Super Bowl Grant Money Could Help Tampa Bay Area Businesses Become More Family-Friendly
From ABC Action News: “It’s starting the conversation with the business people around the nation that early learning is important,” Patel said.
Children's Movement of Florida selects Madeleine Thakur as new president
From Tallahassee Democrat: “Madeleine has built effective relationships all across our state—with parents, community organizations, business leaders, state agencies, and legislators. She has the skills and the spirit to help lead us toward even more progress for the children of Florida.”
Personnel note: Madeleine Thakur named president of The Children’s Movement of Florida
From Florida Politics: “Ensuring all children get off to a strong start is really the most important work for Florida’s future. I’m honored to play a role in pushing for business practices, public policy, and state investments that support families with young children.”
Miami native Madeleine Thakur is named first woman president of The Children’s Movement
From The Miami Herald: “The Children’s Movement of Florida, a statewide nonprofit that advocates for early learning and parent support, on Tuesday announced its new president — the first woman and first mother to join the organization’s executive ranks.”
Hopes for 2021: Brain Building, Racial Equity, Policies that Serve Children and Families, Kindness, Daily Walks
From Early Learning Nation: “I hope we will see legislation in Florida in 2021 that prioritizes children. We are taking aim at enhancing quality early education for all children and at ensuring robust supports for families with young children.”
National Children’s Summit Takes on Soaring Child Care Costs and Impact of Early Learning
From Child’s Path: “If nothing else, this pandemic and other disasters…have shown us the absolute essential nature of child care,” said newly elected Sen. Loranne Ausley (D-Tallahassee).
Florida Business Leaders Have a Role to Play in Early Education
From South Florida Sun Sentinel: “We can start by helping parents with flexible work schedules during these extraordinary times — scheduling in ways that still support the business need but also allow for employees to fulfill personal responsibilities.”
How much are people willing to help during COVID-19? Give Miami Day 2020 hits new record
From Miami Herald: “It was a magnificent outpouring of good and caring people building a Movement on behalf of every child in Florida,” wrote Dave Lawrence Jr., board chair and founder of The Children’s Movement.
How Miami’s nonprofits are battling COVID headwinds to raise money and serve community
From The Miami Herald: “Yes, it’s a terrible time, but people are stepping up.” he says. “We’ve seen this especially with organizations who have built relationships with donors who believe in the mission.”
Mighty, Mighty Bosses
From Early Learning Nation: “Many of us have come to realize that an investment in children is an investment in all of us. These are future workers. They’re going to make our economy work.”
Childhood education advocate Dave Lawrence honored with ‘Sand In My Shoes’ award
From The Miami Herald: “As chair of the Children’s Movement of Florida, Lawrence has helped expand access to children’s health insurance, education and literacy.”
300 Volunteers Needed To Help Students Improve Reading Skills
From South Florida Sun Sentinel: “Through the ReadingPals program, volunteers connect with students from pre-K to second grade in an effort to establish a love for literacy while improving reading and comprehension competence.”
ReadingPals Set The Stage For Future Learners
From The Daytona Beach News-Journal: “When students read with their reading mentors, they don’t see it as work, so it is no longer stressful or overwhelming. They begin to love reading.”
State Lawmaker, CEO Of Early Learning Nonprofit: Child Care Providers 'Need Help'
From WLRN: “They still have to pay the rent for their space. They’re still trying to pay their teachers. They still have to pay their insurance.”
Baby talk: Business leaders say state's future workforce is at risk
From Business Observer: “Seeing that situation, a group of Florida business leaders calling themselves Bosses for Babies are championing the need for additional support for the state’s young children and their parents and caregivers.”
Kids Get a Haircut and a Reading Lesson at This St. Pete Barbershop
From Tampa Bay Times: “I don’t take for granted knowing how to read. Being able to teach to those younger than me is something I’m dedicated to doing.”
Opinion: Pandemic underscores the need for funding early childhood learning programs
From Tampa Bay Parenting: “Readiness doesn’t mean just knowing the academic basics. It means a child has a willing attitude and confidence in the process of learning: a healthy state of mind.”
Florida’s top CEOs — 135 strong — call for masks and more to stem rising COVID-19 cases | Opinion
From South Florida Sun Sentinel: “Feeling safe and being safe will be the cornerstones of our economic recovery as health and prosperity are inextricably linked.”
Non-Profit Organization Seeks Volunteers to Play With Babies
From WPTV-NBC 5: “When the mothers go to work, volunteers usually help care for the babies.”
Jeff Vinik invests $3 million on early learning research in Hillsborough County
From Tampa Bay Times: “The investment is part of a growing business recognition that improving education for preschoolers helps build a more talented and prepared workforce.”