We Help the People Who Help Kids

The Early Action Project bridges research, practice, and policy in early childhood. Whether you’re running a program, shaping policy, or conducting research, we help turn insights into action — early and often.

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Who We Are

Expert Support Every
Step of the Way

Fresh, Innovative Solutions
Made Just for You

Deep Experience Working With State & Local Systems

Always Focused on Better Outcomes for Little Learners

The Early Action Project was founded by Sarah Ostyn, a data and policy expert who has spent her career working across early childhood systems — from government and research institutions to frontline service providers. Sarah launched The Early Action Project to close the gap between those who generate knowledge and those who need it most. She brings deep experience in Head Start, Medicaid-funded home visiting, and cross-sector collaboration, with a track record of making data and policy more usable for real-world decision-makers.

The Early Action Project exists to bridge the gap between early childhood research, practice, and policy. We help early childhood programs make sense of data, translate research into usable strategies, and connect researchers and governments with the people and programs on the ground. Let’s turn ideas into action. Early.

What We Care About

Justice

At The Early Action Project, we tell the truth. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices that have harmed communities, especially those marginalized by race, class, and country of origin. We believe that justice requires honest reflection and active repair — and we commit to contributing to a future rooted in healing, equity, and accountability.

Transparency

We believe people deserve to see how decisions are made — and who they serve. At The Early Action Project, we commit to clarity in our processes, honesty in our communication, and openness in how we use data and power. Transparency isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about building trust.

Humility

We don’t have all the answers — and we don’t pretend to. At The Early Action Project, we show up with curiosity, invite feedback, and stay open to being changed. We value lived experience as much as formal expertise, and we believe listening deeply is a form of respect.

Joy

Joy is resistance, restoration, and connection. At The Early Action Project, we celebrate small wins, honor the strength of communities, and make space for laughter, creativity, and care. We believe joy is not separate from justice — it’s part of how we sustain it.

What We Do

For Providers For Partners For Researchers For Policymakers

For Providers

Let’s turn great ideas into daily practice — in a way that works for your community. Whether you’re looking to analyze your internal data, strengthen equity and quality, or navigate new policies, we’ll work with you to make change doable. From ensuring compliance to growing into a model program, we help you connect strategy to action — and action to impact, for the families and educators who matter most.

Explore Ideas

For Partners

You’ve built the strategy — now it’s time to bring it to life across diverse programs and communities. We help translate complex plans into actionable tools through clear language, accessible visuals, and an equity lens. Whether you’re supporting providers, aligning systems, or advocating for just policies, we make your work easier to understand — and easier to implement.

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For Researchers

Research is the backbone of change — and you’re at the forefront of the future of early education. But too often, valuable insights stay siloed after publication. We believe research should be a resource for those working closest to children and families.

We help translate findings into tools, trainings, and strategies that programs can actually use — all through an equity-centered lens. From practitioner guides to visualizations and workshops, we bridge the gap between evidence and impact, making sure that knowledge reaches those who can use it to build more just systems.

Share Your Research

For Policymakers

Policymakers shape the conditions for early learning — and with that power comes the responsibility to lead with equity. Strong policy starts with listening. We help you understand how legislation impacts real people: what’s feasible, what’s missing, and what supports are needed to ensure policies work for all communities, especially those historically underserved.

We also help translate policy into practice — creating plain-language summaries, implementation guides, and tools for providers. That way, your vision isn’t just written — it’s realized.

Create Real Change