Tandem, Partners in Early Learning® is a Bay Area nonprofit working at the intersection of social justice and early childhood education.

Partnership is at our core

We work alongside school districts, early childhood education providers, and community-based organizations to co-create equitable, high-quality early learning experiences.

Addressing systemic inequities

We envision a just society where children thrive—a society where children are supported wherever they go: in their homes, schools, child care, libraries, health centers, parks, and more. By working with adults in these areas, we deliver early learning experiences that meet community priorities and address systemic barriers to opportunity.

Guided by our values​​

We structure our work around five core values: joy, equity, diversity & inclusion, accountability, and balance.

By the Numbers

Our Story

Tandem® launched as an affiliate of Raising a Reader in 2003. In 2009, we became an independent 501(c)(3), and in 2015, we took on the name Tandem, Partners in Early Learning.  

Impactful early learning wherever children go

Today, Tandem works across three focus areas: StoryCycles®, Early Learning Everywhere, and Network Capacity Building. Tandem serves children and families both inside and outside of the classroom and strengthens the early childhood system through professional development.

Where We Work