July 2020 Newsletter

Hello!

COVID-19 Survey: Building New Foundations
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, early childhood systems, policy, funding, services, providers, and families adapted and innovated to meet the needs of young children, their families, and communities. These positive changes might inform future efforts to build a more effective, accessible, and equitable early childhood system. Take the Building New Foundations survey to share what you have seen and what changes you would like to see for young children and their families. Survey closes Friday, July 31. Haga la encuesta en Español.

Webinar Resources from BUILD: Responding to the Racial and Economic Disparities Underscored by Covid-19: How Can Leaders Build a More Inclusive Early Care and Education System?
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored who is advantaged in the US and who is not. While many of us have experienced some hardship over the past three months, the pandemic not only has laid bare the hardships that many families and children always experience – it has exacerbated them. These marginalized families and children have faced historic and current discrimination based on race, ethnicity, language, and/or immigrant status. During the pandemic, they have endured the shuttering of child care facilities (if they had access to begin with) while not having the privilege of working from home. They have not been able to socially distance themselves due to close living conditions and/or being essential workers. They have had no choice but to put themselves and their families at risk. How can leaders build a more equitable high-quality early care and education system?

This webinar gave participants a chance to consider how we can reform, transform, revise, and rebuild in ways that create sustainable income and access to programs, services, and supports that benefit young children and families, especially those furthest from opportunity. How will leaders use their authority and influence to shift resources, programs, and services to meet health and safety requirements while considering other shortcomings of the early childhood services?
Resources: Slideshow; Recording