I am thrilled to be back at Hechinger after my time as a Spencer Fellow at the Columbia Journalism School. Over the past year, I have been immersed in researching and reporting on child care policy, which will be published this fall. In addition to this investigation, I have delved into child care quality and systems, including visits to various locations such as Hershey, Pennsylvania, Birmingham, Alabama, Des Moines, Iowa, and Oslo, Norway.
During my visit to Hershey, Pennsylvania, I witnessed the positive impact of a free, high-quality early learning program. In Birmingham, Alabama, I learned about local initiatives to enhance staff-to-child interactions in child care programs. My time in Des Moines, Iowa, shed light on the needs of child care providers amidst debates on controversial legislation. Furthermore, my visit to Oslo, Norway, highlighted the unique outdoor-focused, play-based child care programs that prioritize childhood well-being and joy.
As I wrap up my fellowship stories, I am diving into additional early childhood topics, including kindergarten readiness, access to enrichment for elementary students, and specific aspects of child care quality. I am also closely monitoring the implications of the upcoming election and policy proposals from both political parties. I welcome any tips or story ideas from our readers for the coming year.
I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues and Hechinger’s editors for their support during my fellowship. Your support allows us to continue producing in-depth, unbiased reporting on education issues. If you value our work, please consider joining us in our mission to keep educators and the public informed about critical education issues.
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