January 2022 Update
Working for a just,
equitable, and quality
early childhood education
for every young child.
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The DEY Podcast with Kisha Reid |
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On January 5th, we broadcast our first podcast, hosted by Kisha Reid, featuring Suzanne Axelsson, a pedagogical consultant in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Stockholm University, Sweden.
In this episode, Kisha and Suzanne discuss her work as an early childhood educator, pedagogical leader, writer, and lifelong learner.
They discuss how her blog, "Interaction Imagination," supported her own reflective thinking and acted as a personal professional development tool before it was read by others.
Through stories and anecdotal experiences, Suzanne and Kisha share their learning journey and experience as long-time early educators. Suzanne also talks about her new project, The Original Learning Approach, and breaks down the pillars of the approach.
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The Soothing Nature of Scribbles |
Suzanne graciously shared her blog with Defending the Early Years on the soothing nature of scribbles. In this issue she talks about the importance that scribbling or doodling on our ability to focus and sooth. How scribbling is the precursor to writing.
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Sneak peak at our next episode! |
On February 2nd, Kisha will talk with Atiya Wells.
Atiya Wells is a pediatric nurse with a passion to introduce, educate, and connect families in Baltimore--especially people of color--to local outdoor spaces.
Atiya is the founder and executive director Backyard Basecamp, Inc., a nonprofit with a mission to (re)connect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to land and nature.
Backyard Basecamp provides professional development, public speaking, urban environmental education, village building, garden consultations and support, health and wellness programs, and BLISS Meadows; a 10-acre land reclamation project where youth and family camps and programs are held.
See you on the 2nd.
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New Year, Same Fight, Better Plan!
DEY co-director Denisha Jones reflects on the challenges that we as early childhood educators, and as Americans, are still facing, as we enter the third year of the pandemic.
While she knows that there are no easy answers, she believes that our approach of "either/or? is not the answer.
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Thanks to Our Annual Appeal Donors |
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To all the donors of DEY's 2021 Annual Appeal, A BIG THANK YOU!
This year, DEY was given a challenge grant and because of your generous support, we met these goals. Because of you, every dollar we raised this year was matched. We couldn't have done it without you.
Your generosity allows us to continue the work of educating parents and fellow educators, of providing resources grounded in child development research and best practices as well as advocating for our young children and early childhood educators.
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To help foster the much needed grassroots advocacy work of early childhood education, DEY offers mini grants of $200 to $500. Our goal is to help those who work to promote education policies based on child development theory and research. We consider applications four times a year.
Deadlines are:
September 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1.
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In September 2021, they held a family play day entitles "From Amazon to Amazing".
Funds from DEY were used to purchase materials for the play day including cardboard boxes, paints, brushes, tape, and markers.
See their Power Point presentation, documenting their successful day here.
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Mark Your Calendars!
DEY's 4th Annual Summer Institute!
Monday, June 27 through Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 4 to 6 pm EDT.
Visit our 2022 Summer Institute page over the next few months as more details of the conference are finalized and made available. See you in June. |
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Board of Directors
Nancy Carlsson-Paige
Founder and Senior Advisor
Diane Levin
Founder and Senior Advisor
Geralyn Bywater
Treasurer
Kisha Reid
Board Member
Co-Directors
Blakely Bundy
Denisha Jones
Marketing Consultant
Katherine Fligg
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National Advisory Board
Erika Christakis
Sherry Cleary
Bill Crain
Stephanie Feeney
Doris Pronin Fromberg
Ayla Gavins
Michelle Gunderson
Ed Klugman
Susan Linn
Deborah Meier
Ruth Rodriguez-Fay
James St. Clair
Judith Van Hoorn
Founding National Advisory Board
Constance Kamii
Lilian Katz
Maurice Sykes
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Defending the Early Years, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Donations are tax deductible. Our Tax ID: 82-4308558
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Defending the Early Years
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