Putting the Pieces Together for Families with Young Children
April 30 2024
2:00 PM EDT
Last year, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) released a report, Putting the Pieces Together for Families with Young Children: Aligning State Health and Human Services, Nutrition, Child Care, and Paid Family and Medical Leave. This report highlights the challenges parents of young children face in accessing the benefits and services they need to thrive and the steps that some states are taking to make this process easier. In this webinar, CLASP staff will interview parents, advocates, and administrators from California, Washington, and Washington D.C. who will offer insight into what it takes to build an aligned system of supports for families in this critical period.
Panelists:
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch, Deputy Executive Director for Policy, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
- Alyssa Fortner, Policy Analyst, Child Care and Early Education, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
- Unique Robinson, Parent, California
- Shereese Rhodes, Parent, Washington
- Melissa Stone, Deputy Director, Disability Insurance Branch, California Employment Development Department
- Jennifer Greppi, Parent Policy Director, Parent Voices
- Ruqqiyah Ambar Shaheen, Director of Early Childhood Programs and Policy, DC Action for Children
- Babs Roberts, Director, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Explore More
Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research August 18, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.