The Power of Peer Learning and Capacity Building: Improving Access to Quality Early Care and Education in Philadelphia

What does it take to tackle intergenerational poverty and ensure that all children have the best start in life to thrive? The West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning & Partners (AFEL) have been working to bring together critical partners, caregivers, and community stakeholders to ensure that families in Philadelphia have equitable access to quality early care and education opportunities. Led by Action for Early Learning at Drexel University,  AFEL & Partners builds upon the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhoods effort and also includes key partners such as Health Federation of Philadelphia, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, A Running Start Philadelphia, and many others. In our fourth episode, we learn from two leaders of AFEL & Partners and their work to support an alliance of child care centers seeking to improve quality care, as well as strengthen community outreach and awareness campaigns to ensure that all children are kindergarten ready. They share the lessons learned about the power of peer learning, the importance of a trauma-informed lens in cradle-to-career efforts, and the impact of these partnerships on the lives of caregivers, children, and families in Philadelphia. Guests include:Maria Walker, Project Director, Action for Early Learning, Drexel University Office of University and Community PartnershipsLeslie Lieberman, Senior Director of Training and Organizational Development, Health Federation of PhiladelphiaHost: Ronda Alexander, Director of Operations, NOW at Vital Village NetworkProduced by: Networks of Opportunity for Child WellbeingMusic By: Morgan Breland