Deidre Anderson
Deidre Anderson is deserving of the recognition as the Kansas City Chiefs nominee for the 2023 Inspire Change Changemaker Award. This is thanks to her unwavering leadership at EarlystART, a nurturing, stimulating, and early education space where students develop positive behaviors, a healthy sense of self, and a connectedness to caring people who support and encourage them through an arts-based curriculum. Because a child's early years are the foundation for cognitive and social development, EarlystART programs are evidence-based and encourage students to explore new interests and embrace the unknown, preparing them for kindergarten and to become a lifelong learner.
Deidre serves as the Executive Director of EarlystART and in 2022 celebrated a decade of extraordinary service in this role. Throughout her tenure, Deidre has not only expanded the reach and impact of EarlystART but has created a culture change in the Kansas City community on the importance of Early Education. Deidre has connected and collaborated with other nonprofits, county, and city agencies to bring awareness to the need of early education. The over 50 community partners who support EarlystART work together to build bridges of opportunity to help children and families live healthy and productive lives.
Deidre leads a team of staff and educators to produce tangible outcomes for students. 100% of EarlystART faculty commit to ongoing professional development and credentialing to meet or exceed early educator professional standards. In fact, leading by example, Deidre herself received a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in public administration.
EarlystART ensures school readiness of children from low-income families and also provides health, nutrition, and social services unique to each family's needs. Deidre Andreson's role and leadership at EarlystART continues to be a primary contributor to the organization's success. Some, 71% of staff at EarlystART identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), reflecting the diversity of those served, with shared experiences and ethnic backgrounds to meet the needs of students and families. 90% of EarlystART students are kindergarten ready and 91% of students meet or exceed benchmarks in cognitive skills.