Welcome to the ninetieth edition of Small Talks. Every Friday, I highlight 6 areas of weekly joys and reflections in early childhood and the whole family. Small Talks leverages my experience at the intersection of education, philanthropy, and impact investing. Enjoy!
What I’m celebrating -
Early holiday present: Congress has passed the year-end spending package with $2.8 billion in funding increases for core federal early learning and care programs including CCDBG, Head Start, and PDG B-5.
Believing in Santa can actually help children as their brains develop, experts say. Research shows that Santa falls into an ambiguous category between "real" and "nonreal" for many children.
If you are traveling for the holidays, you may be inspired by this new model of early learning - Bina School - for children 4-8 that pulls from a variety of standards from around the world– for kiddos growing up in a global society.
What I’m reading -
Ten best Kwanzaa books for kids.
What I’m watching -
A touching account of a man finding meaning in playing Santa.
What I’m learning more deeply -
Interesting piece about modern childhood. Researchers are beginning to ask if a lack of childhood independence plays a role in the mental health crisis.
"Today’s 18-year-olds are like 12-year-olds from a decade ago. They have very little tolerance for conflict and discomfort.”
Read & weep about Sarah-in-Seattle and Sarah-in-Stockholm, storying two white women’ experiences with parenthood
"The United States has the most family-hostile public policy of any OECD country...."
Also smile or frown with consternation in reading “a parent’s typical day, as envisioned by my child’s preschool” by Ruyi Wen.
According to VCs, AI and tech for learners who may have fallen behind may be the largest trends in 2023.
New data from RAPIC-EC summarized in this piece “Overdue: A New Child Care System That Supports Children, Families and Providers.”
“From October to December of 2021, the percentages of providers who were considering leaving their jobs each month ranged from 15% to 18%. During 2022, the monthly percentages ranged from 26% to 32%.”
A poem I’m pondering -
Sharing holiday gratitude and blessings.
Feedback is a gift. Which part above is your favorite? What did I miss? What do you want more or less of? Other recommendations? Please kindly let me know. Thank to all of you who are sending me amazing suggestions.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help spread the word by sharing with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
From my family to yours, I wish you a peaceful holiday season, filled with joys, wonders, and kindness. Please stay safe and care for each other.
Small Talks will resume in January 2023.
Isabelle
Thank you for sharing such valuable information, Isabelle! The KQED article on childhood independence is particularly important! Best wishes for a wonderful holiday!
Isabelle, thank you sincerely for taking the time to do these newsletter! For me, it's the sweetest blend of content that covers both my professional & personal interests. There are so many great articles and insights from your newsletters that I share with my team. Grateful for people like you.