Programs for Parents, Inc. hosted their annual Week of the Young Child breakfast celebration at the Newark Museum of Art on Tuesday, April 9. Sponsored by the Newark Opportunity Youth Network and the Newark Museum of Art, the event featured a panel discussion titled “Celebrating Trailblazing Men: Transforming Early Childhood Narratives,” shining a spotlight on men shaping the future of early childhood education.
Nayibe Capellan, Chief Executive Officer of Programs for Parents, Inc., emphasized the organization’s dedication to creating thriving learning environments for children. Capellan highlighted the impact of men in early childhood education, noting their role in redefining traditional boundaries and enriching the learning experience for all children.
The panel discussion, moderated by Khaatim Sherrer El, Executive Director of Clinton Hill Community Action, explored strategies to foster inclusivity in learning environments and innovative approaches to support early literacy. Panelists included Mark Comesañas, Executive Director of My Brother’s Keeper Newark; Kammeron Dupree, Director/School Nurse at Love 2 Learn Early Childhood Academy; Michael Vargas, Director of Early Childhood Education at Belleville Public Schools; and Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Ed.D., Superintendent of Orange Public Schools.
Mark Comesañas highlighted the importance of promoting early literacy for boys and young men of color, emphasizing its role in closing the achievement gap and improving educational outcomes. Comesañas emphasized the significance of family engagement in early learning for enhancing school readiness and academic success.
Approximately 165 community members attended the annual Week of the Young Child breakfast celebration, demonstrating the widespread support for early childhood education initiatives.
