What does it take to build an early childhood education program rooted in faith, community, and a commitment to the next generation?
On this episode of Inside Voices, host Georgia Goldburn sits down with Pastor Valerie Washington, Executive Director, and Robin Burke, Director of Upon This Rock Academy (UTRA) in New Haven, Connecticut, to discuss their journeys in early childhood education, Black women's leadership, and the importance of creating nurturing, culturally responsive learning environments.
Together, they explore the intersection of faith, education, and community service, the challenges of providing accessible and affordable child care, and why equitable funding and provider advocacy are essential to strengthening Connecticut's early childhood education system.
The conversation also highlights the role of CERCLE, the importance of collective advocacy, and what it means to invest in educators, working families, and the future of our youngest learners.
Location: 900 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT