LACE Media: Now Enrolling for Summer STEM!

LACE Media is proud to announce the opening of the Parent-Child Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program for children ages 4–5. Led by the expertise of Dr. James C. Young (NBCDI Council of Elders), this initiative is designed to build early critical thinking and problem-solving skills right at home. As a foundational pillar of BCDI-Atlanta, Dr. Young has been an active member since the very beginning, dedicating decades to the academic and cultural excellence of our local community.

About the Program

This 12-week virtual journey helps parents and caregivers build early critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their little ones. Through weekly guided activities, parents will learn how to support their child’s natural curiosity while introducing foundational concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Unlock the genius in your child. The program will offer a stipend disbursed only upon successful, full completion. 

Hands-On Learning: The STEM Kit

Each participating family will receive a hands-on STEM Kit. These Kits are packed with straightforward, engaging materials, a comprehensive guidebook, and supporting information.

The Details

• When: Wednesdays, June 10 - August 26, 2026
• Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
• Where: Virtually via Zoom
• Who: Children ages 4–5 and their caregivers
• Cost: Free 

Ready to Apply? No prior STEM experience is required—just a willingness to learn and play!

Deadline to Apply: May 8, 2026. Spots are limited.

Join Us for BCDI-Atlanta's Quarterly Affiliate Meeting!

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Literacy is the Foundation of our Future! BCDI-Atlanta is back with a vital conversation for our community! Join us for our quarterly meeting, Seeds of Success: Advancing Literacy & the Role of Community.

We are thrilled to host two powerhouse guest speakers: Reach Out and Read Georgia and Jumpstart! They will share evidence-based strategies for early reading success and discuss how our village can work together to ensure every child in Atlanta thrives.

We’ll cover:

• The science behind early reading success (Birth–Age 8).
• How YOU can help bridge the literacy gap and support literacy outside the classroom.
• Updates on BCDI-Atlanta’s programs.

Whether you're a parent, an educator, or a neighbor, this village needs your voice!

REGISTER NOW!

Community Café: Taking Care of Our Family’s Mental Health

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join BCDI-Atlanta for a family-focused conversation on mental health during our May Community Café. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this interactive session will explore practical strategies for supporting the emotional well-being of both children and parents.

The event will feature a panel of experts, including a child psychologist, a family therapist, a school counselor, and a parent advocate with lived experience. This interactive session is designed to provide you with actionable tools to promote a healthy, supportive atmosphere at home.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or community member, this Café is a safe space to learn, connect, and leave with practical tools to support your family’s mental well-being. Support your family’s mental health!

REGISTER NOW!

Celebrating Our Literacy Journey

A Heartfelt Thank You!

Black Child Development Institute (BCDI)-Atlanta was deeply honored to be named the 2025 Georgia Reads Community Award winner, a testament to our collective commitment to early literacy. We want to share a "Thank You" to Georgia Reads and our community partners for their work to ensure every child has access to developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive literature. Standing among literacy advocates, BCDI-Atlanta was officially recognized during Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol, highlighting the vital importance of culturally responsive education.

Through the Georgia Reads Community Award, we have significantly strengthened the literacy landscape in our community, resulting in a number of key milestones.

• Book Distribution: We helped build home libraries and promote diverse stories by distributing over 1,000 books.
• Family Empowerment: Our new Family Literacy Series empowered parents by equipping them for their essential role as their child's first teacher. We also deepened our partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS) by hosting specialized Family Engagement workshops within their system.
• Community Events: We hosted 10 community events in collaboration with key partners, including Easterseals North Georgia, KIPP Atlanta Schools, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), and McIntosh Trail Early Childhood Development Council.
• Professional Development: We supported educators by providing Professional Development to equip them with modern literacy strategies for the classroom.

Thank you, Georgia Reads, for being part of this journey to ensure every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and succeed.

Check out the 2026 Georgia Reads Community Award winners here.

Celebrating Literacy and Heritage through Video Story Reads

At BCDI-Atlanta, we are dedicated to ensuring every child sees themselves reflected in the books they read through our Read To Succeed program. Representation matters, and so does a great story. We believe representation is a powerful mirror for our children. This month, our Black Video Story Read highlights a story that celebrates curiosity, nature, and the security of home. 

Featured Author: Vernon Hamilton

Vernon Hamilton is more than just an author; he is a pioneer in the world of African-American children’s literature. Since 1989, he has served as the president of Atlantic Coast Marketing, Inc., and in the early days of the internet, he created the first website specializing in Black children’s books. A playwright and storyteller at heart, Vernon uses his work to ensure our children see themselves reflected in every narrative. Click here for more information about Vernon Hamilton.

Featured Book: Isn't It Scary?

The Story: This picture book follows two African-American children as they learn about the natural habitats of animals, and connect each to the comfort and security of the children’s own home and family. Travis and Rosa are in a suburban park with their mother when they see a small rabbit disappear into a hole. The kids peer into the hole as far as they can see, and then one child says, “Isn’t it scary?” Mom assures the children that the rabbit is very comfortable and safe in its home. Isn’t it Scary? follows the family as they encounter several animals in the park. Travis and Rosa see rabbits, squirrels, frogs, fish, deer, birds, and bats. They learn that every creature is adapted and suited to its own special environment.

Why We Love It: This charming tale beautifully bridges the gap between the natural world and the comfort of family. It’s a perfect bedtime story that affirms a child's sense of security while encouraging them to explore the world around them without fear.

Join us for a special reading of this wonderful book. It’s a great way to settle in for some quality family time!

Watch the Story Read!

We want to support your child in developing their at-home libraries. If you are interested in receiving a FREE copy of Isn't It Scary?, please complete the request form here.

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.

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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.

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Learn more and apply.

FAQ

Tap any of the Community Engagement photos to get the latest updates on our local partnerships and upcoming events.

Exciting Funding Opportunity for Early Care Education Programs!

The G-SPAN 2026 ECE Funding Opportunity is here to support innovative strategies in Early Care and Education (ECE) settings. Programs can apply for funding to implement one of the following strategies:

Farm to ECE Policy, Systems, or Environmental Strategies

• Create indoor grow stations or outdoor garden beds.
• Adopt policies to integrate locally grown foods into menus.
• Incorporate garden or nutrition education into the curriculum.

Physical Activity Integration

• Install outdoor play stations or learning spaces.
• Develop policies to support motor skill development.
• Train staff to integrate physical activities into lessons.

Who Can Apply?

• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
• Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)
• Farmers and Growers
• Health Clinics
• Out of School Organizations (before and after school)
• Schools and Academic Institutions (funds must be used for outside school activities)
• Technical Assistance Organizations
• Lead Partners of Coalitions (including local health improvement coalitions, community wellness fund, etc.)
• Local Government Agencies (city planning, local public health)

Key Details:

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET
• Funding Period: Up to 1 year
• Need Help? Contact G-SPAN at gspanatghpc@gsu.edu by April 24, 2026.

Ready to apply? Access the RFP and application here today!

Celebrate Black Maternal Health Week 
April 11-17, 2026

Join  Black Mamas Matter Alliance BMMA in marking the 10th anniversary of this important initiative. The theme for this year's Black Maternal Health Week (#BMHW26) is “Rooted in Justice & Joy.” This milestone theme reflects the strength and resilience of Black-led perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health organizations that have fostered change and healing within communities.

Download this year's toolkit, which provides messaging guidance based on the theme "Rooted in Justice and Joy," along with key facts, talking points, sample posts, graphics, and more to help you engage effectively!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Join the Center for Black Women’s Wellness for a series of powerful events dedicated to the health, joy, and advocacy of Black mothers.

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.



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