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 – On August 17, 2020 Alliance For Early Success organized “It is Time for Congress to Act: Federal Child Care Update”. Participants joined for an urgent update by child care advocacy leaders on the lay of the land in Congress regarding the critical need for additional funding for child care. The panel alerted the participants that it is imperative that Congress ensure that children and families have access to quality child care to reopen our economy and promote the wellbeing and success of children. The child care advocacy leaders outlined actions that we can take to work to save the child care industry. Highlights included Lucy Recio from NAEYC who shared how their work has been shaped by voices and experiences from the field with their recent work spotlighting the reality that costs are rapidly rising while enrollments have dropped in child care settings. Shana Bartley from National Women’s Law Center detailed the impacts of storytelling projects and the powerful messages these have for lawmakers
To read more click here, here and here.
What’s going on in NJ – NJAEYC is excited to be a partner of #ReimagineChildCare to reimagine quality and affordable child care in New Jersey. NJAEYC joins a coalition of child care advocates dedicated to improving the affordability, accessibility and quality of early childhood education in New Jersey. The coalition believes that now is the time to challenge policymakers, business leaders and communities to reimagine how quality child care for all can help our children thrive. Everyone has a role to play to improve child care in our state. You are invited to join the campaign
To read more click here
In addition, on Friday, August 28, 2020 Governor Murphy announced plans to dedicate $250 million in funding from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, which will provide additional support for children and families as well as for child care providers with resources. The new initiative builds on Governor Murphy’s ongoing commitment to making child care more affordable and accessible in our State. We thank Governor Murphy for his continued support of our children and families in NJ.
To read more click here
What’s coming up– NJAEYC invites you to join us on Thursday, September 17, 2020 for our second virtual meeting for our members of our series entitled “Your Voice Matters”. NJAEYC will present a PowerPoint on key points of advocacy, followed by a discussion with the participants on what barriers they are facing in the early childhood community. NJAEYC will continue to plan more meetings working with our members on advocating for the issues impacting the early childhood workforce and the children and families they serve. More details will follow. Please join us for our next virtual meeting.
To register email mail@njaeyc,org
NJAEYC also invites you to participate in the first annual “Week of Equity Advancement in Early Childhood Education”. On Monday, October 5, 2020 through Friday, October 9, 2020, join us for a week of celebrating a commitment to advance Equity and Diversity in your early childhood settings. Grants are available for our current Premium and Standard members.
To register email mail@njaeyc,org
Something you might like – In a July, 2020 article entitled “Supporting Anxious Children in the Preschool Classroom” by Sierra Brown, Allison McCobin, Stephanie Easley and Kara E. McGoey in NAEYC’s “Young Children” discusses the value of translating therapeutic techniques for use in the preschool classroom to support young children. Particularly we recognize that going to an early childhood program can be a frightening experience for any young child. Additionally, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the lives of young children and families. Many children are experiencing heightened anxiety when trying to adapt to a new way of life. Whether observed anxiousness in the classroom is due to shyness, inhibition, or an anxiety-related disorder, teachers can be crucial in helping children adjust and cope.
To read more click here.
Quote we’re pondering – “Now more than ever, working families need access to child care to balance the many demands they are facing during the ongoing pandemic. “With these investments, we are ensuring that high quality child care is accessible and affordable for families across the state.” – Governor Phil Murphy, State of NJ, Department of Human Services, Press Release on August 28,2020, “Governor Murphy Announces Child Care Initiative from Coronavirus Relief Fund to Support Working Families”.
Wishing You All Health and Safety!
NJAEYC Public Policy Team
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