Sharing Web Resources

National Black Child Development Institute ( www.nbcdi.org) is the organization that I have chosen to learn more about and add to my list of resources. This organization has been around for over 40 years but this is the first time I have learned of it and it has certainly peaked my interest.

The NBCDI is dedicated to the success and well-being of Black children birth through age eight. They work with not only the children but the families as well with the use of community-based, organizations, school systems and Head Start to name a few. Also, the NBCDI provides an effective voice to issues related to children of color in the education system, care, and health of both children and their families. 

There are three questions that help to shape the institutes public policy agenda:

1) Is this good for Black children and their families?

2) If yes, how can we support it?

3) If not, how can we make it better?

 

NBCDI uses these questions to help achieve their mission and to improve the quality of life for Black children and families. Their priority areas are as follows:

1) Empowering Parents, Engaging Communities

2) Improving Childcare and Teacher Quality

3) Ensuring Funding and Resource Equity

 

Though the NBCDI is geared primarily to working with Black children and their families there goals are aligned with what we have learned this week in regards to changing demographics and diversity. Essentially African Americans were considered to be the minority. However, they are now shifting to the majority. In order to provide quality childcare and education, teachers will need to be knowledgeable and ready for the changes. Quality childcare in the early years is dependent upon the teachers, the programs, understanding the current issues and the willingness to make changes to create better avenues in the early childhood field.