Walbridge’s Post

When I was thinking about Hairiette of Harlem, my thought was that I could create a brand for just for kids--adults were frustrating. I did a hard pivot on that idea while I was at school and realized there would be no way to reach a child without parent/caregiver engagement. In fact, family engagement may well be the heart of child learning (the 74million.com shared a great article called 'The Biggest Blind Spot in Education: Parents’ Role in Their Children’s Learning). It got me thinking: how can teachers and parents work together as PARTNERS in the education of a child? Here are three solutions to consider! 1. Teachers might consider doing home visits—if parents are reluctant, then maybe coffee at a location that works for both parties? 2. Text messaging is likely the quickest, easiest way for parents and teachers to stay connected. Maybe it’s as simple as a daily inspirational message! Also, parents tend to get frustrated when the only time they hear from their child’s school is when something goes wrong. Should something happen in school, at least there’s a prior relationship in place between the parent and the teacher. 3. Collaborate with students to get their input in any direction the school is consider taking. For example, why not have the students create a committee that helps the staff, school and administrators design an ideal parent/caregiver/teacher day? Are you a teacher? What are some of the things you/your school is doing to help foster a healthy relationship with parent/caregivers? https://lnkd.in/eUU6JhcM

It’s because of generous supporters like you that we served 741 children in preschool programs in 2022 and helped ensure they are ready to enter kindergarten. Positive relationships and nurturing experiences early in life through high-quality early education can have community-wide benefits for the future including a reduction in child abuse, lowered rates of incarceration, decreased homelessness, and increased high school graduation rates. Give today to create a stronger tomorrow for Onslow County: https://lnkd.in/ebhEDPB3

Read the newest from LearningWell: https://lnkd.in/e-KfHZuR

At Brighton Our World, we're passionate about a simple yet profound goal: Children helping children. This mission is rooted in the belief that when children learn the importance of giving and compassion at a young age, they're not just helping others—they're growing into thoughtful, empathetic leaders of tomorrow. Why is this mission so vital? Because instilling the values of empathy, kindness, and community service early on empowers children to see beyond themselves. It teaches them that they have the power to make a positive impact in someone else's life, no matter their age. This understanding nurtures a sense of responsibility and connection to the wider world around them. Children are naturally compassionate and eager to help; when we encourage this instinct, we're helping to develop a generation that values support, understanding, and mutual respect. These lessons in compassion and teamwork pave the way for a more empathetic society, where every individual understands the importance of looking out for one another. Through initiatives that promote children helping children, we're not only addressing immediate needs within our communities but also laying the groundwork for a future where kindness and generosity are at the forefront of how we interact with each other. Join us in our mission to foster a culture of giving from the earliest years. Together, we can show our children the powerful impact of their actions and inspire a lifelong commitment to helping others. Learn more about how you and your family can get involved at https://lnkd.in/gXYKxB48. #BrightonOurWorld #ChildrenHelpingChildren #EmpathyInAction #FutureLeaders

I Found a Need and I Took Action... What do you do when you see a problem that negatively impacts children?   While complaining and venting can be a quick tension reducer, it does nothing to help kids.   When I was in the classroom teaching, it was apparent that books and media are not designed to reach the diverse needs of our students. Actionforchildren.org states that a lack of representation in children’s books leads to children growing up feeling less valuable than others, which leads to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. With these issues already being a concern, all on the rise since the pandemic, with over 10 million kids suffering, we have to do what we can to ensure children feel they matter! I am Victoria Karnatski, a retired New York City educator, with over 23 years of experience.  I saw first-hand children in the classroom who searched to feel seen and represented in the media.  So, rather than wait for somebody else to step up to the plate, I decided to write 26 books addressing my concerns.  I have 3 published already:  Magical Margherita,  Rescuing Reeva, and Excited Evian!  I have 5 more books on the way over the next year!  I took a leap of faith to fill this need and although I suffered through many personal tragedies and I have my own anxieties, I am confident that each story will greatly impact all who read it. Most importantly, we have to turn around these daunting statistics. Here are just a few ways adults and teachers can let children know how valuable they are: Listen with all of Your Senses:   when a child knows we are listening to them, really listening, they feel better about themselves!  Confidence skyrockets and anxiety decreases! Ask Questions:  Listening is great, curiosity is next level.   When we engage with a child and ask questions, that child will open up in an extraordinary way! Create a Diverse Library:   Fill your bookshelves with intention!   Find books that speak to different backgrounds and stories!!  Keep these books in your home and classroom and read them to the kids in your life regularly!  Start a discussion around these books. These are just a few ways we can encourage children and allow them to know how much they matter.   I am on a mission to do something about these statistics and about representation so that books, media, and schools are inclusive for all. By representing diverse characters and situations, I hope to create greater compassion and empathy amongst children and their peers.  My stories help spark deeper discussions into lifestyles and are created not to just talk about the surface story.  Each book contains discussion questions to help guide the reader delve into the story on a deeper level. Caring Kids A-Z books will help bolster confidence in the youth of today.   When children’s confidence is at an all time high, they dream bigger, take more action, show more responsibility and are more likely to reach their full potential.  

At Learn to Grow we focus on a whole of community approach to foster an environment that is safer and more conducive for a childhood in which children not only survive but thrive. Actions to encourage parental involvement and thus community involvement and better educational resources give expression to Madiba’s words that children are the ‘rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people’. As we move forward, we must give children every opportunity to do just that. https://learntogrow.org.za

I'm so excited to leave town tomorrow for the Minnesota Department of Education's State Behavioral Conference! We will be exhibiting for Minnesota Neurodivergent Education Advocacy and Therapy Services and hosting a 2 hour workshop on Friday! The Workshop: Redefining Inclusion: A Disabled-Led Approach to Accessibility This educational workshop offers a fresh perspective that empowers professionals, caregivers, and students. It is unique because it has been developed by disabled individuals, with valuable input from the disability community. By exploring topics such as ableism, recognizing barriers, and fostering collaboration with disabled students, this presentation aims to broaden our understanding and provide effective supports, accommodations, and modifications. Disabled individuals often face challenges in a world that does not always cater to their needs. Engaging in the activities they desire or are required of them can be hindered by various barriers. In order to foster inclusion and accessibility in educational settings, it is important to explore a framework that focuses on supporting, modifying, and adapting four key areas. As professionals, we will discuss different strategies and supports that have proven effective for both ourselves and the children we work with within each of these categories. Through this discussion, we will learn how to apply this framework to ensure education is accessible for all students.

In creating the Bloomsburg Area YMCA - Community Resource Hub, our team has created five distinct goals that we aim towards every single day so that we can best serve ALL of Columbia and Mountour County residents. The official unveiling of the CRH is coming soon, but in the meantime, our team is preparing by doing all we can to best understand the resources available. GOALS: 1. Create a Community Hub that is designed to meet the everchanging needs of the community and provide safe, confidential services that strengthen family life and individual growth. 2. Serve more people through programs and services that fulfill community needs by being the premier provider of community programming. 3. Provide more Y-based counseling and services for children and adults in schools, homes and the community. 4. Foster connections between the YMCA and the Community by becoming a preferred community partner. 5. Broaden the ability to serve a larger audience by providing the resources needed in the community.

I was asked, "What inspired you to write the book, Little Andy?" Hmmm... We are born unique. What makes us different should be embraced by all. Unfortunately, it's not. While visiting schools, medical facilities, and observing children born with beautiful differences, I was inspired to write this book.  Also, feeling sad and disappointed when others made children feel ashamed or treated them differently. I was moved to write something to encourage children to embrace their differences. To stop feeling less qualified to be equally identified as normal.  I believe education is key to creating a safe and welcoming space for children to feel included, equally valued, and respected. Encouraging children to participate in youth organizations and community programs to meet new people that foster inclusion, not separation. We must continue to teach kindness, love, and respect for others. Providing answers to their questions or having family discussions about acceptance may foster awareness within their community of friends and engagement with others at school. Let's encourage our little one’s to meet others who's physical or psychological appearances are different. To "DIVERSIFY" their friend group.   Birthday parties or a kid's event is a great way to start. A smile on a parent's face to bring her child or be invited to your child's event would go a long way. Apples, bananas, and pears are fruit. They're different, but all are considered fruit. "WE are all the same, even with our differences." **check out more in the blogs category on my website.**

Kids are our future...and our future workforce! We know children who have high-quality, early childhood education will go to kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically ready and will have a higher chance of being successful throughout school and going on to enter our workforce ready to succeed. That’s what we all want for kids in our community! Last year, 1,133 local kids were enrolled in high-quality, early education, thanks to people like you who give. This is just one of the ways your gifts make a difference! Those kids now have a better chance of succeeding in school…and in life. That’s the power of community. https://bit.ly/3VXQ4uG