With 2020 and the presidential election behind us, it’s a good time to talk about our plans for 2021.
Here’s a sneak peek at what we have in store. This is just the beginning!
Let’s Have Conversations on Behalf of Young Children
It’s time for a community reset around early childhood education and care.
As chair of the Together For Kids Coalition, we’re leading cross-sector conversations to identify issues and craft plans to support young children and families in novel ways.
Edward Street also serves on the newly formed Community Advisory Council, part of the Massachusetts Early Childhood Funder Collaborative. We’ll be getting together with early childhood leaders and philanthropists from across the state to share insights and make plans.
A Fresh Start for Everyone
Shouldn’t all young children have access to high-quality education and care? As part of the Common Start Coalition, we’re building support for legislation that could help make early education a universal right in Central Massachusetts.
We’re also focused on food equity and nutrition. In collaboration with Worcester’s Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Edward Street has plans to develop a nutrition curriculum for early educators, with a particular focus on reaching Latino families.
The Right Tools for Early Educators
In-person? Remote? Things change quickly and educators need to respond in real-time.
In 2020, we led Worcester Together’s efforts to build remote learning hubs for Worcester Public School children—including 85 remote learning classrooms serving 1,000 children. In the year ahead, we’re committed to sustaining these remote hubs and building more, if necessary.
Finding and Training New Early Educators
Staffing shortages in early education and care affect young children every day. In collaboration with Family Services of Central MA and Mass Hires—and thanks to a grant from the MA Department of Labor—we’re designing an 18-month apprenticeship program to introduce and train well-qualified educators into the field.
Young Children are Artists Too
Did you know that April 10-16 is the Week of the Young Child? In honor of this most important celebration, we’re spearheading a unique collaboration between early educators and local printing company Davis Publications.
This April, come check out artwork by local young children at the Printer’s Building.
That’s a bit of what we have in store for 2021. We hope you’ll join us in building a better future for our entire community.