Strategies for Centering Equity in Early Care and Education

Thursday, November 7, 2019

 1pm – 2pm ET / 10am – 11am PT

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Research and practice continue to points to the powerful impacts of racial, economic, and social inequities that start early in life and persist across the life course. Across the country, communities are seeking to address these challenges through innovative solutions and collaborative strategies that seek to undo systemic and structural racism within early care and education systems, policies and practices. This webinar will provide an opportunity to learn from Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing (NOW) peer mentor coalitions around challenges, successes, and lessons learned as they work to address equity for children and families in their communities. The California Consortium for Equity in Early Childhood Education will discuss their efforts to build pathways for emerging and current leaders of color in early care and education who have directly experienced inequity, trauma, and social injustice. In Connecticut, the Opportunity Knocks for Middletown's Young Children Community Collaborative, will share their ongoing efforts to center parent voices and promote aligned policies and programs that ensure all children enter kindergarten physically and emotionally healthy and ready for school success.

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Featured speakers include:​

• Neva Bandelow, Early Learning Program Manager, Alameda County Office of Education

• Dr. LaWanda Wesley, Director, Quality Enhancement & Professional Development of Early Learning, Oakland Unified School District

• Monica Belyea, Program Planner, Opportunity Knocks for Middletown's Young Children, Middlesex Hospital

• Beverly Lawrence, Steering Committee, Opportunity Knocks for Middletown's Young Children

• Susan Macary, Steering Committee, Opportunity Knocks for Middletown's Young Children

• Moderator: Ronda Alexander, Director of Operations, Vital Village Network at Boston Medical Center

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