Succeeding in the first 1000 days MIND THE OPPORTUNITY GAP: Tasha’s Story

Why, despite our best efforts, do we still have children in Connecticut entering school behind their peers, not fully ready to learn and succeed? Right from the Start (RFTS) is a Connecticut initiative that evolved from the outcry of parents, early care providers, advocates and a range of community stakeholders for a coordinated comprehensive early care and education delivery system. We want a system where all Connecticut children receive the early education and development support they need.

Right From The Start conversations are bringing together people in communities throughout Connecticut to identify the best approaches to address four root causes that are not receiving enough attention.  We want a system : that builds a foundation for learning and development during a child’s first 1000 days – Early is Good, Earlier is Better with accessible health, mental health, and social-emotional development support – Pay Attention to the Whole Child provides all children regardless of race or economic background with the same opportunities – Mind the Opportunity Gap where local communities are empowered to make effective decisions for their citizens – Support Local Community Action

Video Preview: Important ideas and themes:  “Gaps” in the early childhood system  Achievement gap  Opportunity gap  “Age in”  Inequities in the system  Care 4 Kids  Connecticut Works

SHOW VIDEO (Insert still shot/link to video)

What would you tell your friends who asked you about this video?

What important ideas did you hear in this video? about what children need? about parents and families? about child care providers? about health care provides? about other services? Why is this important to you?

How well are services in our community doing in meeting the needs of children and families in all economic situations? Which of the following approaches would make the system work better for those who need the most help?

Approach A Reduce barriers and increase access to early childhood education, healthcare and special services that support parents and families. “Programs like Early Head Start and Nurturing Families reach the most vulnerable children at an important stage of development.”

Approach B: Create a system that supports both generations by making sure that parents have education, training and job opportunities, as well as early care and education for their children. “Along with meeting basic needs, parents need systems to work together so they can find and keep jobs while their children are well cared for.”

Approach C: Make public system more accountable for the impact policies have on racial and economic disparities. Policy makers are responsible for how well the system works and for deciding which families and children receive services. “The only way to serve the most vulnerable families is to have a system of public support.”

WHICH IS THE BEST OPTION FOR BUILDING A SYSTEM THAT CLOSES THE OPPORTUNITY GAP?

Approach A: Reduce barriers and increase access to early childhood education, healthcare and special services that support parents and families. What are the advantages of this approach? … the disadvantages of this approach?

Approach B: Create a system that supports both generations by making sure that parents have education, training and job opportunities, as well as early care and education for their children. What are the advantages of this approach? … the disadvantages of this approach?

Approach C: Make public system more accountable for the impact policies have on racial and economic disparities. Policy makers are responsible for how well the system works and for deciding which families and children receive services. What are the advantages of this approach? … the disadvantages of this approach?

If you could choose only one of these approaches which would you choose? Why?

What was the most important idea you heard today? What do you like about that idea? Why is that important?

What did you learn or hear about today that you would like to know more about? Is there anything that you, individually, might do or do differently, as a result of today’s conversation? What would you like to see happen to follow up on today’s conversation?

(ADD THE LOCAL PLAN OF ACTION AND OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION)

We invite you to join our growing network. Go to our website: ◦ Share your thoughts, feelings, and insights in the Your Voice section.Your Voice ◦ Connect with others in53 Discovery communities working collaboratively to improve early childhood.53 Discovery communities ◦ Learn more in our Resource section.Resource