Introducing BCDI-Atlanta’s February 2025 Activity Guides:

“Embracing Self-Love & Black Joy”!

Celebrate Heart & Heritage with our latest activity guides for children ages 0-5 and 6-8! These engaging resources are designed to nurture self-worth, cultural pride, and confidence through meaningful activities for parents and early educators.

By fostering self-love early, we empower our children to embrace their unique identities and shine with joy and resilience.

DOWNLOAD HERE

COMPLETE THE PUBLICATION SURVEY

Announcing Our 2025 Summit Sessions

EARLY LEARNING TRACK

• Fostering Equity: Building a Culturally and Inclusive Learning Environment by Carolyn Tricoche of ACE Educational Training Consultants, LLC
• Discover How DECAL Scholars Can Empower Your Educators by Lindsey Peterson of DECAL Scholars
• Empowering Early Learners through Executive Function Skills: A Culturally Responsive Approach by Jessica Smith of Cognitive Catalyst Coaching

LITERACY TRACK

• Embracing All Voices: Using Data to Illuminate Children's Brilliance by Alice Oliver & Nathan Thompson of Rollins Center for Language and Literacy at Atlanta Speech School
• "Read, Nourish, and Flourish”: Cultivating Literacy Practices and Healthy Eating Through Books by Monica Griffin & Chermaine Tolbert of Quality Care for Children & Stacey Wallen of Rollins Center for Language and Literacy
• Turning The Page: Black Representation in Early Childhood Literature by Yolanda Weaver of Yolanda's Creative Smile

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT TRACK

• Parents as Partners: Families and Schools Working Together for the Child's Success by Sheila Thomas of Thomas Educational Consulting and Training
• Excavate and Elevate Your Family Engagement Work by Angelina Hunt & Tonnie Weatherspoon of United Way of Greater Atlanta
• Elevating Family Voices: Empowering Family Engagement Through Connection and Resources by Bridget Ratajczak, Jennifer Semendy, Ebony Tolbert, Joya Burson, & Jamillia Centeno of GA Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)

POLICY & ADVOCACY TRACK

• Addressing Black Maternal and Infant Mortality: A Call for Equity in Healthcare and Beyond by Dr. Nedra Washington Goss & Dr. Sheila Lumar of University of North Texas at Dallas
• Long-term Effects of Early Childhood Educational and Familial Experiences on African American Children's Academic Success by Cassandra Bolar of National African American Child and Family Research Center
• Empowering Parents: Advocacy and Rights in the IEP Process by Carmela Jones of The Advocates Educational Services LLC

As a valued member, we're excited to offer you an exclusive 15% discount on registration for the 6th Annual Culturally Responsive ECE Leadership Summit. Check your email for the special promotional code – this is an event you won't want to miss!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

L.E.A.N: Lattes & Learning - Shared Vision, Shared Voices

Join our L.E.A.N. Community gathering for early childhood education (ECE) professionals to connect over coffee and discuss leadership, equity, and inclusion in childcare.

Date: February 14, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Location: Zoom 

BCDI-Atlanta’s L.E.A.N. Community (Leadership & Equity Advancement Network) supports ECE professionals through training and group learning. Our Lattes & Learning event focuses on workforce development:

Engaging Discussions: Explore strategies for self-awareness and inclusive workplaces.  

Professional Development: Learn from experts about leadership and career growth in ECE.  

Networking Opportunities: Connect with others committed to improving the ECE workforce. 

Whether you are an ECE director, administrator, or educator, Lattes & Learning will give you the tools and support you need to make a difference.

Please share this event with colleagues, relatives, and friends so we can spread the word about what we do and how you can get involved!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

BCDI-Atlanta once again proudly partnered with the Grainger Atlanta team in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, assembling 250 literacy kits with the support of over 40 volunteers across two branches. The literacy kits were delivered to West Manor Elementary School in Atlanta on Friday, January 24, 2025.

This continued collaboration between BCDI-Atlanta and Grainger Atlanta showcases the enduring power of community partnership and engagement.

LEARN MORE

Quality Care for Children is excited to launch a new program, LEAP to Health: Learning, Eating And Playing. They are recruiting 30 ECE sites in select metro-Atlanta and Southeast Georgia counties to receive training, coaching, and $500 in materials to help meet their nutrition or physical activity goals.

Applications are due Friday, February 14th.

APPLY TODAY

This forum is space for early education stakeholders to connect and share with each other. Start by introducing yourself with areas of interest, posting your relative content, sharing media, or information for advancing equity in early care and education.



LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE