<p>In this episode, we’ll look at how the inequities in the childcare system appear in two different situations in Chicago. We’ll look at the importance of the first years of life through the lens of the pandemic’s psychological toll on young children. Finally, we’ll discuss some of the informal structures that have developed due to the childcare gap.</p>

From Slavery to Head Start

From the launch of Head Start to the Preschool for All initiative, to new discoveries in early brain development, the past 60 years have been transformative for the field of early childhood. Yet, America has no national system for early care and education—parents are faced with a patchwork of programs and policies whose shortcomings have been highlighted by the pandemic.  Erikson Institute, a graduate school in early childhood, was co-founded by early childhood educator, scholar, and activist Barbara Taylor Bowman 55 years ago. Erikson’s rich history and the impact of the pandemic inspired Erikson to propose a podcast series looking at the history of early care and education, with an eye to what a more equitable and just system could look like for the future.

Our series is titled, “1,800 Days: the story of early childhood in the US” because the first 1,800 days of every child’s life – the time from birth to entering kindergarten – is the most intense period of development in every person’s lifetime.

Hosted by Natalie Moore—renowned author (The South Side) and reporter (WBEZ public radio) specializing in race, class, and communities--“1,800 Days” will feature experts in the field—from national figures like Barbara to dedicated professionals working on the front lines.  The series will inform early childhood educators, caregivers, and students; policy makers, advocates and parents.