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Empowering Our Village:
Highlights from Our July Community Events!
What an incredible month of impact! Throughout July, BCDI-Atlanta came together with local partners, educators, and community leaders to host and support six dynamic events—including four back-to-school drives, a community health fair, and our signature Family Literacy Night. Across all six events, we expanded our community outreach, connected families with vital wellness resources, and distributed over 1,000 new books directly into the hands of young readers, directly impacting children across our community.
Thanks to our incredible team, board, fellows, and local partners! We shared resources at the APS First Fulton Back-to-School Event, the McIntosh Trail Early Childhood Development Council Health Fair, and the Furthering Fathering Back-to-School Event, where children received free haircuts, new bookbags filled with school supplies, culturally responsive books, and new shoes for the entire family. Special recognition goes to Chantene Armstrong, BCDI-Atlanta Expand ECE Fellow, whose Back-to-School Event provided books, school supplies, and shoes to prepare young learners for school. Thank you, Mathewos Samson, for taking the time to visit our table and for your interest in learning more about BCDI-Atlanta.
A heartfelt thank you to the families and children who joined us for BCDI-Atlanta’s Family Literacy Night, which featured a special storytime with guest author Olivia Aston Bosworth, the author of Dinosaurs!—this year's GEEARS Mayor’s Summer Reading Club selection.
We had the opportunity to engage in valuable learning to support this new school year at the National African American Child and Family Research Center (NAACFRC) during the Community-Engaged Research Conference. This event was an excellent platform for collaboration and discussion among our community partners, including DECAL and the Council for Professional Recognition.
Together, we are ensuring our children enter the new school year equipped with the tools, books, and community support they need to thrive!
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Join us for Every Voice Counts Community Café
Join BCDI-Atlanta for an engaging and interactive virtual Community Café where we'll explore how families can use their voices to create brighter futures for children.
Advocacy isn't just about elections or politics—it's about ensuring our children have access to quality education, safe and nurturing environments, equitable opportunities, and the support they need to thrive. Whether you're speaking with a teacher, attending a school meeting, asking questions about your child's education, or sharing your experiences with community leaders, your voice matters.
📅 Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, August, 11, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Click Here to RSVP and Secure Your Spot!
We truly hope you can join us. Remember: Every voice matters, and every child benefits when families speak up. We look forward to sharing this space with you!
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WANDA and BCDI-Atlanta Convene Leaders to Reimagine Maternal and Child Health Through Food During Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Join WANDA (Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics and Agriculture) and Black Child Development Institute–Atlanta for an intimate evening celebrating Black maternal and child health during the Black Mamas Matter Alliance Conference. This intimate evening brings together mothers, birth workers, healthcare professionals, educators, advocates, and community leaders to explore bold ideas around nutrition as infrastructure.
Together, WANDA and BCDI-Atlanta are helping shift the conversation—from treating disease after it develops to investing in mothers and babies from the very beginning. We'll explore how food, culture, storytelling, and community can transform maternal and child health while strengthening the next generation of healthy eaters, readers, and leaders.
✨ Special Guest: Kendall Rae Johnson, Founder of aGROWkulture and Georgia's youngest certified farmer, whose inspiring leadership demonstrates that healthy habits—and healthy futures—can begin in childhood.
What You'll Experience
- A chef-inspired dinner in one of Atlanta's most historic gathering places
- Meaningful conversation on maternal and child nutrition
- Insights from national leaders in maternal health
- Networking with healthcare, nonprofit, education, and food system professionals
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A preview of WANDA's growing initiatives, including NOURISH Maternal Food as Medicine and WANDA's World
📅 Friday, September 11, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Paschal's Restaurant – Private Dining Room, Atlanta
Admission: $75 per person (Meal included)
Your ticket supports maternal nutrition education, WANDA Scholars, and NOURISH Maternal Food as Medicine.
Why This Matters
Black mothers are among the nation's most influential decision-makers when it comes to food, health, and family well-being. Supporting them with trusted nutrition education, community, and practical resources doesn't just improve birth outcomes; it helps shape healthier children, stronger families, and more resilient communities.
This evening celebrates Black mothers not simply as caregivers but as community builders, educators, food leaders, and architects of healthier futures.
Purchase your ticket today and join us as we set the table for healthier mothers, healthier children, and healthier futures.
Register Now
Space is intentionally limited to foster authentic conversation and meaningful connections.
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BCDI-Atlanta 8th Annual Culturally Responsive Early
Education & Care Leadership Summit
BCDI-Atlanta invites educators, trainers, leaders, advocates, policymakers, families, and community partners to move beyond ideas and into action. This year’s theme, From Vision to Reality: Building the Future Our Children Deserve, challenges us to build on the knowledge, wisdom, and aspirations of our communities to create lasting, systemic change. We are seeking dynamic trainers and workshop facilitators to deliver actionable, culturally responsive sessions that empower participants to build the future our children deserve.
We invite proposals for 60- to 75-minute interactive workshops and presentations centered on cultural responsiveness, equity, and collective responsibility. Proposals should align with one or more of the following strands:
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Leadership & Policy Advocacy: Equipping ECE leaders with strategies to drive systemic change and advance policy equity.
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Family & Community Engagement: Elevating practices that foster authentic partnerships, build trust, and honor family heritage.
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Workforce Development & Wellness: Strengthening, sustaining, and supporting early childhood educators and care professionals.
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Educational Excellence & Culturally Responsive Practice: Delivering innovative curricula, learning strategies, and environments that celebrate Black child development.
Key Dates & Details
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Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2026
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Notification of Acceptance: Late November 2026
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Summit Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Location: Atlanta, GA
To submit your workshop proposal, please complete the online submission form here.
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Introducing the New BCDI-Atlanta Online Store!
We are thrilled to launch the BCDI-Atlanta Online Store officially! Now, you can wear your advocacy on your sleeve while directly fueling the movement for Black children and families in our community.
Why Your Purchase Matters
Every item in our exclusive merchandise collection is more than just high-quality apparel or gear; it is an investment in our village. 100% of the proceeds from our store go directly toward supporting BCDI-Atlanta’s local programs, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives.
When you shop with us, you are:
- Funding literacy initiatives such as our Read to Succeed Program and Family Literacy Nights.
- Supporting educator professional development through our Expand ECE Fellowship program.
- Amplifying the voices of local advocates working tirelessly for early childhood equity.
Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for an educator, a statement piece for your next community event, or a daily reminder that our children matter, we have something special for you. Browse our new store, grab your favorite gear, and show the world that you stand with BCDI-Atlanta.
Visit the BCDI-Atlanta Shop Here
Thank you for shopping with purpose and supporting our mission!
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Welcome to the New NBCDI Engagement System (NES)!
BCDI-Atlanta is entering a bold new chapter. As our movement for Black children and families gains strength, we are evolving how we organize, advocate, and grow together. To amplify our collective voice, we are thrilled to introduce the NBCDI Engagement System (NES)—our new digital infrastructure designed to strengthen member engagement and mobilize for lasting change.
Why NES?
NES is more than just a membership portal; it is the engine that turns local leadership into coordinated action. By activating your account, you help us streamline our advocacy efforts and ensure that the Atlanta Village remains a powerful force for progress.
Choose Your Membership
Ready to join the movement or renew your commitment? Select the membership level that fits you best and join us in NES today:
Let’s mobilize for the future. We'll see you in the system!
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Expand ECE Fellowship Apply Now!
We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about early childhood education. Our fellowship program is designed to support and empower future educators through hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development.
Program Highlights:
- Hands-On Experience: Engage in culturally responsive early childhood education practices.
- Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced educators and professionals in the field.
- Professional Development: Participate in opportunities that enhance your skills and expand your professional network.
- Education Coaching: Fellows will be assigned to an education coach to support their academic journey toward an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Education.
Who Should Apply:
- Individuals passionate about making a difference in early education.
- Those seeking to engage with their communities and advocate for positive change.
- Educators aspiring to grow professionally and expand their impact.
Apply Today!
Take the next step in your career and join our transformative fellowship program.
Learn more and apply.
FAQ
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BCDI-Atlanta Summer Fridays
At BCDI-Atlanta, we believe that mental health matters—not just for the families we serve, but for the dedicated team that supports them.
To honor this commitment, we will be observing Summer Fridays from June through August. Our offices will be closed on Fridays during these months to allow our staff time to rest, recharge, and prioritize a healthy work-life balance.
We encourage our entire community to take a moment this summer to breathe, unplug, and nurture your own well-being.
Office Hours (June – August):
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Monday – Thursday: Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Friday: Closed for Summer Fridays
Thank you for your continued support as we practice the self-care we advocate for every day!
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The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has launched a new family portal to support families in Georgia who are seeking child care and early education services. This portal, called DECAL FAST: Family Access to Services & Tools, provides easy access to essential information and resources. Families can use DECAL FAST to find information and connect with early care and education services.
The portal can be accessed at families.decal.ga.gov, as well as through the "Families" and "Find Quality Rated" links on the main DECAL website, www.decal.ga.gov.
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Atlanta Technical College
Early Childhood and Care Education Department
Men of Excellence Initiative – Future Male Educators
The Men of Excellence Initiative is actively recruiting prospective men interested in becoming the next generation of educators, mentors, and leaders. The mission is to increase male representation in education while providing the support, guidance, and opportunities needed for student success.
Through mentorship, leadership development, and academic support, we strive to motivate, engage, and navigate students toward successful careers in education.
Benefits of Joining the ECCE Men of Excellence Initiative/ Program
- Free Tuition Assistance Opportunities
- Strong Mentoring and Academic Support
- Leadership Development Experiences
- Networking with Education Professionals
- Guaranteed Job Placement Opportunities Upon Successful Program Completion
- Opportunities to Positively Impact the Lives of Children
Whether you are a recent high school graduate, career changer, or someone seeking a meaningful profession, learn more about this exciting opportunity.
Contact: Jim Gale, ECCE Department, Men of Excellence Initiative Coordinator
404-225-4440 or jgale@atlantatech.edu
Join the Movement!
Become part of a program dedicated to developing educational leaders who are committed to excellence, service, and making a lasting impact in their communities.
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