Engage with other parents by attending monthly meetings highlighting different policy topics that impact children and families.
Check out recordings of our past meetings below.
Lunch and Learns Coming Up
Lunch and Learn meetings take place once a month on
a Wednesday @ 12PM via Zoom
Click here for a list of the webinars and to register.
ACNJ Lunch and Learn: Using Data to Understand the Health of Families in NJ
Presented by Mary Coogan, President and CEO, ACNJ, and Alena Siddiqui, Data Analyst, ACNJ
Curious about how data can tell the story of family health in New Jersey? Don’t miss this dynamic Lunch & Learn with President & CEO Mary Coogan and Data Analyst Alena Siddiqui as they give a sneak peek at our soon-to-drop 2025 County Pocket Guide! For additional information, contact Shadaya Bennett at asiddiqui@acnj.org.
Click here to view the Powerpoint presentation.
Wednesday, April 16th
Literacy: Why Reading at Grade Level Matters
Presented by Paula White, Executive Director of JerseyCAN
Did you know that reading proficiency by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of future success? In this engaging Lunch and Learn, Paula White from JerseyCAN explores why early literacy is so critical and how we can set kids up to thrive. Don’t miss these valuable insights. Watch now and learn how we can turn the page on literacy together!
Wednesday, March 19th
Understanding the State Budget
Presented by Shadaya Bennett, Senior Legislative Analyst, ACNJ
Learn how the New Jersey State Budget impacts children and families in this session with ACNJ Senior Legislative Analyst Shadaya Bennett. She breaks down the budget process, key players, and ways advocates can influence funding decisions. Understand the budget timeline, engage legislators, and take action to shape policies that matter. Watch now to get informed and make a difference! For additional information, contact Shadaya Bennett at sbennett@acnj.org.
Click here to view the Powerpoint presentation.
Wednesday, February 19th
Chronic Absenteeism
Presented by Nina Peckman, Staff Attorney, ACNJ
ACNJ's Nina Peckman dives into the latest chronic absenteeism data and delivers practical strategies to help students and families thrive. Whether you’re an educator, advocate, or just love making a difference, this session is packed with inspiration and tools you can use. Hit play now! For additional information, contact Nina Peckman at npeckman@acnj.org.
Click here to view the Powerpoint presentation.
Wednesday, January 15th
Before the IEP
Presented by Nina Peckman, Staff Attorney, ACNJ
ACNJ's Nina Peckman discusses essential school services available to support students, including guidance counseling, health plans, multilingual learner services, and much more. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this presentation provides valuable insights to help every child succeed. Watch now to stay informed! For additional information, contact Nina Peckman at npeckman@acnj.org.
Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.
Wednesday, December 18th
Child Nutrition & School Meals
Presented by Lisa Pitz, Director of Hunger Free New Jersey
Explore how child nutrition programs are fighting food insecurity, improving health, and boosting learning for NJ kids. Learn about the latest legislative changes and how you can get involved!
Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.
Wednesday, November 20th
Civics 101: Why Voting Matters
Presented by Shadaya Bennett, ACNJ Senior Legislative Analyst
Explore the U.S. government system and understand how elections translate into policies that impact our world, especially children’s well-being. Learn why your vote matters and gain the knowledge you need to be an informed and engaged citizen. Whether you’re a first-time voter or looking to refresh your civic knowledge, this experience will equip you to confidently exercise your right to vote.
Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.
Wednesday, October 16th
Get Out The Vote
Presented by New Jersey Division of Elections
Missed our Get Out The Vote Lunch and Learn? No problem! Watch Eric Kipnis from the New Jersey Division of Elections share valuable insights into voter registration, voting options, and what to expect at the polls. Whether you're a first-time voter or looking to refresh your knowledge, this recording has everything you need to confidently exercise your right to vote.
Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.
Wednesday, September 18th
NJ4S-Statewide Student Support Services
Presented by NJ4S - Directors
Learn how NJ4S hubs partner with communities to provide support services that promote positive mental health wellness among youth and address the mental health needs of students, educators and school staff.
Wednesday, August 7th
Addressing Perinatal Maternal Mental Health
Presented by Lauraine Jondoh, MPA
Perinatal Mental Health Coordinator at the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Wednesday, June 12th
"Breastfeeding Rights and Lactation Policies in New Jersey," presented by Ellen Maughan, JD, IBCLC of the New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition.
Breastfeeding policies covered in this presentation include:
- Breastfeeding in public
- Lactation support in maternity hospitals
- Insurance/Medicaid coverage for lactation support and breast pumps
- Pumping rights in the workplace
- Lactation in child care settings
- Private insurance and Medicaid coverage of donor human milk
February is National Children's Dental Health Month and oral health is the gateway to total health and well-being. Dr. Michal Herman, DDS, Chief Operating Officer for the KinderSmile Foundation speaks on oral health for children and families, as well as disparities in access to oral health care
Much like physical development, the ability to interact socially and regulate emotions is critical to the development of young children, even as babies. This is sometimes referred to as infant mental health or early relational health. Join our lunch and learn as we discuss to impact of fostering healthy relationships among young children.
NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state-funded health insurance program created to help qualified New Jersey residents of any age access to affordable health insurance. Governor Murphy passed the Cover All Kids bill in March 2021 in order to ensure all children have access to healthcare.
The child tax credit has contributed to the decline in child poverty, yet many families are still not claiming it. New Jersey Policy Perspective senior policy analyst Peter Chen explains how the tax credit works, offers resources for federal and state 2022 filings, and provides feedback on tax credits and outreach to families.
Navigating the maternal experience can feel isolating. Melinated Moms founding president and CEO Jaye Wilson explores how maternal health awareness begins with each of us, and how it links to advocacy.
Decades of research have demonstrated that evidence-based, voluntary home visiting services, provided by well-trained professionals during pregnancy and throughout a child’s first few years, can help mitigate the effects of poverty and adverse early childhood experiences that can negatively impact lifelong health.
Sharing your story with decision-makers
Parents have testified before state legislators about parental leave, finding child care and the challenges of raising a baby in New Jersey.
Raise your voices for babies at Strolling Thunder NJ
At this annual event parents have an opportunity to tell decision makers to make babies a high priority.
Parent Leaders "In the News"Talking about their issues
With some support you can also amplify the issues that concern parents most.
