As of mid-May, the spring of 2013 has been a big disappointment in terms of weather. But hey, it’s still warmer than it was and we have all that daylight! So bundle up the kids as needed and explore all the activities that spring and summer have to offer in Alaska.
Ketchikan partnership rolls out new tool
It’s your son’s first day at a new child care facility. How do you convey information about him to his new caregivers? A toddler is placed in foster care. Is there an easy, comfortable way for the foster family to learn about the toddler and her background, and share information about her in the future? Read More
Our Voices Count
Talk about a frenetic time. When the House Finance Subcommittee on Education unexpectedly reduced funding for Best Beginnings and Parents as Teachers, people who believe in what we’re doing came out of the woodwork to share their stories. We won’t have a final answer on funding for early learning until the operating budget is approved. Read More
Will you be bold and brave for Alaska’s children?
What happens in the Alaska Legislature matters – really matters – for early childhood. Best Beginnings and our early childhood partners have come together with a priority list for state funding and attention. Tell your legislators you’re with us: early childhood matters!
Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation supports Imagination Library
For the second year running, newborns at the Alaska Native Medical Center can be enrolled in Imagination Library before they and their moms even leave the hospital. That’s thanks to Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation (HANF) renewing their contribution and making this possible. Read More
Strong foundation bolsters partnerships
The best, most durable structures have a solid foundation, and Best Beginnings’ early childhood partnerships stand firmly on “four pillars.” What do seven partnerships in seven different communities have in common, and how is each of them making these pillars real?
New Year’s Resolutions
Who can resist New Year’s resolutions? I certainly can’t. So here are a few of mine: Give a “pat on the back” through a friendly nod or smile when I see parents interacting with their young children in positive ways. Encourage my own grown children (parents themselves) and other young parents I know to keep Read More
Mysteries of the baby brain revealed
Neuroscientist and best-selling author Dr. Lise Eliot will give a free public talk, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Wilda Marston Theatre, Z.J. Loussac Public Library, Anchorage. Dr. Eliot’s public talk will focus on themes from her latest book, Pink Brain, Blue Brain: How Small Differences Grow into Troublesome Gaps and What We Can Do Read More
Imagination Library reaches 100 Alaska communities
Imagination Library has taken root all over Alaska, from small remote villages to large urban cities. One hundred communities are now being served by 29 local Imagination libraries. The most recent additions are Galena and Valdez, where volunteers have completed the groundwork and are now enrolling children. Cooper Landing is expected to come on board Read More
Welcome new board members
Building a strong organization capable of catalyzing support for early childhood takes committed leadership. It’s my pleasure to let you know the following people were recently elected to the Best Beginnings Board of Directors: Gara Bridwell, a professor of early childhood education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Lorie Morris, chief executive officer at Alaska Read More