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LEAN Lattes & Learning Statewide Coalition Meeting
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Join BCDI-Atlanta for our next virtual LEAN Lattes & Learning Statewide Coalition Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, from 6:30–8:00 PM ET.
This month’s vital conversation, "From Silos to Systems: Strengthening Cross-Sector Collaboration for Greater Impact," focuses on aligning our collective efforts across early childhood, K-12 education, and community-based organizations to support families across Georgia better.
We are bringing together a powerhouse panel of leaders actively driving cross-sector work:
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Alvin Glymph – Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, United Way of Greater Atlanta
- Erica Jones – Family & Community Engagement Manager, Chattanooga Head Start
- Dr. Lee Johnson, III – Early Childhood Education Senior Fellow, Southern Education Foundation (SEF)
It’s time to move from silos to systems. Your unique experience and perspective are needed at the table to help reshape how our village operates. Let's design integrated systems that ensure every child thrives.
🗓️ When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET
📍 Where: Virtual (Link provided upon registration)
Head over to bcdiatlanta.org/events to secure your virtual seat!
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Join Us for Family Literacy Night!
Mark your calendars for a very special BCDI-Atlanta Family Literacy Night! We are bringing a spectacular storytime experience straight to your living room, completely free of charge. Dinosaurs! has been officially selected as this year's feature book for the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club (MSRC)—an incredible initiative for children ages birth to five convened by GEEARS (The Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students).
This month, we are thrilled to welcome a phenomenal guest reader to our village: Olivia Aston Bosworth, author of the children's book, Dinosaurs! During our virtual session, we will be modeling research-based, interactive reading methods that make language meaningful, fun, and engaging for your little ones!
📅 Event Details:
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When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
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Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
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Where: Virtual (The Zoom link will be sent directly to your email upon registration)
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Ages: Perfect for educators and families with children ages 0–8!
Don't miss this opportunity to foster a love for reading, spark your child's imagination, and connect with fellow parents and educators in our community.
Click Here to RSVP & Secure Your Spot!
To learn more about the city-wide initiative and find more summer book club reads near you, visit the GEEARS MSRC Page.
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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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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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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
| | Tap any of the Community Engagement photos to get the latest updates on our local partnerships and upcoming events. | |
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Pickleball Celebration!
We are absolutely thrilled to partner once again with Dill Dinkers Pickleball and Global Black Pickleball Association for their spectacular 2026 Juneteenth fundraiser to support BCDI-Atlanta. The Dill Dinkers Pickleball Freedom Fundraiser on June 19th will raise critical funds to support our local advocacy, literacy, and early education programs. Check out the schedule of events for the 2nd Annual Biggest Juneteenth Pickleball Event hosted by Global Black Pickleball Association.
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Schedule of Events:
- Friday, June 12 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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All Levels Play: Kick off the celebration with community, competition, and culture!
- Friday, June 13 | All Day
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Celebration + Tournament: A powerful day of unity, culture, and championship play featuring live music, food, local vendors, and more!
- Saturday, June 14 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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All Levels Play: Keep the momentum going with more pickleball, more community, and more fun.
- Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth!) | Open Play All Day
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Dill Dinkers Freedom Fundraiser: Come out for open play all day ($5 for members, $10 for visitors) alongside vendors, music, food, and advocacy—with proceeds directly benefiting BCDI-Atlanta!
By participating in any of these events, you are directly investing in the social-emotional, academic, and physical well-being of Black children across Atlanta.
Let’s pack the courts, celebrate our freedom, and strengthen our village together!
Click Here to Register for Any Event!
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DECAL Georgia Pre-K Summer Transition Programs
Is your little learner getting ready to take the big step into Pre-K or Kindergarten this upcoming 2026–2027 school year? The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is offering free, 5-week Summer Transition Programs during June and July to help children build confidence and essential skills before the first day of school.
DECAL offers two specialized programs designed to give students a strong head start:
Rising Pre-K is a program that specifically targets students who are registered to attend Georgia's Pre-K Program during the upcoming 2026-2027 school year AND whose home language is Spanish.
Rising Kindergarten is an intensive academic program for rising kindergartners. The program is specifically for children who did not attend Georgia’s PreK program during the school year or for children who attended but need additional support.
All registration is managed directly by the participating schools. To sign up, families must visit the school site and provide:
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate
- Proof of Georgia residency
The school will provide any additional paperwork required to complete enrollment.
To locate a participating school in your neighborhood, view contact information, or check program dates, find DECAL Summer Transition Locations Here.
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Join the Families for BigFuture Committee!
Parents and caregivers, you know exactly what your teens need to succeed—and it’s time to take your seat at the table! The National Parents Union (NPU), in partnership with BigFuture and the College Board, is launching the inaugural Families for BigFuture Committee.
This is a powerful, nationwide advisory group designed to ensure that parent and caregiver voices directly shape the college and career planning resources used by millions of teenagers across the country.
Ready to represent our village on a national stage? Space is limited, so don't wait to submit your application or get connected with the movement.
Apply for the BigFuture Committee Here
Join the National Parents Union Network
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