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
The Power of Peer Learning and Capacity Building: Improving Access to Quality Early Care and Education in Philadelphia
What does it take to tackle intergenerational poverty and ensure that all children have the best start in life to thrive? The West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning & Partners (AFEL) have been working to bring together critical partners, caregivers, and community stakeholders to ensure that families in Philadelphia have equitable access to quality early care and education opportunities. Led by Action for Early Learning at Drexel University, AFEL & Partners builds upon the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhoods effort and also includes key partners such as Health Federation of Philadelphia, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, A Running Start Philadelphia, and many others. In our fourth episode, we learn from two leaders of AFEL & Partners and their work to support an alliance of child care centers seeking to improve quality care, as well as strengthen community outreach and awareness campaigns to ensure that all children are kindergarten ready. They share the lessons learned about the power of peer learning, the importance of a trauma-informed lens in cradle-to-career efforts, and the impact of these partnerships on the lives of caregivers, children, and families in Philadelphia.
Guests include:
- Maria Walker, Project Director, Action for Early Learning, Drexel University Office of University and Community Partnerships
- Leslie Lieberman, Senior Director of Training and Organizational Development, Health Federation of Philadelphia
- Host: Ronda Alexander, Director of Operations, NOW at Vital Village Network
Produced by: Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing
Music By: Morgan Breland