partnered with families and schools to place children of Black, Latino, American Indian and Asian backgrounds in kindergarten and first grade.

Teachable moments – Learning is an ongoing process at EARLY STEPS. Four workshops are scheduled during the year to assist families through the admissions process from application to enrollment. In addition, we hold an Annual Membership Meeting each May to inform school heads, admissions directors, board chairs and division directors of the varied reasons it is important for our schools to remain steadfast in their commitment to diversity work and building diverse communities.

This year, Dr.Steven Jones, engaged our member school leadership at the Annual Membership Meeting on the topic: How to Make the Invisible Visible: Tools for Pulling Back the Veil of Privilege. Dr. Jones is the CEO of Jones & Associates Consulting, Inc. He is a national speaker, trainer and consultant in the areas of strategic change management, leadership, multicultural education, conflict resolution, effective mentoring and self-esteem.

Past Annual Membership Meetings have focused on topics such as:

• “Examining and Dismantling Privilege and Inequality”, presented by Tim Wise, a prominent anti-racist activist and author.