Preschool Expulsion & Suspension Report and Tool
According to the Executive Summary from the Alliance, there is a strong body of research that demonstrates the lifelong, devastating effects of early childhood education (ECE) suspension and expulsion on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as its inequitable impact on Black, Indigenous, and other people/children of color (BIPOC). An ECE workforce trained in infant and early childhood mental health is essential to ending ECE suspensions and expulsions. The Alliance Policy & Systems Development workgroup and its briefing paper subgroup developed a tool in support of AIMHs advocacy work around suspension and expulsion in early childhood education settings. Please click on the following link for more information and instant access to this important IECMH toolbox supplement: https://www.allianceaimh.org/preschool-expulsion.
STATE of BABIES YEARBOOK 2021: Issues at Stake
The results of the comprehensive State of Babies Yearbook: 2021 provides a detailed snapshot of the wellbeing of infants and toddlers by comparing specific indicators at both national and state levels. The three policy domains are (1) Good Health, (2) Strong Families, and (3) Positive Early Learning Experiences. These are used to determine whether or not babies and children will have the foundational opportunities of experiencing healthy brain development and ultimately realizing their full potential into adulthood.
If we focus on Alaska, we can see that there is, indeed, enormous opportunity to take action towards effectuating powerful and positive outcomes for our greatest resource, Alaska's children.
I WANT TO TAKE ACTION! WHERE DO I START?
There are many ways to make your voice heard so that babies and toddlers in Alaska and beyond will have a better chance for a brighter future. What follows is a helpful map to keep the focus narrow and impactful. All of the links are intended to provide templates for easy access - but feel free to draft your own versions and feel free to share at alaska.aimh@gmail.com!
STEP 1: Review the State of Babies Yearbook: 2021 to determine what issues inspire you to take action. You can also download a .pdf version here. Here is a handy 2021 Indicator Dictionary to help you clarify your mission with precise language.
STEP 2: These clear and effective Advocacy and Outreach Tools will help you to determine your key talking points, provide blog and newsletter copy samples, social media posts and graphics, sample emails for state and local policymakers, newspaper editors and more.
STEP 3: Don't forget to share this information with your social and professional networks!
Contact information for locally elected policy-makers is quickly accessible with this convenient tool from thinkbabies.org.
Good to know!
Zero to Three's special initiative, Think Babies, provides a rich website resource for anyone wishing to take meaningful action in ensuring that the wellbeing of babies and young children is a national priority.
Check it out!
