STARTING EARLY

THE Y CONVENES A DISCUSSION ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

In partnership with the NY State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Caucus, City Council’s Black, Latino, & Asian Caucus, the New York Foundling, and Daycare Council of New York, the Y hosted a panel discussion on early childhood education (ECE) at the SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico.

Panelists discussed the future of New York City’s ECE system, the importance of affordable childcare, how New York State is supporting providers, the impacts of Head Start on families and communities, efforts to create a strong ECE workforce, and the importance of ensuring that services are accessible to children with special education needs.

The Y also partnered with State Senator Jamaal Bailey, the YMCA of San Juan, and the SOMOS Conference to organize a lively basketball tournament.•

(top): YMCA President and CEO Sharon Greenberger, the NY Foundling President and CEO Melanie Hartzog, Day Care Council of NY Executive Director Tara Gardner, Council Member and Education Chair Rita Joseph, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and Council Member Kevin Riley;  (above): New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos speaks about the value of children starting their educations early.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso takes a shot.

Elected officials enjoy the Y’s signature sport.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie introduces the Y’s panel on early childhood education.