Leveling the Playing Field for Early Educators as They Pursue Degrees: Ensuring Strategies Address Issues of Equity and Diversity
This webinar was presented during the BUILD 2021 National Conference.
As the expectations for degreed early childhood educators increase, effective strategies and supports are needed to ensure that the field does not lose its rich diversity. This session will include a presentation on what the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Initiative is doing to assure equity of access to both scholarships and debt-free degree completion. Participants will hear from T.E.A.C.H. program representatives from NC, WI, and the District of Columbia about how they are making this happen on the ground and the results they are seeing.
Presenters: Marsha Basloe and Edith Locke, Child Care Services Association; Nar Doumbya, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association; Cemeré James, National Black Child Development Institute
Resources:
Explore More
Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research September 8, 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. Updated September 8, 2026.
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.
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.