ZERO TO THREE – Think Babies Campaign

Thursday, February 25th, 2021
AAIMH Monthly Webinar Meeting
12:00-1:00 pm

Webinar Title:

ZERO TO THREE – Think Babies Campaign


Webinar Description: 
The greatest opportunity to influence a child’s life outcomes—academic, social and emotional, and physical—begins early, even before birth. Investing in giving all babies the best chance to succeed in life will build a better future for all of us. This is why ZERO TO THREE created the Think Babies Campaign to bring nationwide attention to what babies and families need to thrive. When babies and toddlers have good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences, it creates a stronger society for all of us. Please join us for a conversation with ZERO TO THREE to learn more about Think Babies. This presentation will include information about the policymaking process, Think Babies policy solutions, supporting data, and ways that you can leverage your expertise as an early childhood professional to be a voice for infants, toddlers, and their families.


Presenters:

Jennifer Jennings-Shaffer

Jennifer Jennings-Shaffer is a Senior Campaign Manager for ZERO TO THREE. In that role she supports the development and implementation of ZERO TO THREE’s advocacy strategy to move an infant-toddler policy agenda, including providing technical assistance to state infant-toddler coalitions, developing and implementing state advocacy and communications campaigns, and facilitating communities of practice among states.
 
Prior to joining ZERO TO THREE, Jennifer served as the Early Learning Policy Director for the Children’s Alliance in Washington State. In that role, she worked with the Early Learning Action Alliance, a statewide coalition of advocates convened by the Children’s Alliance, to develop and implement advocacy campaigns to increase access to high quality early learning for children in Washington, beginning with those furthest from opportunity. Campaigns included the Early Start Act (an omnibus bill focused on increasing quality in early learning settings), expanding access to pre-k, increasing child care subsidy rates, expanding access to evidence based home visiting, and establishing paid family leave. Previously, Jennifer worked at the Washington State Department of Early Learning as the Head Start State Collaboration Office Administrator focusing on early learning systems building and alignment. Jennifer holds a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College.

Jared Busker

Jared Busker is a State Advocacy Specialist for ZERO TO THREE. As such, Jared Busker supports the implementation of ZERO TO THREE’s advocacy strategy to move an infant-toddler policy agenda, including providing technical assistance to state infant-toddler coalitions, supporting development and implementation of state advocacy and communications campaigns, and implementing state advocacy and communications campaigns.
 
Prior to joining ZERO TO THREE, Jared served as the Associate Director and Government Affairs Manager for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance in Nevada. In this role, Jared oversaw and managed the organization’s governmental affairs and outreach on issues related to early childhood education, children’s health, child safety, and welfare, and economic well-being. During his time at the Children’s Advocacy Alliance, Jared was successful in passing over thirty-five bills benefiting Nevada’s children and families. Jared is an AmeriCorps VISTA alumnus and received a Master of Arts in Urban Leadership and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Click Here to Watch a Recording of the Presentation