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June 2020 Bits & Bytes
We Stand Together
DCAEYC stands together with NAEYC in condemning racism, structural biases and social and educational inequities in black and brown communities. We as early educators have a duty to model principles of fairness and justice and must have the will and the skills to act, with others or alone, against prejudice and/or discriminatory actions.

Children thrive in learning environments where their uniqueness is valued and treated with respect. In turn, they learn to value and respect the differences in others. Early Learning environments should reflect diversity and inclusiveness.  NAEYC's Advancing Equity Statement calls on all those that work with and care for children to challenge their own biases and to create learning and workplace environments that embrace diversity and full inclusion. Let’s stand together.
Upcoming Events
How to Create a Plan for Reopening Part II:
Reimagine Your Childcare Program 
Monday, June 15th, 2020
4:00pm to 5:00pm
Join early childhood education and financial experts, Better Futures LLC, for PART II, as they walk participants through 5 STEPS to follow to prepare for the reopening of an Early Childhood Education business after COVID-19. The strategies include prioritizing tasks now; carefully assessing finances, addressing family's fears, preparing staff for changes in the operation of the program due to the impact of COVID– 19, and staying positive and focused on new opportunities as a leader.
Self-Care for Early Educators
A DCAEYC Virtual Connection with the DC Early Learning Collaborative
Meditation and Breathing 
Tuesdays through June 30th
10:00am to 10:45am

This class will focus on breathing, meditation, and giving participants the tools to encourage mindfulness throughout the day. Exercises will be focused on calming the nervous system, rewiring neural pathways, alleviating anxiety, combating depression and helping teachers deal with daily stressors. Optimally can be done with very little space.
Yoga
Thursdays through June 30th
2:00pm to 2:45pm

This class will focus on a movement-based style of meditation where there is light stretching and breathing involved. Exercises will focus on combating physical pain from sitting all day, which affects their mental health and creates a negative feedback loop. Postures will be safe and chosen precisely to deal with chronic neck, back and leg pain.
Starting June 1 and lasting for six weeks , NAEYC is offering over 100 presentations of content shared by NAEYC experts and a diverse group of presenters from all sectors of the industry. Presenters include policy experts, higher education faculty, school leaders, researchers and educators. While typically this type of content is only offered at NAEYC Professional Learning Institute, NAEYC is providing access to these presentations during the NAEYC Virtual Institute at no charge as their (and our!) gift to you for all that you give to young children and their families. To access the presentations, you’ll need to sign in with your NAEYC account.  Login  to make sure your email and password are correct.

 Member
Spotlight On...

Jamal Berry
Deputy Director, Educare DC
and
President, DC Head Start Association
"I believe that our field is beginning to earn the professional respect that it deserves,
and I am drawn to helping us achieve the recognition as some of the best and most important educators in the world."
Did you catch PBS's special event on talking to children authentically about race and racism? We're proud to say that DCAEYC member Jamal Berry was part of it! Watch him and other panelists discuss this important topic below.
*If you or someone you know would like to be featured in a future member spotlight, please let us know by emailing dcaeycmail@gmail.com .
Principle of Practice: Advancing Equity
Action: Build libraries in classrooms that reflect inclusion and diversity
Showing children that we see and value all aspects of them—including characteristics related to race, ethnicity, and culture—is a critical step in helping children feel welcome and connected to their teachers and peers. Children’s books can serve as jumping off points to discuss culture, race, and ethnicity and connect to children’s play.

For book and activity ideas to discuss culture, race, and ethnicity with young children, check out the NAEYC article "Now Read This! Books that Support Diversity, Conversations, and Play."
Note: This article is exclusive to NAEYC members.
Looking for additional resources on discussing culture, race, and ethnicity with young children? Check out the " Equity and Diversity " section on the DCAEYC resources page .
Policy Beat:
DCAEYC Advocates for Child Care Financial Stabilization
On Thursday, June 4th, DCAEYC Executive Director Kathy Hollowell-Makle and other members of the Under 3 DC coalition testified before the DC Council on the findings from our brief, as well as essential steps needed for the financial stabilization of child care in the District. Watch and read Kathy's full testimony below. Skip to 1:32:37 in the testimony video to watch Kathy!
DCAEYC and the Under 3 DC Coalition Brief Release:
"D.C. Can't Have Economic Recovery Without Child Care Investments"
Have you read the brief we put out with Under 3 DC about why " D.C. Can't Have Economic Recovery Without Child Care Investments ?" Based on recent surveys conducted by DCAEYC and Under 3 DC, this brief highlights the concerns of child care providers, families, and community leaders regarding the reopening of DC child care programs. DCAEYC thanks everyone who contributed to the surveys that made this brief possible. We share your concerns around the stabilization of child care, and are committed to making sure they are heard.


Special Announcement:
DCAEYC Needs Vibrant Leaders:
Guide the Work of  YOUR  Association 
If you or someone you know possesses strong leadership potential, including skills and knowledge of fiscal and governance oversight and a willingness to serve as an advocate of the DC early learning community, please consider submitting a Letter of Interest and Resume for a Member-At-Large position to Jackie Hines, Chair of the Nominating Committee at ​ dcaeycmail@gmail.com​  by September 30, 2020.