This podcast discusses educator wellness for early childhood educators. Early childhood education is especially important here in Washington, DC. We've had universal PreK 3 and 4 since 2008 (something I am so grateful for as a parent), and a huge network of daycare centers and nannies serving families across all eight wards.

Universal Prekindergarten has not only alleviated a great cost to DC parents (because let's face it, daycare is so expensive!), but it's also ensured that all DC children receive the educational support they need during this critical period of their development. 

Despite this importance, we don't speak very often about the different experiences of ECE teachers and the specific wellness these educators need. For this, I was so excited to get the "dream team" of early childhood educators to talk about the importance of ECE and what more wellness would mean for this sector. 

- Jackeline Peña is a PreK4 teacher at Bancroft elementary school in DC, is a current EmpowerEd fellow, and has been supporting our new Parents Who Teach initiative. 

-La Shada Ham-Campbell is the owner of the great Petit Scholars preschool network in Ward 5 (where my son Jonah went from when he was an infant!), and has done great advocacy work for ECE in DC. 

- Larrisa Lei-Wilkson is the Deputy CEO for Pre-K 4 SA, an amazing citywide expansion of prekindergarten in San Antonio, TX where I have been lucky enough to help their teachers with self-care over the past few years. 

During our conversation, we discuss:

- How our collective perceptions of ECE have changed over the years. - The incredibly important equity issues involved with supporting ECE teachers.

- The policy and advocacy changes that can better support teachers, students and families.

- And much more! 

Since the recording of this episode, the Pay Equity Fund which we discussed has indeed been removed from the Mayor's draft budget. We are outraged that the city is breaking its promises to some of our most important workers, and urge anyone who lives in DC to contact their councilmember and voice their support to bring back the fund. Let's all fight to support the educators who are supporting our youngest students and their families. 

As always, enjoy the episode and thanks so much for listening!

Thank you for listening! Please learn more about our educator wellness work in schools at or email [email protected]