162. Early Childhood Experiences from Birth with Cynthia Jackson

Education Evolution

English - May 16, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MB
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Research shows that children who have had access to early childhood experiences show up to kindergarten more prepared to learn because they have improved cognitive development, motor skills, and behavior expectations. Those who don't have access aren't as prepared to learn and typically start out their formal education a bit behind. This can cause challenges for years to come.

What we need is tools and resources to help support young children, before they head to kindergarten, so they can be prepared to thrive.

That’s what Cynthia Jackson is doing at Educare.

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Cynthia, the Executive Director of Educare, a learning lab that advances quality learning with partnerships, policy, and research so every child can thrive.

We talk about how children are learning from birth, the responsibilities of early childhood professionals, how data can create a continuous quality improvement mindset, and how other educators can get involved.

About Cynthia Jackson:

Cynthia D. Jackson leads the Educare Learning Network, a generative, coast-to-coast network of high-quality birth-to-five schools that function as innovative learning labs for the field of early childhood education. In her dual role as Senior Vice President at Start Early, she works alongside other senior leaders to advance the organization’s mission. In collaboration with the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Educare Learning Network school leaders and other early childhood stakeholders, Cynthia advances practice, research and policy solutions to create greater system-wide impact. Prior to joining Start Early, she served as national director of training and technical assistance for Healthy Families America at Prevent Child Abuse America and director of the Midwest Learning Center for Family Support at Family Focus, Inc. Cynthia holds a master’s degree in counseling and health education from the University of North Texas.

Jump in the Conversation:

[1:50] - Where advocacy for young learners began for Cynthia

[3:30] - Children learn from day one

[4:18] - What is Educare and how does it contribute to a critical development stage

[5:25] - How partnerships in Educare work

[8:19] - The difference between children who have had access to early childhood experiences vs. those who haven’t

[9:25] - How Educare addresses policy

[12:05] - How Educare manages the dynamic of cutting vs. adding

[13:02] - Innovative learning labs

[16:30] - Theory of change model

[17:35] - Parents are first and best teachers

[18:29] - Ways listeners can help shake up the resources for early childhood education