Synergy for Success: Key Takeaways from the 7th Early Childhood Convening

The Alliance hosted its 7th Early Childhood Convening on November 21, bringing together passionate individuals from across the state for a day filled with learning, networking, and collaboration. This year’s theme, Synergy for Success: Strengthening Connections, emphasized the importance of building both figurative and literal connections in a child's early years.

​Virginia Jones, Family Support Program Specialist at DHHS, provided valuable insights into the Comprehensive Family Support Program and the pilot Newborn Navigator Program.  Sarah Fox and Patrice Baker shared the HOPE Framework, which centers on the four building blocks of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and their impact on lifelong outcomes.

The highlight of the day was the Brain Architecture Game, where participants worked together to build a representation of a young child's brain.  Here's a comment from a participant: "It opened valuable dialogue. It illustrated in a very tangible way the impact of ACES on brain development and also emphasize how PCES can mitigate that impact." The photos below show some Convening participants engaging in this thought provoking game.
The materials from the event can be found here.