News

Child

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

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.”

Child

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

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.”

Policy

Monday, January 4, 2021

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.”

Policy

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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).

Bosses for Babies

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

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.”

Child

Friday, November 20, 2020

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.

Child

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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.”

Bosses for Babies

Friday, October 23, 2020

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.”

Child

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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.”

Mentoring

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

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.”

Mentoring

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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.”

Pre-K

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

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.”

Bosses for Babies

Friday, August 28, 2020

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.”

Mentoring

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

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.”

Pre-K

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

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.”

Health

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

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.”

Mentoring

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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.”

Bosses for Babies

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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.”

Pre-K

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Florida’s re-opening requires support for our youngest learners

From Community News: “Florida and its business community must take several steps to ensure our early learning system survives the landscape upon which we are embarking.”

Pre-K

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Waterford UPSTART: The Next Best Thing to Being There

From Early Learning Nation: “Why aren’t all four-year-olds in pre-K? For one thing, demand dwarfs supply, a result of budget shortfalls that persist despite the evidence that funding correlates with learning.”