One must be completely focused on the goal ahead and proceed unapologetically.
– Jerletha McDonald, author and family child care advocate

Throughout the month of June, we want to hear your thoughts and experiences on working within systems and the importance of our mindset.

Build Initiative states that an early childhood system contains:

• Interdependent policies, programs, services, and infrastructure
• All child- and family-serving systems—such as early learning, health, housing, economic development, and transportation
• Connections of each of these elements to each other

Early care and education professionals have always been on the leading edge of research and practice in education, and 2024 is no different. As we navigate the complex challenges in our work today, we have a unique opportunity to uplift each other, reinforce our shared values in educating and caring for children, and resist forces that seek to diminish our progress.

We invite you to join us and our partner The CAYL Institute, as we document this historic moment with actionable steps to speak up and take charge of the narrative of early care and education. Each month from February until July 2024, we’re asking you to share your lived experience and strategies for courageous and collaborative action in the face of restrictive policies and political divisiveness. We will collect and compile these responses anonymously to share as a resource with our communities.

• Systems thinking requires a change in mindset. How is early childhood education shaped by our local or national mindset or worldviews?
• What works against systems thinking/change in early childhood education?
• What changes in mindset or systems do you see as most important for you to respond to immediate needs in your local context? For instance, how does your center or family care practice respond to environmental challenges such as flooding, tornados, power outages, extreme heat or cold?

Your voice matters. Complete the survey here.

Join The CAYL Institute TODAY for Portraits of Courage: Systems Change featuring Maurice Skyes.