Harnessing the Power of Communities to Help Children: The Early Learning Nation Collective

All young children — prenatal through age 8 — should have equitable access to the care, education, and support they need to thrive within their communities. With initial support from the Bezos Family Foundation, the Early Learning Nation (ELN) Collective is harnessing the power of local leaders and national partners to bring that vision into being in a growing number of communities across the country. With local leaders at the forefront of decision-making — and even grantmaking — the ELN Collective engages a diverse body of national partner organizations to work alongside those local leaders, listening to local needs and aligning ongoing efforts to develop solutions tailored to benefit the children and families in each community. In this funder-focused session, Bezos Family Foundation will introduce the national partners in the ELN Collective and explore how they are leveraging their assets to ensure all young children get a great start in life. Panelists: Sheri A. Brady, JD, Children's Defense Fund; Amalia Chamorro, UnidosUS; Kelly Eppley, The Hunt Institute; Esther Hernández, Center for the Study of Social Policy; Kimberly Robson, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN); Tonja Rucker, Ph.D., National League of Cities; Sheetal Singh, Start Early; and Megan Wyatt, Bezos Family Foundation. Moderator: Angela Garcia, Toy Box Early Learning and Child Care Center, New Mexico