In the Arena with NOW
In the Arena with NOW lifts up the voices of community leaders who are “in the arena” -- in classrooms, playgrounds, Congressional halls, hospitals, and neighborhood streets -- working to make sure that all children and families can live healthy, thriving lives. Each episode will delve into the experiences of local coalitions, residents, and experts who are working to create equitable systems of care and education. We’ll learn about what they are doing and why, challenges and successes faced, and advice for others seeking to build, grow, and sustain momentum for the long haul. Learn more at: https://www.networksofopportunity.org
In the Arena with NOW
Cultivating Leaders of Color in Early Care and Education
Why are leaders of color imperative for improving early care and education systems? Based in Alameda County, California, the California Consortium for Equity in Early Childhood Education is taking on the critical challenge of interrupting inequities and systemic racism in early care and education by cultivating a new generation of leaders that are representative of the children and families they serve. In our third episode, we learn from Consortium co-directors about their innovative fellowship program, in partnership with the California Early Childhood Mentor Program, that brings together teachers, staff, and administrators for capacity building, mentorship, and peer learning. They share their journey in developing the program, the impact of their work in fostering more equitable curriculum, practices, and policies, as well as the importance of centering racial equity and authentic family engagement in systems change efforts.
Guests include:
- Neva Bandelow, Early Learning Program Manager, Alameda County Office of Education
- Dr. LaWanda Wesley, Director, Quality Enhancement & Professional Development of Early Learning, Oakland Unified School District
- Host: Ronda Alexander, Director of Operations, NOW at Vital Village Network
Produced by: Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing
Music By: Morgan Breland