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First Things First

In this issue, we highlight…

• Building Blocks: Multimedia project from Lakeshore Public Media emphasizing the importance of early childhood development.
• Dan Wuori Comes to Valparaiso: Join us October 24, 3:00-4:30 pm, for an afternoon with Dr. Wuori, author of new release The Daycare Myth. The first 25 to RSVP to Hadassah will receive a copy.
• Collaboration Challenge Grants: $100,000 awarded to catalyze ten new projects. Read about this wide impact across the county!

GROW WITH FTF

With our community's promotional and financial support, over 3,000 children are increasing their access to high-quality books. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library took off this year at a mighty clip and shows no signs of stopping.

Although children receive the books for free, the cost is $5 per month for a child (aged 0-5) to receive a book in their mailbox each month. If you'd like to provide financial sponsorship, contact Hadassah Moore.

DID YOU KNOW?

IN THE LOOP

New Multimedia Project from Lakeshore PBS Highlights Early Development Through Northwest Indiana Families

Tune in on October 2 at 6:30 pm to view the premier of "Building Blocks."

"Building Blocks" shines a spotlight on early brain development and relational health through television, radio, digital platforms, and community events. The docuseries features local families and caregivers as they navigate the first 1,000 days of their child's life. Via compelling interviews with subject matter experts, testimonials from Northwest Indiana families, and glimpses into daily life with a little one, viewers will be touched and compelled to advocate for quality early experiences.

Inspired by the powerful Strosacker Early Learning Fellowship, "Building Blocks" aims to move the needle of awareness about the array of support available to strengthen our early care and education system and empower families in our neighborhoods. The series will compel Northwest Indiana residents toward action.

You'll hear from Geoffrey Nagle, Rachel Lieske, Mary Jane Eisenhauer, and more. The first episode airs this Wednesday, October 2, 2024 and the rest of the series continues in early 2025.

For more information, including how to view and listen, visit: https://www.lakeshorepublicmedia.org/2024-09-05/matching-funds.

Read what our friends are saying about the importance of building a collective and

empowering the community to prioritize brain development, language and early relational health. 

BRAINWAVES

Let's learn together! Recommendations from our team and the Collaborative:

Lunch & Learn with Start Early Consulting

During our time together, we’ll explore how Start Early Consulting engagements are co-created with our partners and highlight lessons learned through those partnerships. Hear from three of our consultants about their recent engagements with partners across the U.S. Featured case studies will include developing an advocacy strategy in partnership with families, PDG-5 strategic planning, and home visiting workforce recruitment and retention.

LINK & SYNC

CLICK HERE to submit community messages

Join us at PCCF for a discussion with Dr. Dan Wuori - founder and president of Early Childhood Policy Solutions LLC. First 25 to RSVP will receive a copy of his new book, The Daycare Myth

Let’s link together and sync up! Happening right now in the community:

Click on the bulletin board to learn more.