2014-2015 report

ANNUAL REPORT2015

UNITED WAY CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN EARLY EDUCATION

Annual Report 2015 1

DEAR FRIENDS, Since we set out on this journey, our destination has been crystal clear — to change the system of early care and education – beginning first within our own community, and then reaching beyond.

We are now eight years into this quest, and with each passing year, we see more and more progress; signs that elevate our faith in what we have always believed — that all children deserve and can receive a high-quality early education — is indeed within the realm of possibility. And, what we are doing here in Miami, collectively with our partners like The Children’s Movement of Florida, The Children’s Trust, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade County, our higher education colleagues, and others, is capturing the imagination of early education advocates around the country.

Make no mistake, much work remains to be done. But there is much promise, too. The most exciting news came this past December, when we were awarded a 5-year, $22.5 million Early Head Start Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, to enhance and expand access to quality infant and toddler care in high-need communities. Our Center is one of 11 among the 21 Educare Learning Network sites awarded an EHS-CCP grant and one of only two United Ways in the country. As a further indication of the leading role Miami is playing in this early care and education transformation, our partners at the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe and Miami-Dade County also received EHS-CCP grants — making Miami one of the largest recipients of these federal funds in Florida.

Our Center continues to be a leader in professional learning — expanding our offerings to thousands of early care and education professionals. At the same time, our Center staff is quickly becoming recognized leaders in their fields and highly-sought for their expertise and knowledge, at both national and international conferences.

With much pride and excitement, we share with you this report. It showcases just one piece of our work at United Way of Miami-Dade – our focus in early education – which is cornerstone to our overall efforts to improve the education, financial stability and health of all of our residents. We thank you for your support . . . and we ask for your continued involvement as we carry forward.

Gene Schaefer Board ChairUnited Way of Miami-Dade

Harve A. MogulPresident and CEO United Way of Miami-Dade

2 United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education Annual Report 2015 3

DEMONSTRATEThe Center demonstrates how to improve the quality of services and programs available to young children by serving as a model for observation and implementation of evidenced-based practices. Additionally, it models a variety of cost options for those interested in revamping or building centers of high quality. The practices modeled at the Center’s Demonstration School, Educare of Miami-Dade, are supported by research. The unique composition of the building allows for in-depth observation of those practices without interrupting the children’s learning process.

ADVOCATEThe best way to create a comprehensive and efficient early childhood system is to educate and mobilize the community to support and improve policies for young children. Effective, evidence-based early childhood policies, programs and services go a long way in supporting stronger families and communities. The Center empowers families and educators to demand the highest quality care for all children, brings together leading child advocates, and works with business leaders and lawmakers to raise the standards of early care and education and support sustainable and lasting change. The Center furthers the impact of its advocacy efforts by building strategic partnerships and a spirit of collaboration among those involved in early care and education.

EDUCATEThe Center educates families and early care professionals on how to become agents of change and improve early early care and education at home and in the classroom. By providing professional learning and resources, created and delivered by leading experts in the field of early education, the Center addresses the educational and developmental needs of our most deserving citizens – our children. Beyond educating families and early care professionals on evidenced-based practices, the Center equips stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to understand and deliver high-quality early care and education.

Our mission is supported by three guiding principles:

MISSIONElevate the quality of early care and education in Miami-Dade and beyond.

OUR APPROACH

VISIONAll children will have access to the highest quality early care and education so they can have the best possible start.


“We are pleased to be a part of the growing partnership between agencies to provide a greater impact that will guarantee successful outcomes for Liberty City’s Early Childcare Educators.” – Terry Rutherford, Miami Children’s Initiative

COMMUNITY-WIDE TRAININGS Our on-going community-wide trainings program has more than 3,000 participants across more than 47 locations in Miami-Dade County. Through these trainings, early care and education professionals learn evidence-based practices in curriculum, learning environments, family engagement and inclusion. These trainings, taught in both English and Spanish, are funded by the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe.

“When I became a family child care provider, there wasn’t much information about how to be an administrator of an early care program in a home setting. ECPAI taught me how to be strategic and how to manage my program effectively. Now, as an ECPAI instructor I get to share what I have learned and experienced.”– Arlene Lambert, ECPAI instructor

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR’S INSTITUTE (ECPAI)Since its inception in 2007, the number of ECPAI graduates has continued to climb. As of this year, more than 570 early care and education professionals completed ECPAI – a three-semester management and business leadership training program, offered in English and Spanish. The courses, its books and all required materials are provided through funding from The Children’s Trust.

EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS

PROGRAMS IN OUR COMMUNITY.578

450have completed the Early Childhood Program Administrator’s Institute, elevating the quality of

OUR WORK

The United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education believes that in order to improve the quality of early education, teachers and administrators must have access to the latest research and evidence-based practices. We do this by partnering with universities, nationally and locally renowned experts, and community organizations to help early education practitioners elevate their skills and knowledge. Today, the Center is a hub for professional learning, with numerous programs and an ever growing number of participants.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SESSIONS561PROFESSIONALS AND FAMILIES.3,551

This year, the Center provided to early care and education


“We were offering a good program but we understood that we needed to offer a real quality program. We knew we wanted to change and United Way has been a partner in this change. Through the Pathways to Quality trainings, we have been able to really guide our teachers on what are meaningful and powerful interactions with young children.” – Jenny Tettner-Gugig, Michael Ann Russell Jewish Community Center

PATHWAYS TO QUALITYPathways to Quality focuses on elevating the quality of United Way of Miami-Dade-funded early care and education programs by helping them set their own goals and guide their own growth. Pathways provides accreditation mini grants, conference scholarships and leadership development. The four-year program is ending in June 2015.

TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAINING PARTICIPANTSIN SESSIONS:

2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015

50in 11 sessions

98in 27 sessions

123in 35 sessions

182in 43 sessions

Pathways to Quality increased professional learning offerings each year.

START KIDS BRIGHT SERIESThrough a generous grant from Betsy and George Sherman, this year the Center partnered with Early Childhood Investigations to provide Start Kids Bright, a professional learning series focused on providing early care and education practitioners with the necessary tools to elevate the quality of early education in communities across the nation and abroad. The series, comprised of five webinars, reached 4,442 early care and education professionals in 57 countries and featured national experts in the areas of dual language, infant and toddler education, and technology including Dr. Alison Gopnik, Dr. Peter Mangione, Judy Jablon and Dr. Mileidis Gort.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the MAESTRO program was an unforgettable experience that for sure is going to help me to improve my teaching and motivate children even more.” – Rosa Feraud, teacher at Notre Dame Child Development Center

MENTORING ALL EDUCATORS, SUPPORTING TEACHERS, RAISING OUTCOMES (MAESTRO)We know literacy is one of the key elements for every child’s academic success. With funding from The Children’s Trust, the Center created the MAESTRO program, an all-inclusive approach to improving literacy instruction through a dynamic combination of large group training and one-on-one coaching. Participating teachers improved their literacy instruction in order to help their students enter kindergarten ready to learn and achieve long-term academic success. The program, which concludes this summer, provided nearly 30 teachers with a total of 7,776 one-on-one coaching hours over the past four years.

reached through webinars in EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS4,442 COUNTRIES.57


®

to enhance and expand access to quality infant and toddler care in high-need communities as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) grant. This makes our Center one of 11 among the 21 Educare sites awarded the grant, and one of only two United Ways in the country. Twenty newly hired early care and education professionals, across 17 programs throughout Miami-Dade County, will prepare 320 children to enter kindergarten over the next 5 years. Our longtime partners, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe and Miami-Dade County, were also awarded grants that will allow expanded access to quality early care and education to more than 1,000 young children ages birth to 36 months.

In December 2014, the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education was awarded a 5-year, $22.5 million grant

“These awards speak volumes about our collective work in advocating for Miami-Dade’s children and families. It makes the case for why quality early education is so critical to our success as a community and a nation.” –Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO of United Way Miami-Dade

EARLY HEAD START CHILD CARE PARTNERSHIP

Research has shown that Early Head Start successfully helps infants and toddlers develop essential cognitive and social skills, while encouraging families to actively support their child’s health and education. Yet, only 4 percent of eligible children under age 3 living in poverty are part of the Early Head Start program.

“These new partnerships are a game changer for children from birth to age three and their families, both in Educare communities and across the country.” –Gladys Montes, vice president of United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education

EXPANDING OUR REACH IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Location of the 17 centers served through the grant in Miami-Dade County


EMPOWERING EDUCATORS. ELEVATING QUALITY.Providing our staff with opportunities for professional growth is at the core of the Demonstration School’s work. This allows for the teachers and staff to not only help carry the Center’s mission to help elevate the quality of early care and education, but also encourages them to reach new heights by becoming leaders in their fields.

Last year, our staff presented at numerous nationaland global conferences, sharing their expertise and knowledge on a wide range of topics.

Visible Thinking South Florida Conference Staff presenters: Paula Moujalli, Heidi Reinin and Vivyan Sanchez Topic: Visible Thinking framework

Plan, Play & Learn HighScope Regional Conference Staff presenters: Marta Espinel, Esther Marante, Paula Moujalli and Sharon Wilson Topics: HighScope curriculum and tour of the Center

Project Approach Symposium Staff presenters: Anita Galbraith, Hazel Ramirez, Meyling Arguello, Maria Cabrera, Jessica Sanchez, Veronica Garcia, Adriana Alvarado and Vivyan Sanchez Topics: Classroom projects and Project Approach

World Forum Foundation on Early Care and Education Staff presenters: Luisa Cotto Topic: Technology

One Goal Summer Conference Staff presenters: Veronica Garcia, Lenny Marante and Maria Serra Topics: Routines, infant and toddlers, intentional teaching and Project Approach

Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC) Staff presenters: Anita Galbraith, Paula Moujalli, Adriana Alvarado and Maria Serra Topics: Project Approach, early literacy and dual language

Early Learning Coalition Conference, Children First: Envisioning our Future Staff presenters: Columba Yebaile, Esther Marante, Veronica Garcia, Heidi Minster, Maria Serra and Luisa Cotto Topics: Project Approach, technology, and early literacy

PICA Head Start in Minneapolis Staff presenters: Luisa Cotto and Jessica Scher Topic: Advocacy

At the 2014 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference in November, Demonstration School parent Ryan Pontier, Ph.D., and Center committee member and early child care education specialist Luis Hernandez, were featured in a family engagement video. Staff member Luisa Cotto, who participated in a technology panel at the conference, was featured in a technology video. Both videos were produced by Ready Rosie in partnership with NAEYC. Scan the QR Code to watch the videos or visit http://tinyurl.com/NAEYCVideos

OUR SCHOOL

PARENTS ATTEND EDUCARE FAMILY VOICES EVENTIn early March, the Educare Learning Network held the Educare Family Voices: Engagement Takes a Village in Atlanta. Two parents from the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education Dolphin Digital Media Demonstration School, Educare of Miami-Dade, Xenia Cotalero and Juan Muhammad, joined families and staff from 13 Educare schools from across the country. The historic event marked the first time the Educare Learning Network gathered families from so many schools to speak to one another, share ideas and learn about efforts at other schools.

“I attribute much of her success to the quality of her early child care education and the support she received while attending the Center. It was the best decision I ever made.” – Anailene Marban, mom

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT At 6-months-old Harmony was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, causing developmental delays in her speech, language, and in her gross motor and fine motor skills. Her then-foster parents enrolled Harmony in the Demonstration School’s Early Head Start program where a skilled team of educators quickly partnered with the family to provide her with onsite therapies, as well as ongoing support in her sensory development. Today, Harmony is a happy kindergartener, where her transition was seamless. She’s reading at a second grade level fluently, with comprehension; she’s motivated to learn, enjoys reading, ice skating and gymnastics.


This year, the children from infant to toddler classrooms explored…

BUTTERFLIESmetamorphosis through the study of technology through the creation of new

MACHINES

SELF-IMAGEthrough the exploration of artwork and expressions MAGNETS

force through

PROJECT APPROACH

The capacity of the brain to think in different ways – the ability to problem solve, reflect, and be open to new ideas – is built over time and exposure, with the greatest potential in the early years of life – when most of the brain is forming. This is why at the Demonstration School, teachers engage children in in-depth investigations of real-world topics through Project Approach. These projects, though facilitated by the teachers, are all child-driven and they can take place over several months, providing the children with ample opportunities for their ideas and interests to be valued, their creativity to be nurtured and their learning needs to be met.

The brain and the ability to think are shaped by experiences.

WATERconservation and precipitation through the study of

RAMPSphysics and engineering through the exploration of


What was your first impression of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education?I had never seen an institution whose exterior matched the inner workings – every layer of programming, implementation and professional development was first rate – all research-based, quality-driven and vetted.

What’s a day as chair of the Center’s committee?It provides me with the opportunity to work with the Center’s partners who are passionate about and committed to providing the best possible start for children in our community, as well as explore areas where public policy can make an impact on early care and education.

What do you find most challenging about the work you do at the Center?Keeping an eye on the big picture – elevating the quality of early care and education is not just a cause, but a raison d’etre and involves strategically placing our professionals and our partners in all foreseen and unforeseen areas that can lift early care and education.

Why are you so passionate?I believe that those who are in a position to give – need to give. I feel very lucky to have my heart and intellect in alignment and am fortunate enough to be able to share my time in being part of United Way’s mission and vision.

If you could solve one problem in our community, what would that be? A living wage could lift our families out of the inter-generational perpetuation of poverty that prevents them from obtaining access to quality early care, educational opportunities, safe housing, nutritional needs and health care.

What is the single most important thing each of us can do to make the world a better place for all children?We must do all we can to support our families’ success. This goes hand in hand with preparing children to be successful in school. The payoff will show itself in healthy and strong communities and ultimately a stronger nation.

One piece of advice to incoming chair, Annelies H. Da Costa Gomez?Dream big, don’t wait to be invited but rather show up. Be ready, willing and able to share your passion, questions, curiosity, care and concern. Keep talking about what concerns you. Your voice is what our children and their families need.

“Being associated with the Center is a source of great pride.”– Elizabeth Leight, Psy.D. , Center committee chair, 2013-2015

Q&AOUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS

2015 priority issues:• Quality Early Learning: Quality for Florida’s Future• Financial Stability for Florida’s Future• Access to Health Care: A Healthy Florida Future

believe that investments in early childhood programs will benefit Florida’s economy in the short and long term.

OF FLORIDA VOTERS 88% are more likely to vote for candidates who support these investments.

OF VOTERS 54%

FLORIDA SPEAKS: Early childhood is a top priorityAs the Center, along with its many partners, continue to advocate for increased investment in quality early education, progress is being made. A poll conducted by the bipartisan team of Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research for the First Five Years Fund – in partnership with United Way of Florida, United Way of Miami-Dade, The Children’s Movement of Florida and The Children’s Trust – finds that Florida voters view early childhood as a priority issue in the state and across the nation.

A COMMON AGENDAThe United Way of Florida’s 2015 Florida United Way Consensus Legislative Agenda represents the fourth year 32 of Florida’s United Ways came together in a unified effort to advocate for issues of critical importance throughout the state.

traveled to Tallahassee to support the 2015 Florida United Way Consensus Legislative Agenda. MEMBERS OF UNITED WAY WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP21


THE CENTER DEDICATES ITS ART STUDIO IN MEMORY OF ALESIA CRUCHLEY MOGULOn February 12, the Center dedicated the Art Studio at the Demonstration School in honor of Alesia Cruchley Mogul, a lifelong advocate for quality education for all children and friend of the arts. It was through the generous donations of many of Alesia’s personal friends and family that made this dedication possible.

CHELSEA CLINTON VISITS THE CENTERAfter speaking before more than 1,000 women at The 14th Annual United Way Women’s Leadership Breakfast, Chelsea Clinton visited the Center to learn more about its mission and culminated her visit by reading Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney to a classroom filled with preschoolers.

TEACHERS RECOGNIZED AT THE NATIONAL HEAD START ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS PROGRAMJacqueline Santos-Diaz received the Dr. E.E. Johnson Spirit Award for her work as the Center’s Early Head Start Home-Based Program educator working with eight families in high-risk communities in Miami-Dade County. Preschool co-teacher Meyling Arguello was one of five finalists nominated for teacher of the year from more than 100 Head Start programs throughout Miami-Dade County.

OUR STORIES

“[That I] enjoyed myself doesn’t quite cover it. I was thrilled with my kids. What an experience. I am looking forward to next Tuesday, the next and the next!”– Dolores Craeg, volunteer reader

172 ReadingPals volunteer readers, along with more than 400 community members, helped in providing 4-year-olds in Miami-Dade County with the skills necessary for kindergarten. The volunteers clocked 1,761 hours and provided more than 1,000 take-home books, helping children build their own libraries at home. With support provided by Carol and Barney Barnett, ReadingPals provides a fun and meaningful way to instill a love of reading for young children and the best possible start in school and in life.

30 MINUTES A WEEK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

CENTER STAFF SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE AS CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS The Center had a remarkable year with staff making their mark in the publishing world. Paula Moujalli, director/principal of the Demonstration School, and Laura Haim, director of strategy and innovation, together with Demonstration School parent Ryan Pontier, Ph.D., were invited to write a chapter, Principles for Leading a Dual Language Program, in a new National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) book. Luisa Cotto also authored the chapter, Technology Tools for Strengthening Communities, a co-publication of Routledge and NAEYC. This book was presented at the NAEYC Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY DIRECTOR JACK P. SHONKOFF, PH.D. VISITS AS GUEST SPEAKER In partnership with the Educare Learning Network, the Center hosted a reception with Dr. Jack P. Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. More than 80 educators, nonprofit leaders and research experts in Miami for the Zero to Three National Institute attended. The Center also partnered with Educare on an interactive booth at the Institute.


$1,000 – $9,999AFSCME Local 199, AFL-CIO AFSCME Local 1363, AFL-CIO AFSCME Local 3292, AFL-CIO Susan Atwater AWAS Aviation ServicesSuzanne BaileyBarnes & NobleTracey P. BerkowitzBJ WholesaleKathryn I. Bohlmann Josie Romano Brown and Mark D. Brown, MD Charles E. CobbCisneros GroupThe Cowles Charitable Trust Carla Crossno and Tom Gillette Dale Carnegie Training Institute Emily and Victor Damiano The Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Memorial Foundation, Inc.Amy and Jesus Diaz, Jr. Discovery Networks Latin AmericaDolphin Measurement Systems LLC Tania DominguezExxonMobil Inter-America Inc. T. Willard Fair Enrique C. FallaMariita and George Feldenkreis Mikki and Morris Futernick Sue Gallagher Barbara F. and Richard G. Garrett Robert A. GinsburgGoldman, Sachs & Co. Sharon and Charles Griemsman III Claudia Grillo Steven H. HagenArthur W. Heggen Jorge L. Hernandez-TorañoArthur H. Hertz Rita HessJanice and Ron HillGregory S. Hirsch Desmond Howard HSBC Bank USA Suzzanne J. HubbardInvestor Solutions, Inc.

Israel, Rose, Henry & Robert Wiener Charitable FoundationThe Joy of Learning JPMorgan Chase Soledad Juncadella David P. Kanios Seth R. Kaplan Kevin J. King Tamara A. Klingler and Mayco Villafaña Lurlene Kyles and Bill Gasner Suzy and Joseph P. Lacher David Lawrence Jr. Elizabeth and Nathan LeightAida Levitan and Fausto SanchezDenise LeVin Edward London Natasha G. and Jack Lowell Ann P. Machado Magic City CasinoAmelia Rea Maguire Yusneli and Guimel Martinez Al R. Maulini Judith and Robert MaynesJocelynne P. McAdoryKerin McCarthy, M.D.Angel Medina, Jr. Kimberly and Eric MendelsonStuart I. MeyersCarlos A. Migoya Alesia and Harve A. Mogul Mirjam and Rudolph G., DO Moise Ximena and Carlos G. Molina Isabel Montes

Jan and William L. Morrison Mary Kay and Corliss J. Nelson NordstromSusan Potter NortonNoven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ramiro A. OrtizLivia and Aristides Pallin Ivette and William R. Phelan Publix Super Markets, Inc. Claudia Puig Gladys ReedGloria M. RodriguezJanice L. Russell Connie Ryan and Thomas O. Bales Noreen Gordon SablotskyJoan and J. David Scheiner Frances A. Sevilla-SacasaPeter L. Sibley Gordon H. Silver Rodney SmithMarty SteinbergJudy Cannon and Merrett R. Stierheim Jo and John C. SumbergTenet Healthcare FoundationUnited Way of Bluegrass United Way of Greenville CountyVictoria E. VillalbaWhole Kids FoundationCynthia E. and Lynn C. Washington Marie-Ilene and Thomas Whitehurst Yoss LLP Zubi Advertising Services, Inc.

FUNDING PARTNERS

$5 MILLION +The Batchelor Foundation Geraldine and Bennett LeBow

$1 MILLION -$ 4,999,999Edmund N. AnsinThe Buffett Early Childhood FundThe Children’s TrustDolphin Digital MediaThe Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/MonroeJane HsiaoMiguel B. Fernández FamilyMiami-Dade CountyRoyal Caribbean/Celebrity CruisesSoffer FamilyUnited States Department of Education

$100,000 – $999,999Applebaum FoundationArriola FamilyAT&T Auto Nation Avanti Case-HoytCarol Jenkins Barnett and Barney BarnettKerrin and Peter L. BermontCarol Greenberg BrooksAntonio Cabrera, Jr. Carricarte Foundation Comcast FoundationContinental Real Estate CompaniesLaura Coulter-Jones The Early Childhood Initiative FoundationEducare Learning Network Colleen and Richard D. Fain FedEx Latin America and Caribbean DivisionFisher Island Philanthropic Fund Florida BlueFundación Cisneros Gorson Family

Greenberg Traurig LLP Holland & Knight LLPKay Hancock-Apfel Kirk FoundationIrving Harris Foundation John S. & James L. Knight Foundation R. Kirk Landon* Jan and Daniel Lewis Ocean Bank The Paresky Family FoundationPotamkin FamilyRyder System, Inc. Leslie Miller SaiontzSteven J. Saiontz United Way of Miami-Dade Women’s Leadership Therese Uriarte in memory of R. Kevin KlotzWarren WeiserWells Fargo Foundation on behalf of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

$10,000 – $99,999Abess FamilyAetna FoundationSari and Arthur, MD Agatston Argiz FamilyBadia Spices, Inc. Hilarie Bass Ana and Manny Becerra Yolanda and Jeffrey Berkowitz Linda and Mike BittelElise and Russell Blackwell Susan and Mark D. Bloom Community PlaythingsAnnelies H. Da Costa GomezThe Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation Amy and Edward W. Easton Lori S. FerrellPatty and Leonard FluxmanFood Industry Crusade Against HungerDalia and Saul Glottman

Emmanuelle GattusoFrances and Irving Z. Mogul Memorial FundHarry Kramer Memorial Fund Head Start Body StartHispanic Obesity Prevention EducationIberia Tiles IBEW Local 359, AFL-CIO IBMIrvin Stern FoundationYvonne R. and Fred Jackson, JrJulius & Eleanor Kass Family Foundation KaBoom/ChobaniKaplan Early Learning CompanyKaren LiedermanRobert and Judith M. KramerSteiner LeisureLes B. Levi Manuel Diaz FarmsManuel MartinezLisa and Victor MendelsonMiami-Dade State Attorney’s OfficeMorgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPThe Peacock FoundationPeter K. Moser Darlene Boytell-Pérez and Jorge M. Pérez PPI Group PradaThe Procter & Gamble Distribution Company Toni and Carl Randolph Regions Bank The Robbie Foundation for ChildrenMaria SastreGeorge and Betsy ShermanTrigram GC United Parcel ServiceUnited Way Women’s LeadershipUnited Way of Miami-Dade Young LeadersWells-FargoMary M. Young


NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Gina Barclay-McLaughlin, Ph.D.University of Tennessee

Carol Jenkins Barnett Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Paula Jorde Bloom, Ph.D.McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership

Roger H. Brown Bright Horizons

Donna Bryant, Ph.D.Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center

Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale, M. Div. St. Thomas University

Richard CliffordFrank Porter Graham Child Development Center

Josue Cruz Jr., Ph.D.Bowling Green State University

Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D.National Association for the Education of Young Children

Richard D. Fain Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

Melvyn R. Fletcher M.D. Florida Blue

Dana E. Friedman, Ed.D.The Early Years Institute Stewart D. Friedman, Ph.D.University of Pennsylvania

Ellen Galinsky Families and Work Institute

Howard Gardner, Ph.D.Harvard Graduate School of Education

Janet Gonzalez-Mena

Dominic F. Gullo, Ph.D.Drexel University

Sharon Lynn Kagan, Ed.D.Columbia University

Candice P. Lange Lange Advisors

David Lawrence Jr. The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation

James Levine

Joan Lombardi, Ph.D.The Children’s Project

Christina Lopez-Morgan

Tammy L. Mann, Ph.D.The Campagna Center

Samuel J. Meisels, Ed.D.Erickson Institute

Evelyn K. Moore National Black Child Development Institute

Kristen Moore

Robin D. Morris

Roger NeugebauerWorld Forum Foundation

Eduardo J. Padrón, Ph.D. Miami Dade College

Christine Coyle Papera

Michelle Seligson

Donna E. Shalala, Ph.D.University of Miami

Diane Trister-Dodge

Gerrit Westervelt

Marian Wright-Edelman Children’s Defense Fund

Edward Zigler, Ph.D.Yale University

Pamela Zuker, Ph.D.

CENTER COMMITTEE

Magaly Abrahante, Ph.D. Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Betty AlonsoConnectFamilias

Fernand Amandi Bendixen & Amandi

Cathleen ArmsteadMiami-Dade County

Yolanda Berkowitz

W.J. Blechman, MD

Aaron S. BlynnGenovese, Joblove & Battista, PA

Iraida M. Bottazzi

Mike BurkeEducare Learning Network

Annelies H. Da Costa Gomez

Lilia C. DiBello, Ed.D. Barry University

Marisel Elias-Miranda, Ph.D. Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Annette Feinberg

Veronica FernandezUniversity of Miami

Alexander FormosoAT&T

Yvette Garcia Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC

Donna Ginn Crossroad Consulting Group

Peter Gorski, MD, MPA The Children’s Trust

Anita Harvey-DixonBuffet Early Childhood Fund

Luis Hernandez Western Kentucky University

Christine Hughes, Ph.D. Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe

Alice L. KellerFlorida Power & Light Company IBEW Local 359

Adriana Maria KendrellaThe Northern Trust Company

Allison KerniskyHolland & Knight LLP

Elizabeth Leight, Psy.D.*

Les Levi

Judith Maynes

Maria Moutinho, Ph.D.Florida Blue

Susan MullinEducare Learning Network

Susan Neimand, Ph.D. Miami Dade College

Dana P. NewmanMcDermott Will & Emery LLP

Michael E. OvallesPricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

Emma PacettiCitibank, N.A.

Julie Paresky

Georgina Prats The Joy of Learning

Maria Riestra-Quintero, Ph.D.Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Bevone Ritchie The Children’s Trust

Wilma Robles de Melendez, Ph.D. Nova Southeastern University

Paola Roman Carrfour Supportive Housing, Inc.

Kim Roy Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Angela Salmon, Ed.D. Florida International University

Samantha Sugarman

Elissa Vanaver, MS Breakthrough Miami, Inc.

Gregory M. Viejo, C.F.A.Wells Fargo Private Bank

Sondra WallaceHead Start and Family Services Administration

Charles V. West Berkowitz Pollack Brant

Graham F. Wilson

*Commitee Chair


PARTNERS

Aetna FoundationBarry UniversityBright Smiles/ColgateCatholic Charities of the Archdiocese of MiamiCenter for Autism and Related DisabilitiesChildren’s ForumThe Children’s Movement of FloridaThe Children’s TrustCommunity PlaythingsThe Early Childhood Initiative FoundationEarly Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/MonroeEducare Learning NetworkFairchild Tropical Botanic GardenFamily Central, Inc.Family Counseling Services of Greater Miami, Inc.

Florida Department of Children and FamiliesFlorida Head Start Collaboration OfficeFlorida International University, School of EducationFlorida State UniversityThe Hawn FoundationHead Start/Early Head Start ProgramHealthy Start CoalitionHearing and Speech Center of Florida, Inc.HighScopeInjury Free Coalition for Kids - MiamiInstitute for Child & Family Health, Inc.KaplanMiami Children’s HospitalMiami Dade CollegeMiami-Dade County, Health DepartmentMiami-Dade County Public SchoolsMiami Project

National Association for the Education of Young ChildrenNova Southeastern UniversityOunce of Prevention FundShort ChefSoutheastern Community Mental Health CenterTeaching StrategiesTiny NinjasUnited Way of FloridaUnited Way WorldwideUniversity of MiamiUniversity of Miami Frost School of MusicUniversity of Miami Mailman CenterUniversity of Miami School of EducationVisible Thinking, South FloridaWells Fargo Foundation on behalf of Wells Fargo Home MortgageZero to Three

Barry UniversityLilia C. DiBello, Ed.D.

Florida International University Angela Salmon, Ed.D

Florida State UniversityMimi Graham, Ed.D.

Harvard University David Perkins, Ph.D.Ron Ritchhart, Ed. D.Shari Tishman, Ph.D.

Miami Dade College Susan Neimand, Ph.D.

Nova Southeastern Univeristy Wilma Robles de Melendez, Ph.D.

University of FloridaPedro Bermudez Magda Castañeda, Ed.D Raquel Diaz, Ed.D. Philip Poekert, Ph.D.

University of MiamiDaryl Greenfield, Ph.D.

University of North Carolina, Chapel HillDonna Bryant, Ph.D.Noreen M. Yazejian, Ph.D.

Western Kentucky UniversityLuis Hernandez

THE CENTER BENEFITS FROM RELATIONSHIPS WITH NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES

In the past eight years, the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education has had the privilege of working alongside key partners who share in this vision and embody the spirit of collaboration. Together, we continue to elevate the quality of early care and education in Miami-Dade and beyond.

CENTER PROGRAM PARTNERS

giving our studentsthe world PUBLIC SCHOOLS

• MIAMI-DADE COUNTY •

UNITED WAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jayne Harris AbessthinkLAB Ventures

Maria C. AlonsoBank of America

Yolanda C. Berkowitz

Peter L. BermontThe Bermont Advisory Group

Darlene Boytell-Pérez

Michele P. BurgerBugs Burger Bug Killers, Inc.

Steven J. Brodie, Esq.Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, PA

Alberto M. CarvalhoMiami-Dade County Public Schools

Guillermo G. Castillo JPMorgan Chase

Juan N. CentoFedEx Express Latin America & Caribbean

Stephen G. DannerCherry Bekaert LLP

Marilyn J. DeVoe American Airlines

Peter J. DolaraAir Travel Management

Miguel G. FarraMorrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC

Constance M. Fernandez

Rodolfo FernandezUniversity of Miami

Frank GonzalezMorrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC

Jorge J. GonzalezCity National Bank of Florida

Matthew B. GorsonGreenberg Traurig, LLP

Gerald C. Grant, Jr. AXA Advisors, LLC

Jorge L. Hernandez-Toraño, Esq. Holland & Knight LLP

Fedrick C. IngramUnited Teachers of Dade Local 1974

Edward J. JoyceThe Northern Trust Company

Alicia Cervera LamadridCervera Real Estate

Jess S. Lawhorn, Jr.SunTrust Bank

Elizabeth B. Leight, Psy.D.

Jason T. LibertyRoyal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. Agostinho Alfonso MacedoOcean Bank

Jose R. MasMasTec, Inc.

Lisa M. Mendelson

Carlos A. MigoyaJackson Health System

Harve A. Mogul United Way of Miami-Dade

Rudolph G. Moise, D.O. Comprehensive Health Center, Inc.

W. Allen MorrisThe Allen Morris Company

Susan Potter Norton, Esq. Allen Norton & Blue, PA

William H. O’Dowd, IVDolphin Digital Media

Phillis I. OetersBaptist Health South Florida

Cristina PereyraJAMS Miami

Peter T. Pruitt, Jr. Deloitte LLP

Julio A. RamirezJEM Global Consulting

Eugene M. Schaefer* Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Romaine M. SeguinUPS Americas and the Caribbean

Penelope Shaffer, Ph.D. Florida Blue

Andrew M. SmulianAkerman LLP

Oscar Suarez EY

Jorge R. Villacampa Wells Fargo

Marielena A. VillamilThe Washington Economics Group

Alexandra Villoch Miami Herald Media Company

Kathleen B. Woods-RichardsonCity of Miramar

Judy H. ZederEsslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors

Josh M. ZivalichTeamsters Local 769, AFL-CIO

*Board Chair

24 United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education

“Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.”– Rita Pierson, a lifelong educator and child advocate, from her TED talk in New York City in April, 2013.

3250 SOUTHWEST THIRD AVENUE, MIAMI, FL 33129

UNITEDWAYCFE.ORG

2014-2015 report

Documents