Dolly Parton's Imagination Library’s Post

Counting down to our 10th anniversary of #teacherpowered in a few weeks by sharing all things we support & do. One impactful #teacherpowered schools practice is involving families. Check out this Edweek article for one way to do it: https://lnkd.in/gJ6kx3s6?

Through our WeVision EarlyEd work, we know that families and early childhood professionals want quality early childhood education to be the norm — not a luxury accessible to a few families. The new ruling, Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming, recognizes that quality early childhood education costs and that cost must include the compensation and well-being of early childhood educators. This is a WeVision EarlyEd core mindset shift that can help pave the way toward a more effective and equitable child care system. A system that gives all families access to the child care options they want for their children — regardless of income, employment status, race, gender, or geographic location. Learn more about these core shifts: https://lnkd.in/emGKNYJV

In what ways are your own schools engaging parents, families, and caregivers as allies to the teachers and staff in the buildings to support great learning for young people? #education #learning #schools #teachers #parents #families

Check out the latest from the amazing Georgie Dent #lifematters

This report may be tailored for Michigan but it provides a comprehensive but concise summary of what it takes to build universal PreK. Worth a read!

As an early childhood education expert, I'm often asked about the importance of early learning programs. In this article, I dive into the history and impact of Head Start, America's pioneering early education initiative. From its inception during the War on Poverty to its evolution into a comprehensive support system for low-income families, Head Start has shaped millions of lives over five decades. Join me in examining the program's foundation, academic impacts, social outcomes, and future challenges. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or parent, this analysis offers valuable insights into one of our nation's most significant investments in children's futures. #HeadStart #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducationPolicy https://lnkd.in/e_rDmXPH

What is the overall investment? Will there be parity for teacher salaries working in licensed centers with public school teachers that have the same level of education for the Gateway to Preschool Program? Will the reimbursement rate to child care centers for this program cover the "cost of care/education"? Sounds promising but additional details are needed to ensure an authentic and fair Mixed Delivery System.

Introducing Learning for Justice's newest series - Growing Together: For Children and Families. When we cultivate the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in young children, we create steppingstones toward resisting hate and strengthening democracy. We offer three new learning journeys in this series, along with a new page for reviews of children’s books and a collection of our Story Corner stories. These resources recognize that parents and caregivers play a powerful role in determining what children learn and in shaping children’s perspectives and our shared future. Educators can also use these resources in schools. We will continue to add new learning journeys. #education, #socialjustice, #parenting

Early childhood education has emerged as a pivotal point in child development. Science and research have established that this phase in a child’s life is a foundational period that significantly shapes a child’s potential for lifelong learning, health and overall development. In the latest Learning by Design Magazine issue, RDG's Edward Buglewicz, AIA and Molly Haas, AIA share why these facilities are essential and how designing to integrate education and community engagement enhances the learning experience for children while fostering stronger community connections and support. https://lnkd.in/gHEyaryy

The Importance of Early Learning During the first five years of life, 90% of a child’s brain develops, forming the foundation for future learning. High-quality preschool gives children a strong start on the path that leads to college or a career. Research shows that all children benefit from high-quality preschool. Students who enter kindergarten having developed age appropriate social-emotional and educational skills have greater lifetime success. Both of our collaborating partners (United Way Suncoast and Community Foundation Tampa Bay) invest in the early-education programming which supports progress throughout the region. Examples include funding that helps sustain Thrive by Five Tampa Bay, United4Literacy Kits, The Big Plan and more.