PfP’s Week of the Young Child Brought Together Veterans of Child Care And The Next Generation

Programs for Parents recently hosted its annual Week of the Young Child Breakfast virtually. The event’s theme was “Looking Forward  . . . the Future of Early Childhood Education.” The event brought together such veteran child development experts as Annette Strickland, formerly of The Schumann Fund, Barbara Reisman of the Maher Charitable Foundation, and Dr. Beverly Lynn, CEO of Programs for Parents. Dr. Lynn asked Strickland and Reisman what they would like to see the State of New Jersey do for child care? “We have a Department of Education,” said Strickland, “I would like to see a Department of Early Education and a more comprehensive view of young children in human services and in social services.” Reisman focused on what Governor Murphy’s administration has done and what more needs to be done. “I would like to see a greater investment in early childhood,” said Reisman, “The governor has made preschool a priority and that is terrific but we need to couple that investment with a greater investment in children birth to three – not as an either or but as a both and.” Participants also heard from the next generation of early childhood leaders, including: Tyneisha Gibbs of the Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership; DeNiqua Matias of Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center; Winifred Smith of Zadie’s of The Oranges; and Nayibe Capellan of Project Ready. They provided valuable insight about the business of early childhood education and focused on the importance of provider self-care.