At VPM, we believe that better outcomes occur for children and families when we work together, collaborate and share resources. Guided by our mission to use the power of media to educate, entertain, and inspire, we have launched a new Early Childhood Education webpage.
In support of the advancement of equity in early childhood education, the site focuses on five core focal points of engagement: Community Partners & Schools; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Professional Development; Educational Resources; and TV & Digital Resources.
Each quarter, our team will shine a light on a specific community partner in early childhood education. Currently, we are spotlighting Birth in Color doulas for supporting maternal health, dismantling health barriers for Black women and women of color, and supporting families with our earliest learners.
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion section of the site includes literature, art, and examples of real-life knowledge that captures the cultural richness of all early learners and supports children in appreciating differences and diversity. The children’s book, " A Promise to Grow”— a featured resource and collaboration between City of Promise, Virginia Humanities, author Marc Boston, and illustrator Ariel Mendez — teaches readers about the history of Charlottesville's once-thriving Vinegar Hill neighborhood and introduces them to CJ, a kind-hearted young man with big dreams who plants a community garden.
Professional development opportunities listed on the site include VPM PBS KIDS Edcamps— “unconference” gatherings that provide early childhood educators and caregivers with a space to connect, share similar challenges and concerns, learn new ideas, and get inspired. VPM values children's earliest years as the most critical to healthy development.
The Early Childhood Resources section of the webpage connects educators, families and communities to The Basics—a public health messaging campaign developed by the Harvard Achievement Gap Initiative and Dr. Ronald Ferguson. The program focuses on five key parenting and caregiving behaviors that are important for cognitive and social-emotional development of children, from birth to age three.
VPM has curated local and national programs for all learners. On the TV and Digital Resources page, families and educators will find over the air and digital programs/activities designed by educators for students of all ages.
We hope you will join us as we work to support early childhood education in our communities!