July 2020– 5 Bullet Point Friday

by | Jul 3, 2020 | 5 Bullet Point Friday

NJAEYC Public Policy Links July 2020

Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet-Point Friday” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.

Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details

What’s going on in the US – Zero to Three released the “State of Babies Yearbook 2020. Zero to Three states that The State of Babies Yearbook: 2020 tells us that the littlest among us face big challenges, and that as a nation and individual states, we must prioritize the policies and programs that can make a difference in babies’ ability to reach their full potential. Once again, the data are clear: The state where a baby is born makes a big difference in their chance for a strong start in life. The State of New Jersey profile provides a snapshot of how infants, toddlers and their families are facing in the following three policy domains: 1) Good Health; 2) Strong Families; and, 3) Positive Learning Experiences.

To read more click here and here.
 

What’s going on in NJ – ACNJ released a new report, “Unlocking Potential, A Roadmap to Making New Jersey the Safest, Healthiest and Most Supportive Place to Give Birth and Raise a Family. According to the report in order to give all children a strong and equitable start in life, New jersey must begin with an intentional focus on eliminating racial inequities and disparities in access to essential supports. The statewide plan, funded by the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI), provides the action steps needed to achieve concrete targets related to early childhood development with the goal of ensuring an additional 25% of low-income infants and toddlers (27,000 young children) will have access to high quality services by 2023.

To read more click here.
 
Also, In a recent publication entitled “The Workforce Behind the Workforce: Child Care Workers and the Need to Address Their Compensation” by Cynthia Rice, Senior Policy Analyst, ACNJ and Meghan Tavormina, President, NJAEYC Co-Chairs, Think Babies Child Care Workgroup highlighted that when the state shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, child care workers stepped up to provide a safe and nurturing environment for essential workers to bring their children. But through it all, child care workers received low wages, and continue to do so today. They already make less than cashiers and many entry-level jobs, and even qualify for public benefits. The article emphasizes the importance of making workforce compensation a higher priority. Doing so is directly linked with both the success of our children and our economy. The steps need to be taken today.
 
To read more click here.
 

What’s coming up– NJAEYC’s equity and diversity committee is working toward organizing opportunities for early childhood professionals to work toward eliminating racial and cultural injustices in NJ.  We will be hosting a week long event in the fall for centers, teachers and  family child care professionals to host and implement events and activities that will help move the needle on racial and cultural injustices in their communities.  Keep an eye out for an email and our website for more information

 

Something you might like – In the June 4, 2020 Life Kit by NPR, a discussion with Michel Martin on ways to discuss racism with children. Ms. Martin encourages parents to be proactive and help kids build a positive awareness of diversity from an early age.

To read more click here.
 
In the April 26, 2020 article “Talking Race with young Children”, NPR highlights that even babies notice differences like skin color, eye shape and hair texture. Recommendations were presented on how to handle conversations about race, racism, diversity and inclusion, even with very young children. Some things to remember included: a) Don’t shush or shut them down if they mention race; b) Don’t wait for kids to bring it up; c) Be proactive, helping them build a positive awareness of diversity.
 
To read more click here.
 
You will also find a recommended YouTube video called “I Love My Hair”, by our friends at Sesame Street. 
 
To read more click here.  
 
 

Quote we’re pondering – “It is the responsibility of every adult to make sure that children hear what we have learned from the lessons of life and to hear over and over that we love them and that they are not alone.” Marian Wright Edelman

Wishing You All Health and Safety!

NJAEYC Public Policy Team