We started with a question. What do we want for our children… As parents? As teachers? As early childhood educators? And the answers, as captured on our Collaborative Knowledge Wall, highlighted our shared desires while shining a light on the importance of Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) practices.
The UPK initiative, California’s way of ensuring access to high-quality early care and learning programs for all 3-and-4-year-old children, is creating opportunities for communities to bring this conversation to life. While many parents and guardians may know that access to early learning experiences promotes curiosity, independence, social-emotional development, and helps prepare children for school, many also find it challenging to navigate the early learning and care options available to them.
This past August, Connections for Children (CFC), in collaboration with the Cayton Museum, held the first event of its kind: UPK Discovery Day welcoming over 250 attendees- including 125 parents/guardians, 99 children, and 27 Early Childhood Educators representing Family Child Care, Center-Based Programs and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
UPK Discovery Day was designed for a clear purpose: to bring together children, families, and early educators for a day of connection, play and exploration. Parents were given information about the different early education options available to them locally. They were also encouraged to interact with the educators present to ask questions that would help them determine what option best met their family needs.
The early education programs who attended this event were invited share the benefits of their programs, answer parent questions, and present a hands-on learning activity. One Santa Monica program, Kidz Korner Children's Center, invited children to a slime adventure bridging science and art to create a unique experience for guests. When reached for comment, Keyla Bell, the program’s founder and director stated, “I attended UPK Discovery Day to learn more about UPK, understand the opportunities, and see how we can continue providing the best experience for the children and families we serve. Childcare providers play an important role in preparing children socially, emotionally, and academically. I see our program as an important part of that educational pathway”.
She went on to say “I encourage other providers to attend because it’s a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with others in early childhood education. The more informed we are as providers, the better we can support the children and families we serve.”
While this event was local to the Santa Monica-Malibu community, it was only the first of a county-wide effort to highlight UPK by creating collaborative spaces for families and programs to meet, share, and interact. CFC looks forward to bringing similar events to other parts of our service area. CFC also invites parents and early educators to be part of the broader UPK conversation by joining our quarterly information sessions for dialogue, resources and connection. It really takes all of us working together to ensure the future success of our children.
For questions or details please contact:
Tondra Gardner l UPK Liaison
P: (310) 452-3325, Ext. 233
Email: [email protected]
