EP 12: Strengthening Early Literacy: Insights from the Early Childhood Alliance with Bethany Creaser
In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, Madeline Rommer, whom y'all met on episode 2 host's this conversation with Bethany, the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA) Onondaga. Together, they delve into the crucial role the ECA plays in supporting early literacy and child development within the community.
Bethany shares the mission of the ECA, which was established to ensure that every child in Onondaga County is healthy, thriving, and ready for school. She discusses the collaborative efforts of various partners in the early childhood system, including pediatricians, childcare providers, and home visiting programs, all aimed at creating a supportive environment for families with children under five.
Listeners will learn about the innovative initiatives led by the ECA, such as the Talk, Read, Sing campaign and Help Me Grow, which provide parents with essential tools and resources to foster their child's development. Bethany highlights the importance of engaging parents as their child's first teachers and the significance of addressing basic needs to enhance literacy outcomes.
Throughout the episode, Bethany emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and the power of shared messaging among partners to create a consistent support system for families. She also discusses the challenges facing families today, including rising parental stress and the need for basic resources, while shining a light on the progress and opportunities available in the field of early literacy.
Join us for this insightful conversation that not only informs but also inspires action within the community to support early childhood education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of our children and the importance of literacy!
00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad
01:30 Introduction of Bethany, Executive Director of Early Childhood Alliance
05:00 Overview of the Early Childhood Alliance's mission and partners
12:00 Importance of parents as first teachers in early literacy
18:30 Key initiatives: Talk, Read, Sing and Help Me Grow
25:15 Addressing basic needs to support literacy
32:00 Challenges facing families and community responses
40:00 Opportunities for involvement and support in early childhood education
45:00 Thank you to our guest, Bethany
Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!
Bethany J. Creaser - the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA), Onondaga, Inc. Executive Director since 2023.
As a lifelong Syracuse resident, Bethany has a deep understanding of the many challenges our community’s children and families face, from health care and education to child care and financial security. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a tireless, dedicated leader who is unwavering in her commitment to Onondaga County’s youngest residents.
Prior to joining the ECA, Onondaga, Bethany worked for Catholic Charities of Onondaga County (CCOC) for 15 years – her most recent role being the Clinical, Family, and Peer Support Services Program Officer providing programmatic and fiscal oversight for a diverse department offering mental health, peer support, parent education, and child welfare/prevention programs. Prior to her work at CCOC, she worked at The Salvation Army for 10 years as a program director for Barnabas Center for youth. She has a strong history of community leadership and presently serves on numerous boards and committees.
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**This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**
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