Liz Varela

We are creating a new school model that brings together all of the adults in a child’s life, including parents, educators, and medical and mental health providers, starting from a very early age. Our aim is that children and families most impacted by systemic poverty and racism receive the support they deserve to be well, learn, and thrive. Three key components make up our unique approach: We start early: We start working with parents and enroll children into our program as early as birth to reach them at their most critical stage in development. We work with - not around - families: We know that parents and caregivers are the most important people in a child’s life. We partner with them to enhance the education and health of their children. We integrate multiple systems to serve the whole child: Our unique model unites health care and education, building a multi-disciplinary team and holistic system of care around a child’s full needs. Our ultimate goal is to create a game-changing system of care for children that can be replicated across the country. To that end, we are building a model that can be effectively implemented in diverse communities and sustained on public funding. We currently operate two program sites in East Palo Alto and East Bay, California, which act as our primary centers of direct impact, innovation, and learning.