The Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP) is hosting a Spring Webinar Series:

Leading Together: Innovative Solutions for Equity in Early Childhood Education

In this webinar series, talented fellows will share their groundbreaking work in early childhood education. This series highlights innovative solutions and forward-thinking strategies, focusing on equity and transformative change in Maryland’s early education landscape. Join for insightful discussions and be part of the movement to shape the future of early childhood education in the Blueprint era.

Webinar #1 LONG WAY FROM HOME: OUR DISCONNECTION FROM NATURE

March 11, 2024; 1:00-2:00 pm EST

Lack of nature connection negatively impacts holistic child development with detrimental effects on people and our planet. This sessions highlights the importance to address these challenges by prioritizing outdoor learning in nature-based education, which ensures that all children have access to its benefits in early childhood care and school settings. Join Monica Wiedel-Lubinsky, Director of Association of Nature-Based Education and Cohort V Fellow, as she leads a discussion with Amy Reyes, Early Learning Specialist; Wyoming Department of Education, and Victoria Rose Brusaferro, Director; Nature Forward in Chevy Chase, MD, on addressing this critical issue in early childhood education. Register

Webinar #2 INCREASING AWARENESS TO ELIMINATE THE USE OF EXCLUSIONARY DISCIPLINE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD IN MARYLAND

March 18, 2024; 1:00-2:00 pm EST

Exclusionary discipline (ED) in early childhood—such as suspension, expulsion, and “soft suspensions” like early pick-ups or schedule modifications—raises serious equity concerns, disproportionately impacting children based on race, ethnicity, gender, and disability status. This session explores strategies to increase awareness of ED through a statewide campaign and policy advocacy. Join Kristen Paul, Director of Early Childhood Programs; Parent’s Place of Maryland and Cohort V Fellow, as she leads a discussion with Walter Gilliam PhD, Executive Director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and the Richard D. Holland Presidential Chair in Early Childhood Development; University of Nebraska, and Kaya Swann, Co- Director of the Parent, Infant & Early Childhood (PIEC) Program for The Institute for Innovation and Implementation, University of Maryland School of Social Work, to address this critical issue in early childhood education. Register

Webinar #3 IMPLEMENTING COMPREHENSIVE COUNTYWIDE TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICES: A HOLISTIC APPROACH

March 25, 2024; 1:00-2:00 pm EST

Establishing a consistent trauma-informed approach across the state is essential to addressing the holistic needs of young children. Trauma can result from events such as natural disasters, loss, or accidents, often overwhelming a child’s and adult’s coping mechanisms. However, schools and health agencies frequently implement inconsistent methods to support social and emotional well-being, leaving families to rely on overburdened external services. Early educators seek professional development but face challenges in selecting and applying effective programs. Join Trina Tilghman-Dix, Judy Center Multi-Site Program Coordinator; Wicomico County Public Schools, as she leads a discussion with Julie Stevens, Wicomico County Public Schools, and Mindy Becker, Conscious Discipline, Founder of Grow With Us Academy LLC, on strategies to create a unified, trauma-informed framework for young children. Register