AVANCE Inc.’s Post

“During the first five years of a child’s life, their brain forms the foundation for all later development. When stimulated by quality education, children are less likely to need educational interventions and other social services in the future.” The research is clear. Early intervention in childhood leads to incredible results so that children can flourish! And when future residents have everything to thrive and grow, then we as a neighborhood benefit! Read more on the impact of early childhood education here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/emkQpivM

Read more about the year anniversary of The Early Childhood Agenda!

https://lnkd.in/gizqm6EH For class this week, I have an assignment to find an article about the pressing issues in the field of early childhood education. This article describes five of the current issues in the field and highlights what we action we can possibly take to help.

I believe in the transformative power of early childhood education, and see it in action every day at Pre-K 4 SA. The recent article series from the Center for American Progress highlights the interconnectedness of early development stages and the importance of holistic policy approaches. Let's advocate for policies that prioritize early childhood education, recognizing its transformative power in shaping our children's lives. #PreK4SA #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #Education 

🌟 Exciting Insights from ACF's 2024 National Research Conference on Early Childhood! 🌟 Last week, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) National Research Conference on Early Childhood. It was an enriching experience filled with valuable insights and innovative ideas that are shaping the future of early childhood development. Here are some key takeaways that resonated deeply with us: 1️⃣ Holistic Approaches to Child Development: We learned about the importance of holistic approaches that encompass not only cognitive development but also social, emotional, and physical well-being. Understanding the interconnectedness of these domains is crucial for providing comprehensive support to young children. 2️⃣ Impact of Early Intervention: Research presented highlighted the significant impact of early intervention programs in promoting positive outcomes for children from diverse backgrounds. Early childhood educators and caregivers play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing developmental needs early on. 3️⃣ Equity and Inclusion: Sessions on equity and inclusion underscored the necessity of creating inclusive environments where every child can thrive. Addressing systemic barriers and promoting diversity in early childhood settings are key to fostering equitable outcomes for all children. 4️⃣ Innovative Educational Practices: We were inspired by innovative educational practices that leverage technology and evidence-based strategies to enhance learning experiences for young children. From personalized learning tools to digital literacy initiatives, there's a wealth of potential to explore. We're excited to integrate these insights into our work and continue supporting early childhood development through our social science research, grants administration, evaluation, and dissemination work at OPRE and OFA. A big thank you to ACF for organizing such an insightful event, and to all the researchers, practitioners, and advocates who shared their expertise. Together, we're shaping a brighter future for our youngest learners! Let's continue the conversation on how we can collaborate to make a difference in early childhood education. 🌟 #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ACFConference #EducationForAll #InnovationInLearning #EquityInEducation

NCDHHS Expands Career Pathways for Early Childhood Teachers! The first five years of life are crucial for brain development, setting the stage for future health and learning. When children’s development is fully supported, they are more likely to achieve developmental milestones and succeed in school. Early childhood teachers are the heroes who make this happen! They partner with families, forming close relationships and using strengths-based approaches to help children reach their goals. Investing in early care and education benefits the entire community, laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient society. Read more in the updated North Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan (ECAP):https://lnkd.in/e6znzd7 #EarlyChildhood #Education #CommunityImpact #NCDHHS #ECAP2024

I am honoured to be showcased in this article alongside some of my amazing University of Wollongong Early Start colleagues! Read about some of the important research going on below ⬇️⬇️ #UOWENHANCE #UOWResearch

How do we create learning environments that genuinely heal and nurture every child? In this episode of SELinEDU, we welcome Shannon Hawkins (@leadingaheadco), founder and CEO of Leading A(head) Collaborative, to share her profound insights on transforming education through social and emotional learning (SEL). We start with reflections on the soothing power of water and the surprising weather, setting a serene mood for our discussion. Shannon's journey, inspired by her grandmother's story of resilience in Jamaica, reveals the profound importance of building healing-centered communities to support historically marginalized groups and combat toxic stress. We explore the vital partnership between schools and families in enriching children's education. Shannon highlights the crucial need for schools to provide platforms where families can share their valuable experiences and cultural strengths. With the concept of "Freedom Dreams," we envision how visionary thinking can revolutionize the educational landscape, especially in these challenging times marked by economic pressures and the impacts of multiple pandemics. This conversation underscores the importance of acknowledging and utilizing the cultural and linguistic assets that families contribute to the educational ecosystem and the necessity of collaboration. Finally, we delve into the critical role of emotionally responsive adults in children's healing process. Shannon references impactful work, including "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog" and insights from Dr. Barbara Sorrels, to illustrate how educators and caregivers can create nurturing environments. We discuss Leading A(head) Collaborative's successful after-school programs that educate parents and teachers on toxic stress, trauma, and SEL, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion and empathy in schools. Reflecting on the importance of collective well-being and collaboration, we celebrate the communal spirit toward creating supportive and transformative educational spaces for every student. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eRWhKZ7u

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

How do we create learning environments that genuinely heal and nurture every child? In this episode of SELinEDU, we welcome Shannon Hawkins (@leadingaheadco), founder and CEO of Leading A(head) Collaborative, to share her profound insights on transforming education through social and emotional learning (SEL). We start with reflections on the soothing power of water and the surprising weather, setting a serene mood for our discussion. Shannon's journey, inspired by her grandmother's story of resilience in Jamaica, reveals the profound importance of building healing-centered communities to support historically marginalized groups and combat toxic stress. We explore the vital partnership between schools and families in enriching children's education. Shannon highlights the crucial need for schools to provide platforms where families can share their valuable experiences and cultural strengths. With the concept of "Freedom Dreams," we envision how visionary thinking can revolutionize the educational landscape, especially in these challenging times marked by economic pressures and the impacts of multiple pandemics. This conversation underscores the importance of acknowledging and utilizing the cultural and linguistic assets that families contribute to the educational ecosystem and the necessity of collaboration. Finally, we delve into the critical role of emotionally responsive adults in children's healing process. Shannon references impactful work, including "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog" and insights from Dr. Barbara Sorrels, to illustrate how educators and caregivers can create nurturing environments. We discuss Leading A(head) Collaborative's successful after-school programs that educate parents and teachers on toxic stress, trauma, and SEL, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion and empathy in schools. Reflecting on the importance of collective well-being and collaboration, we celebrate the communal spirit toward creating supportive and transformative educational spaces for every student. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/egdsdig7