Latest news with #Educare
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Educare Network Hosts Nearly 250 Leaders from Across the Country to Mobilize Early Childhood Education
Educators, researchers, families, and philanthropic supporters convene in Flint, Michigan to advance high-quality early childhood education for all children DETROIT, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Educare, a national network of schools, is dedicated to transforming early childhood education through practice, policy, and research. In support of this mission, nearly 250 educators, researchers, families and philanthropic supporters of the field from across the country recently convened in Flint, Michigan, for Educare's annual Network Meeting. The event focused on identifying solutions to the most pressing challenges currently facing early childhood education nationwide. Over the course of three days, advocates shared insights, addressed systemic barriers, and explored ways to deepen a collective commitment to ensuring all children—regardless of zip code—are born into systems that center them, their families, and their communities from the start. The following priorities took center stage throughout the convening: Families and communities know what works—and must have a seat at the table: Lasting solutions begin at the local level. When the voices of families and communities are elevated, systems become more relevant, meaningful, and impactful—enhancing the chances of long-term sustainability and scalability. Educators drive change, but not without investment: Early childhood teachers create safe, nurturing learning environments that lay a strong foundation for children's growth and development, in both the near and long-term. Teacher success relies on steady and meaningful local, state, and federal investments in their compensation, well-being, and professional growth. The time to think bigger and bolder is now: With proposed changes to federal programs that children and their families—both within and beyond Educare—rely on across the country, intentional, strategic, and unified advocacy is more critical than ever. At the same time, we must think bigger and bolder about our North Star and how we will continue to evolve and transform in order to meet the strengths and the interests of all children, their families, and their communities. "Our annual Network Meeting provides a space for colleagues to be in community with each other, thinking together, learning with and from one another, sharing ideas, and grappling with challenges we face across early childhood education," said Dr. Kara H. Ahmed, President of the Educare Network. "Our focus is on how we can leverage the collective brilliance to mobilize early childhood education across our country and identify sustainable, scalable, and necessary solutions that ensure excellence for all children and their families. This work cannot be done in a silo and it will not be achieved by any one person or organization. That's why the power of our Network is profound." Choosing Flint as the backdrop for such a monumental meeting was a deliberate decision. The Flint water crisis exposed how deeply systems had failed its youngest residents. In response, the community invested in its future by building Educare Flint, a nationally recognized early learning center born from hardship and powered by hope. Much like the city itself—one that has faced significant adversity and taken bold, transformative steps—early childhood education is often neglected until it reaches a point of crisis. "In Flint, we've learned that when faced with systemic uncertainties and failures, communities have the power to rebuild systems in radically better ways," said Dr. Ja'Nel Jamerson, CEO at the Flint Center for Educational Excellence. "We are creating a national blueprint for communities everywhere, proving what's possible when local, state, and national leaders commit to real lasting change that is based in strong partnerships and unapologetic love for all children and families." With 25 schools across the country, and plans for continued growth, the Network's strength lies in its national reach, its relationships and its unwavering dedication to educational opportunity and community empowerment. "As we continue to navigate an ever-evolving landscape, we are steadfast in our commitment to advancing our mission and vision, doubling down on our values, and remaining laser-focused on being a Network that fosters a generational impact, centers communities, and delivers the highest quality of early learning experiences for all children across the country," said Ahmed. To learn more about the Educare Network or to learn how you can help support quality early childhood education in your community, visit About the Educare NetworkA national network of early childhood champions, Educare schools are early care and education programs partnering with families and communities to impact the lives of thousands of young children nationwide. With 25 schools located across the country, the Educare Network's mission is to advance quality early learning through partnership and innovation around practice, policy and research so every child can thrive, with a vision of ensuring every family has access to quality early care and education in their community, promoting positive outcomes for generations to come. Media ContactMegan Rodawoldmrodawold@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Educare Sign in to access your portfolio
Chicago Tribune
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Heidi Stevens: Instead of a wedding registry, they asked for children's books. And then gave them all away
This is a love story about a couple who found each other a little later in life, after their kids were grown, after their first marriages ended, after life threw a few unexpected twists their way. But it's also a love story about books. Children's books, specifically. First, the couple. Katy Coffey is a delightful, hilarious, artistic force for good in the world. We first met years ago at a brunch hosted by a mutual friend. Coffey was raising two kids as a single mom. I was raising two kids as a single mom. We bonded immediately and then didn't talk for years, as single moms raising two kids are wont to do. But we stayed connected on social media and I watched her posts and photos over the last couple of years start to include, here and there, a tall, handsome, smiling guy named Brian. One day last summer, I ran into them walking along Michigan Avenue. I got to meet tall, handsome, smiling Brian Werle (he has a last name) in person. They looked like they were in love. (You can tell.) We learned that we now live only a few blocks apart; she had sold her house in the suburbs when her kids, Rosie and Beck, were grown and off doing their own things. In March, Coffey posted a photo on Facebook from the Cook County clerk's office. She and Werle were holding up a marriage license. (Plot twist!) They were married two weeks later, on Coffey's birthday. Her son, Beck, and his childhood friend Stas sang 'All You Need is Love' to the tune of their own guitars. I scrolled through the posts and savored the abundant joy because I love happy endings and I believe so strongly in new beginnings and also there's nothing more hopeful than a wedding. We so need hopeful right now. And then I saw photos of children's books. Dozens and dozens of children's books, displayed on a table, their joyful, colorful, playful covers just begging to be cracked open. Now, the other love story. Instead of wedding gifts, Coffey and Werle asked for children's books, which they would donate to a place that would put them in kids' hands and ignite kids' wonder and send kids on adventures that will forever shape who they are and how they go through the world. 'When my kids were growing up, we read obsessively,' Coffey said. 'Every day. Every night.' Rosie, Coffey's daughter, has 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' and 'Strega Nona' tattoos, inspired by a couple of her favorite books from childhood. Coffey has a storage unit filled with boxes and boxes of children's books, waiting (patiently, she's quick to add) to be read to grandchildren. 'Reading was really important in both of our households,' Coffey continued, 'and we really felt like there was some kind of connection there.' Through Rosie, who now works for Start Early, a nonprofit focused on early childhood, Coffey and Werle connected with Educare, a child care center that serves children age 6 weeks to 5 years in Chicago's South Side Washington Park neighborhood. They asked Educare for a wish list of children's books, and Educare happily obliged. Next they reached out to Women and Children First, an independent bookstore in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood on the North Side, and asked for a list of recommendations. Then Coffey and Werle did a little research and wishing of their own and, combining all three lists, built a registry, of sorts. Only instead of dishes and bedding, it was 'The Rainbow Fish' and 'The Color Monster' and 'Julian is a Mermaid' and 'Being You.' In their wedding invitation, they included a QR code to purchase books from Women and Children First, which shipped the books straight to Coffey and Werle's condo. Then Coffey and Werle brought a bunch of the books to the wedding venue and displayed them on a table with the guests' place cards. A few days later, they delivered 62 books to Educare. 'It felt really good,' Werle said. I love this little slice of kindness in a world that could use some right now. I love that a whole bunch of kids were just gifted a sense of belonging. I love that gift as a celebration of finding where your own heart belongs. 'What we want and we need,' Coffey said, 'is for the next generation to feel loved and to feel celebrated and to feel proud of their diversity and to feel like they've been seen.' What better way to do all that than with piles and piles of children's books? Talk about a happy, hopeful ending. And beginning.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We need the funding to be able to do the work': DC early childcare providers, advocates push for fully funded pay equity for teachers
WASHINGTON () — Several childcare center providers, educators and families across the District took over Freedom Plaza for National Day Without Childcare, a nationwide action highlighting the urgent need for stronger investment in early childhood education. Advocates on Monday said they want D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to uphold and expand funding for the Pay Equity Fund, a program that helps close the wage gap between early childhood educators and their K-12 counterparts. 'If we lose the workforce, we lose the quality that goes along with that,' said Jamal Berry, President and CEO of Educare Washington, D.C. He said that while his center fundraises to help close salary gaps, the Pay Equity Fund has made a significant difference. Maryland, Virginia Senators to host roundtable discussion on El Salvador's human rights record 'There's a clear difference between what local and federal funding pays and what we know teachers deserve,' Berry explained. 'The Pay Equity Fund helped us bridge that gap. We've been able to take a lead teacher with a master's degree from around $50,000 up to $75,000.' Although the fund was spared from proposed cuts last year, advocates say more is needed. 'This year, we want to prevent that from happening and hold [Bowser] to her word,' said Megan Salmon with Spaces and Action. 'She has promised to fund it to its previous levels, but that's still not enough. We still are going to need about another $10 million to fully fund the program to its needs.' While adults rallied for change, children enjoyed a festive day with face painting, games, music and more at Freedom Plaza, bringing energy to the cause. 'It's super important for [Bowser] to keep her promises to send that clear message that early childhood matters. Children matter to families. And why does it matter? We need the funding to be able to do the work,' Berry said. Organizers say they are also closely watching actions in Congress that could impact D.C.'s budget. Another rally is planned for Wednesday as advocacy efforts continue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Comptroller: Mountain View Elementary failed to account for $18k in Educare charges
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Mountain View Elementary Educare employees failed to account for $18,854 in student program charges, according to an investigation report from the Tennessee Comptroller's office. The comptroller's office began investigating allegations of malfeasance within the after-school Educare program from June 2023 through June 2024. The Educare program gives students time to participate in arts and crafts, music, free play, tutoring and homework assistance before and after school. Parents of students who participate in Educare must pay a program charge. The payments can be made online or in person with cash or check. The comptroller's office reports that Educare employees failed to properly account for the program charges during the investigative time period. The following three deficiencies were reportedly found through the investigation regarding Mountain View Elementary Educare employees: Employees failed to use a separate and secure cash drawer Employees failed to consistently deposit collections within three days of collection Employees failed to reconcile the Educare billing system attendance records and receipts Full TN Senate set to vote on bill that forces K-12 schools to check students' legal status As a result of the investigation, the comptroller's office determined that at least $18,854 in program charges were unaccounted for. 'Investigators determined this amount by comparing program student attendance records with DHS financial assistance, student discount documentation and receipted student payments,' the report reads. Many parents told investigators they made cash payments; however, investigators only found three receipts for cash payments from June 2023 to June 2024, according to the report. The report states that investigators found at least 27 students who continued participating in the after-school program despite unpaid balances, some of which were 41 weeks behind. 'Because multiple MVES-Educare employees collected payments and did not maintain a cashdrawer, investigators could not determine if all student payments were properly receipted orremitted for deposit,' the comptroller's office said in the report. Since the investigation, school system officials have reportedly indicated their intent to correct or have corrected the deficiencies found. News Channel 11 has reached out to Johnson City Schools for a response to the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor Healey to promote tax cuts in Springfield before deadline
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Governor Maura Healey will be joined by state and local leaders in Springfield to promote certain tax cuts ahead of the April 15 tax filing deadline. Springfield officials to address measles and bird flu The highlighted cuts come from a tax package signed in 2023. The governor will also highlight the signing of the first tax cuts in the state in over 20 years. Some of the provisions of the historic tax package include $1 billion in tax cuts, savings for seniors, businesses, renters, and the most generous Child and Family Tax Credit in the country, according to the City of Springfield. Massachusetts families this year will receive $440 per dependent child, adult with disabilities or senior, which is an increase from $180 per dependent with a two-dependent cap. The event happens at noon at Educare in Springfield. Department of Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Synder, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, state and local officials, and community stakeholders will be in attendance. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
