Community Engagement Archives - Early Learning Nation

Adverse childhood experiences are different than child trauma, and it’s critical to understand why

Jessica Dym Bartlett and Vanessa Harbin Sacks·Apr 16, 2019·4 min read

The increased public understanding that childhood adversity, including adverse childhood experiences, can cause trauma and toxic stress—and, in turn, have a lasting impact on children’s physical and mental health—presents an important opportunity to turn this awareness into action.

Bird by Bird: Mya-Rose Craig’s Campaign for the Planet

Mark Swartz·Aug 7, 2019·4 min read

Mya-Rose Craig, 17-years old, has followed her passion for birds and the environment to create and galvanize a community of activists of all ages. In the process, as a young Muslim woman, she’s been trolled on social media. Not an insurmountable problem, though, as Mya-Rose is keeping her eye on a larger issue: saving the planet.

Leading by Example on Race to Mitigate Impact of Racism on the Health and Well-Being of Children

K.C. Compton·Jul 7, 2020·7 min read

Children come into the world noticing. They notice sights, sounds, smells and the attitudes and emotions of people around them....

Tackling the Play Deficit

Mark Swartz·Feb 6, 2020·4 min read

Our kids need to put the devices down and to play outdoors more. This isn’t just another parent waxing nostalgic...

‘Ten Birthday Cakes? We’ll Take Care of It’

Jazzy Sun Birthdays Connects Homeless Kids and Volunteers for Their Special Day

K.C. Compton·Nov 24, 2020·8 min read

Volunteers with Jazzy Sun Birthdays are accustomed to a wide variety of requests for birthday themes from the children they...

The Rainbow Connection Project: Building Community While Social Distancing

Linda Shockley·Mar 25, 2020·2 min read

Building community in a COVID-19 world is tough. But Brooklynites are nothing if not creative, industrious and hard-wired for...

Tonja Rucker, Program Director, Early Childhood Success, National League of Cities

How U.S. Cities Are Leading the Way to Support Early Learning

The Editors·Sep 27, 2018·3 min read

How are cities and towns grappling with a host of urgent challenges? According to Tonja Rucker of the National League of Cities, mayors and city leaders are testing cutting-edge strategies and developing bold solutions that place children at the center of every decision.

Wes Moore, CEO of Robin Hood, with Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City, at the FUEL launch event at the Brownsville Recreation Center in Brooklyn. Photograph courtesy Office of the First Lady, New York City.

Robin Hood FUELs the Future for Children

Shares Brain Science, Strategically Partners to Create an Early Learning Metropolis

Linda Shockley·Jul 16, 2019·6 min read

The greatest city in the world. More than 100,000 children 0-3 growing up in poverty. Two facts that are painful to reconcile. This is a job for Robin Hood. Unafraid to challenge the seemingly intractable, the grant maker and all-around poverty fighter combines rigorous data and strategic partnerships with powerhouse fundraising. Here’s the story behind the $50 million, five-year Fund for Early Learning (FUEL) .

Unconditional Cash: A Bold New Pilot for Pregnant Women

Mark Swartz·Jun 9, 2020·3 min read

Lived Experience Sabra Bell remembers what it was like to be pregnant and low on funds. “Extra cash would have...

Families-learn-to-use-new-materials-together.-Photo_-Front-Room-Photography

Museums Are for Kids: Busting Myths at the Milwaukee Art Museum

Emily Sullivan·May 3, 2019·5 min read

The days of shushing kids in museums are long gone. Now, museums large and small, which once earned reputations for strict enforcement of “no talking,” “no touching” and “no fun” rules for kids, actively court families and kids with free days, family memberships, activities, tours and programs, all designed to celebrate and discover art and the creative spirit.