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.

Learn more about Upon This Rock Academy:
https://utraedu.org/

Location: 900 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT

What will it take to build a child care system that truly works for every Connecticut family?

On this episode of Inside Voices: Community Conversations, we sit down with Governor Ned Lamont to talk about the future of child care in Connecticut, including the state’s early childhood endowment, what greater access will require, and how child care connects to the economic security of families and communities across the state.

After the conversation, Georgia and Kim debrief on what they heard, what stood out, and the questions Connecticut still needs to grapple with as this work moves forward.