Fall Theme: Early Childhood Education
Articles

Fall Theme: Early Childhood Education

Written by Battery Powered Team •

Picture a starting line. The runners all nervously shake their legs and dance about before settling into the starter’s block, poised for the pistol’s crack. Tension builds. The wait drags on. At last, a shot signals the start of the race. Some of the contestants burst from the blocks, yet a few struggle, stumble and fall. Instead of wild cheering, an awkward silence hushes the crowd. It takes a moment to grasp what just occurred. A few runners were tied to their blocks, held back from a good start. The crowd clamors in disapproval at the compromised race.

Now imagine that same race with 8-year-old children at the starting line. What if we could unleash all those competing as they start the race of life?

The Bay Area places a high value on a level playing field for all, which explains the tremendous opportunity our latest Battery Powered theme presents. We are thrilled to launch our fall initiative: Early Childhood Education. Over the next couple of months, we will collaboratively explore the question, “How is the Bay Area leading innovation and shaping the future of early childhood education?”

With the depth of educational innovation and expertise all around us, we want to identify local best-in-class solutions. Together, we will help elevate them as models of what can be done to give every child the best possible start in life.

As we drill down into proven models we will center on three specific areas of vital impact in a child’s life: Healthy Environments, Literacy Skills, and Experiential Learning.

We have broadened the scope this time by inviting for-profit social enterprises to participate in addition to non-profit organizations. Learn more about this compelling global issue and the opportunities ahead in our Battery Powered Issue Brief, which you can read here

And plan now to be inspired and deepen your awareness of the potential impact in Early Childhood Education during our Expert Night, Wednesday, Sep 16. Speakers include:

  • Dr. Dayna Long, Pediatrician, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland & Director, Social Determinants of Health Initiatives,Center for Community Health and Engagement
  • Kris Perry, Executive Director, First Five Years Fund
  • Jennifer Rainin, Ph.D., CEO, Kenneth Rainin Foundation
  • Jim Steyer, CEO & Founder, Common Sense Media & Co-Founder, Next Generation
  • Susan True, Director, Education Strategy & Ventures, Kenneth Rainin Foundation (Moderator)

In the next couple of months, we will create a groundswell of support for those in the field, touching lives and elevating children from all walks of life to reach their highest potential. Learn more about Battery Powered and learn how to join at www.thebatterysf.com/giving or contact [email protected]