Page 4 – Early Learning Nation

3 Top Takeaways from the Hunt Institute Webinar: Ideal Learning Environments

Mark Swartz·Aug 24, 2022·3 min read

On Tuesday, August 3, The Hunt Institute’s Dan Wuori and Trust for Learning’s Ellen Roche cohosted a webinar spotlighting the role of play in ideal learning environments. “Play is a vehicle for learning rather than a distraction from it,” Wuori stated.

Ann Vadakkan: An Austin Youth Advocates for American Youth Mental Wellness

The Editors·Mar 30, 2022·5 min read

For many high school students across the country, the pandemic resulted in Zoom classes, missed milestones and an increase in mental health concerns. As a member of the Austin Youth Council—as well as NLC’s Council on Youth, Education and Families— Ann Vadakkan advocates not just for youth empowerment, but also for youth mental wellness, raising awareness to help reduce any stigma.

Let’s Talk About the Encouraging COVID Experience of U.S. Child Care Programs

Elliot Haspel·Aug 28, 2020·7 min read

One of the most frustrating aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the need to act with incomplete information, like driving...

New Mexico On Verge of Securing State Constitutional Change to Ensure Stable Funding for Children Zero to Five

Bryce Covert·Jan 26, 2021·7 min read

After a decade of organizing, early childhood education advocates in New Mexico are convinced they are about to secure something...

Demetrus Coonrod: The Inspirational Path from Prison to City Council

The Editors·Mar 30, 2022·6 min read

Demetrus Coonrod’s path to Chattanooga’s City Council had obstacles, including time in prison. But her personal journal also serves as a guiding path for others, showing the power of resilience, belief in oneself and education.

Election Day Proved That Voters Want Action on Child Care

On Nov. 5, a number of ballot measures supporting child care were approved. What can be learned from the ballot measures that passed and failed?

Bryce Covert·Dec 18, 2024·7 min read

On Nov. 5, voters didn’t just head to the polls to select their choice for president. Many also cast their...

Our Child Care Workforce: Three Women Reflect

Mark Swartz·Aug 20, 2020·4 min read

It’s a simple fact: child care is essential for the return of our workforce and the health of our economy....

In Texas, A Break for Child Care Providers Via Property Taxes

Instead of Direct Payments to Providers, a Ballot Referendum in Texas Offers a Property Tax Break

Rebecca Gale·Jan 16, 2024·8 min read

For Alejandra Gardner, it wasn’t until she began receiving funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that her child...

Families and Providers Deserve More Notice When Child Care Programs Close

When a program closes its doors abruptly, parents are left scrambling for care, providers are out of work and children lose the stability they need.

Elliot Haspel·Mar 19, 2025·6 min read

Imagine getting an email that your favorite restaurant has decided to close at the end of the month. That’s sad,...

Kim Janey’s Systemic Approach to Supporting Bostonians and Families Nationwide

Mark Swartz·Jan 17, 2024·4 min read

D’Arcy Goldman, incoming chair of EMPath’s board of directors, says, “Kim's dedication and experience serving the Boston community is well documented, but what may be lesser known is her incredible ability as a leader to bring different groups and perspectives together to get things done.”

What Inspires You to Work on Behalf of Young Children?

Celebrating the Week of the Young Child, April 6-12

Mark Swartz and Art Hondros (Illustrator)·Apr 9, 2024·7 min read

Every week is the Week of the Young Child at Early Learning Nation magazine. The National Association for the Education...

Baby pulling stethoscope. Photo courtesy Mount Sinai Parenting Center

A Work in Progress: How Mount Sinai Parenting Center Is Bringing the Science of Child Development into Pediatric Education

Mark Swartz·Mar 27, 2019·4 min read

New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital is one of the nation’s oldest and largest teaching hospitals. They're upping their early childhoold development game with an online curriculum that demonstrates how pediatric residents can promote brain development and help strengthen parent-child relationships within the confines of routine well-child visits

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