The Hunt Institute’s Post

Across the country, families face different life situations made more complicated by the challenge of finding quality, affordable child care. Hear from Hazel, mother a recent Head Start graduate, on why early childhood research and policy initiatives must prioritize how to make child care free for most families and more affordable for all families. Positive Early Learning & Development is one of the four focus areas identified by our constituents in the Shaping Futures Together: An Early Childhood Research & Policy Agenda. These four focus areas represent the critical components needed ensure all young children and families have the equitable opportunity to thrive in school and life. Hear from more parents like Hazel, educators and more in the Shaping Futures Agenda: https://bit.ly/49FToOO

📣 Attention, Worcester parents! Dive into this week's #SundayRead📰 to catch insights from our Executive Vice President, Karen Pelletier, discussing the Together for Kids Coalition's Solution Forum held last month. Explore the profound impact of extending early education and care beyond childhood development and how it serves as a powerful catalyst for economic development. https://lnkd.in/eQV73nnu

Have you ever thought about the importance of Early Childhood Education? Now is the time to have your voice heard! Parents, caregivers, employers, grandparents, and all those who believe in the power of education, let's unite and show support for the ECE world. They are helping to build the solid foundation of our future. Join the movement and share your thoughts on the topic by following the link below. Let's make a difference together! Link: https://lnkd.in/eFhiiiNX

A new report from OPRE synthesizes research on nontraditional-hour care, reporting that the prevalence of nontraditional-hour child care and early education (CCEE)—that is, care provided during early morning, evening, overnight, and weekend hours—among families in the United States. Understanding the characteristics of these families can inform state leaders’ efforts to improve equitable access to nontraditional-hour care.

New report of a project I supported at Child Trends has officially come out! The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of intentionally integrating families’ needs, priorities, and experiences into the design and provision of services and supports for families with young children. Learn more about how some states are engaging parents and integrating their perspectives into efforts to strengthen child care and early education systems in a new OPRE report. https://lnkd.in/gjrNQYnk 

Here’s a great (and simple) way to advocate for ECE! Go ahead and check out this link!

Communicating with students’ caring adults is critical, and, in the world of special education, it is even more true. Nicolette Lesniak, Ed.S shares a number of benefits in building the home-to-school connection. https://lnkd.in/gtvdZnsM #blog #education #specialeducation

Child care is at a tipping point, and the question for all of us is in which direction will we lean? Come join the discussion in person or online next Wednesday, February 14. Details below.