We know that early childhood education benefits entire communities. However, there is still a lack of equitable access. How can we ensure that all children benefit from high-quality learning early in their development? During 2023, FCS spent time listening, learning, and beginning to dream about what it might look like to work with neighbors to strengthen early learning in our neighborhoods. Today, we’re sharing some of what we learned!
First, We Listened
Healthy development begins with listening. At FCS, we know that we have to listen before we even think about taking action. Similar to the process we use when implementing the Flourishing Neighborhood Index, we spent time during the last few months of 2023 hosting neighborhood conversations around early childhood education. We provided space for neighbors to share current opportunities available to our youngest neighbors and their caregivers. They also shared specific challenges that caregivers and young children face. Of course, we learned a lot!
Leaning on Neighbors As Experts
In order to obtain the best information possible, our neighborhood engagement team worked closely with Bejanae Kareem, a Start:ME Southside alum. Founder of the BK International Education Consultancy, she provides program design, continuing education and training, and project management for PK-12 schools, professional organizations, and nonprofits. Bejanae led us well in walking alongside of neighbors and listening well to the key insights they were sharing. We were grateful for her skills and collaboration!
In addition, the FCS consulted with Purpose Built Communities – a partner organization with a long history of supporting communities and investing in neighbors. They had plenty of insights to offer in the realm of early childhood education.
Finally, we met with legacy residents like Brenda Trammell to help guide and focus our conversations around supporting early childhood learning. Members of our community have the most current knowledge around the successes, vulnerabilities, and areas of opportunity in our neighborhood. We are grateful to have neighbors like Ms. Brenda to learn from!
What’s Coming Next
Now, we’re synthesizing the information from the past and present. From there, neighbors will provide insight into what they think the best next steps will be. We’ll be sharing more soon, so stay tuned!
