Virtual Annual Luncheon

In Dr. Clinton Boyd Jr.’s work, and as a father himself, he continues to see that African American fathers have a unique opportunity to influence the trajectory of early childhood development in their communities. Yet, he also sees that all too often, policies and programs overlook the unique needs of young parents in the Black community.  Hear how Clinton believes we can make systematic change that supports fathers and promotes positive parenting practices.

Just a year ago, the doors of Michelle’s school closed unexpectedly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting her and her colleagues’ ability to deliver learning experiences to their students and their families. Michelle immediately recognized that remote instruction was going to be a challenge for parents. Hear how she and her team developed creative solutions to stay connected to parents and support their new, unfamiliar roles in the home.

For Danielle, the ongoing pandemic and last year’s racial unrest was an opportunity to bring joy and wonder into the homes of her young students, while also supporting their social emotional development. Hear how Danielle brought diversity, inclusion and equity into the early childhood classroom with activities that helped her students celebrate and develop confidence in their personal and social identities, while also engaging families to help their children process their emotions and understanding of what was happening in the world. 

With a passion for children and expertise as a developmental psychologist, Diana knew the critical role the first five years play in a child’s development would make young children, among the most vulnerable during the pandemic. She also worried our fragmented system of early learning and care — where every parent on their own and caregivers are underpaid and undervalued — meant families would struggle to find high-quality care for their children. Hear what motivates Diana to continue advocating for our youngest learners and how we can emerge from the pandemic with a stronger, more equitable early childhood system that ensures all children can reach their full potential.

Diana’s commitment to helping all children and families access quality early education began with her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. to attend graduate school and to provide Diana and her brother with a good education from their earliest years. Diana will share her experience and why starting early is one of the most effective and important investments we can make.