APPAM Communities Early Childhood Policy Researchers

Saturday, November 15, 1:45 to 2:45pm, Property: Hyatt Regency Seattle, Floor: 7th Floor, Room: 702 - Clearwater

Session Submission Type: APPAM Communities

Community Group Description

This gathering invites attendees who share a committment to strengthening the early childhood policy workforce, inclusive of researchers, faculty, students, practitioners, policymakers, and funders alike. Hosted by the Early Childhood Policy in Institutions of Higher Education (ECPIHE) initiative, this session provides a space for those developing or naviating early childhood policy pathways to connect, share, and strategize. As the early childhood policy field continues to build and grow, we must intentionally cultivate a diverse, well-prepared workforce that understands the unique demands of early childhood systems and the children, families and communities they serve.

This interactive session will include a brief introduction to ECPIHE's national work, followed by small-group discussions around key questions:

• What are the essential knowledge and competencies early childhood policy leaders need today?


• How can institutions of higher education expand access to early childhood policy pathways, particularly for students of color and those with lived experience?


• What partnerships between higher education, local/state/federal agencies, philanthropies, and communities are needed and necessary to strengthen the pipeline?


• How do we align academic preparation with real-world early childhood policy needs?

Participants will leave with new insights, resources, connections, and ideas for growing and strengthening the early childhood policy field.

Policy Area

• APPAM Communities

Moderator

• Jessica Olenja, University of Washington

Organizers

• Sharon Lynn Kagan, Columbia University

• Kathy Thornburg, University of Missouri

Speakers

• Gail E. Joseph, University of Washington

• David S. Knight, University of Washington