2023 Annual Virtual Conference

Khalil Munir
Teaching/performing artist, author, producer, and educator

SESSION TITLE
The Crown is Yours. Walk in Your Purpose

SESSION DESCRIPTION
This closing session will present a full circle moment starting with the presenter coming into the world facing adversity, leading to now, and how Khalil motivates people to overcome adversity. Khalil will touch on topics from his three-book series and his one-man show, which follows his life’s journey to now. Many adult habits follow us from childhood. Gaining proper tools and confidence early on is very important. Khalil will read from his first book, The Crown is Yours, sharing with attendees how Malik overcomes obstacles that may be common for many children and families.

Marva Lewis, PhD
Tulane University

SESSION TITLE
The Power of Cultural Rituals & Routines to Build Strong Parent-Child Bonds: Talk, Touch & Listen While Combing Hair

SESSION DESCRIPTION
Family routines and rituals serve as powerful organizers of family life and stability for young children during times of stress. For young children, routines and rituals protect their mental health under high-risk conditions and strengthen family identity. In this keynote, the routine of hair-combing interaction is introduced as a culturally valid method of supportive intervention for infant and early childhood educators and practitioners. This daily routine provides a no-cost opportunity for parents and caregivers to strengthen attachment, be connected to their culture, and build community among parent-peers.

Ralph Smith, JD
Managing Director, Campaign for Grade Level Reading

SESSION TITLE
Changing the Narrative about Parenting: A Conversation on Listening and Supporting Parent Voice

SESSION DESCRIPTION
Ralph Smith, Founding Managing Director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, will engage in a fireside-style chat with ParentChild+ CEO, Sarah Walzer, on changing the narrative about the difficult and complicated job of parenting and ensuring that parents have a voice in programs and policies that impact their families. Sharing experiences from his distinguished career, Ralph will offer his perspective on the importance of giving parents and caregivers credit when they get it right and engaging with them with empathy, understanding, and grace when addressing challenges. He will share lessons learned from the Campaign for Grade Level Reading’s Successful Parents Initiatives including a recent project called Parents Succeeding, in which the Philadelphia ParentChild+ site participated. Join us for this insightful conversation that we hope you will find affirming and inspiring.

Sharon Cronin, PhD has over twenty-five years of experience in bilingual and culturally relevant early childhood and elementary education. She earned her Doctoral Degree in Curriculum Instruction majoring in Bilingual Education, Multicultural Education, and Literacy, with cognates in Special Education, Caribbean Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology from the University of Washington. At the Center for Linguistic and Cultural Democracy, Dr. Cronin co-leads the Teaching Umoja Participatory Action Research 15-Year Commitment, examining the ethnic identity, bicultural, cross-cultural, and tri-literacy development of children of color, along with a team of 40 co-researchers from across the United States and Port Royal and Moore Town, Jamaica. She is co-author of Soy Bilingue: Language, Culture, and Young Latino Children. Through the Soy Bilingue Network, Dr. Cronin further develops and promotes the Soy Bilingue Adult Dual Language Model for early childhood education.