What’s New?

Rewatch: ACNJ’s 5th Annual Breakfast

Posted on December 6, 2020

The 2020 election season was unlike any other. It came amidst a pandemic, a stifled economy, deep political divisions and racial unrest. Yet we also saw unprecedented levels of voter turnout and civic engagement. How do we continue the momentum to push for change for children? What does the post-election landscape look like for child advocacy on the federal level?

On Tuesday, December 1st, Advocates for Children of New Jersey’s 5th Annual Breakfast went virtual and featured an insightful discussion on racial equity and child advocacy in the current political climate. 

Watch recording below:

8:00 a.m. | Preshow

8:30 a.m. | Welcome

8:37 a.m.| What’s Next: Insights on the Post-Election Landscape for Child Advocacy

9:05 a.m. | ACNJ honors its child care heroes

9:08 a.m | Discussion on Racial Equity: How can we remove barriers to racial equity and social justice so that all children can have a strong start?

 

 

Find Your Roar Advocacy Training

Posted on November 23, 2020

Science tell us that what happens between birth to 3 -- when a baby's brain grows the fastest -- lays the foundation for the rest of a child’s life. New Jersey needs policies that support parents with young children during this time of rapid development to unlock the potential of every child in New Jersey to grow up healthy, safe and educated. But to make change for babies, state leaders want to hear from parents!

Are you a parent, guardian or grandparent of a child ages 0 to 5 willing to commit to be a voice for parents of young children? Participate in a training that will help you understand the system and strengthen your skills to tell YOUR story to policymakers. Register for one of our three scheduled sessions in the form below.

We value your time! Participants that complete a 2-day session will receive an e-book on how to find your roar, a certificate of completion and a $100 gift card.

Find Your Roar Advocacy Training-Header2

REGISTRATION FORM

Infant Mental Health: Supporting a Baby’s Social-Emotional Development by Embracing the Essential Role of the Caregiver

Posted on October 27, 2020

#CelebrateBabies! 

During the week of October 19, ACNJ and partners hosted Celebrate Babies Week! 2020's theme was “Embracing the Essential Role of the Caregiver.” During the pandemic, our caregivers have been essential workers, supporting the social and emotional growth of our babies every day during a stressful time. Let’s celebrate the important role caregivers play in fostering the emotional health of babies every day! The strong relationships they form early in life will have a lasting effect on how they grow up as adults.

Webinar: On Friday, October 23rd, ACNJ held a webinar with Dr. Gerard Costa, Director of the Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health at Montclair State University, as he discusses the science behind the essential role of the caregiver in all aspects of infant and toddler development, health and well-being. View the recording.

Additional Resources from Dr. Costa:

Celebrate Babies Week is an initiative of the Association for Infant Mental Health to bring awareness to the needs of our youngest children.

Thank You to Our Amazing Partners:
NJAEYC: @NJAEYC (Facebook/Twitter)
NJ-AIMH: @NJAIMH (Facebook/Twitter)
MSU CAECMH: @montclairstatecaecmh (Facebook)
CITE: @Coalition.Infant.Toddler.Educators (Facebook), @CITEprez (Twitter)
SPAN: @parentadvocacynetwork (Facebook), @SPANadvocacy (Twitter)
NJ Breastfeeding Coalition: @New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition (Facebook), @NJBFCoalition (Twitter)

Webinar: Bringing Preschool to your Community

Posted on October 26, 2020

Advocates from across the state attended our informative webinar, brought to you in partnership with the New Jersey PTA and National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), that described the steps parents can take in bringing preschool to your community!

View Recording

New Jersey’s FY2021 budget included an additional $10 million to expand our nationally recognized state-funded preschool to more eligible communities. This funding recognizes the critical importance of high-quality preschool as the foundation for students’ success in school and in life -- and our state wants more 3- and 4-year-olds to have this advantage.

Although most districts are currently struggling with how best to provide equitable education to their current students in light of COVID-19, eligible districts should still take advantage of this opportunity and apply. Funding is available, but it is limited.

School districts received eligibility letters from the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) on October 23rd and were told that if a district wants to apply to the preschool funding, they need to attend a mandatory Zoom technical assistance meeting.

  • See if your district is eligible by checking this list;
  • If your district is eligible, call your superintendent, other school administrators and your school board members to urge them to attend one of the DOE technical assistance meetings and do everything they can to bring preschool to your community.

Questions? Contact Cynthia Rice at Advocates for Children of New Jersey at crice@acnj.org