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NURTURE Our Peer-Reviewed e-Journal BCDI-Atlanta released the first edition of its peer-reviewed e-journal, Nurture in Fall 2020. The BCDI-Atlanta members at that time were honored with an exclusive first look. ​ Thank you for supporting our work on behalf of Black children and their families! ​ NURTURE VOLUME 2 NURTURE VOLUME 1 Volume 2 Download Nurture Volume 2 Unleashing The Genius of Black Voices Volume 1 Download Nurture Volume 1 Unleashing The Genius of Black Voices

EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION COVID-19 RESOURCES ECE-top What We Do Promote the equitable distribution of high-quality resources across the birth to eight continuums, which includes leadership and professional development, to encourage a well-qualified, culturally and racially diverse workforce. Expand ECE ​ BCDI-Atlanta’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Project BCDI-Atlanta's Expand ECE (Early Care & Education) initiative seeks to increase the diversity of early childhood education leaders and provide ongoing leadership support for childcare program owners, center directors, and family/group childcare providers. Expand ECE is a multi-tiered approach that is designed to systematically address the programmatic needs of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This initiative consists of 3 tiers. Anchor 1 3 Program Tiers ​ Tier 1 includes professional development for adults who live and work with Black children through BCDI-Atlanta's Annual Culturally Responsive Early Education & Care Summit . This tier uses a strengths-based approach to train early educators and supporters on how to be more culturally responsive by learning about each child's strengths, abilities, experiences, and interests as developed within the child's family and culture. Tier 2 is the Community level providing professional development on cultural responsiveness and inclusion. The Community Tier includes self-paced online training on strategies to improve personal goals (assist staff in self-awareness of culture, beliefs and personal values); workplace goals (foster a workplace of inclusion); and child/family goals (uplifting family voices and a commitment to equitable child outcomes), through professional development and networking opportunities such as our Leadership & Equity Advancement Network (LEAN). Tier 3 includes our annual fellowship program offerings - intensive training, coaching and mentoring programs with the goal of advancing and diversifying the early education workforce through inclusive and equitable leadership. Our Partners

SPONSOR Help Sponsor our Annual Leadership Summit! Thank you for your interest in sponsoring BCDI-Atlanta's 5th Annual Culturally Responsive Early Education & Care Leadership Summit! At BCDI-Atlanta, we are committed to establishing and emphasizing valuable partner relationships within the culturally responsive early childhood education community - ECE educators, social workers, medical/healthcare professionals and anyone else who lives or works with Black children and their families. These partnerships enable us to broaden our reach and engage shared stakeholders in the field of early childhood education. Through collaborations with various engagement partners such as child-serving programs and professionals, we believe that by working together, we can leverage available assets to provide our community with the knowledge needed to advance our collective work. We look forward to supporting our stakeholders during this two-day in-person professional development event. View Sponsorship Application > Sponsorship Package View More Download Questions? Contact events@bcdiatlanta.org Sponsorship Application Download Package

PUBLIC POLICY What We Do "Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be." - Kahlil Gibran ​ BCDI-Atlanta advances the quality of life for Black children, families, and communities by connecting programs, policy, and adv ocacy, through the engagement of members and the broader community in activities designed to address local and state civic matters affecting Black children and families in Georgia. 8 Essential Outcomes 2024 Legislative Priorities Civic Engagement Voting Prenatal-3 Initiative Our Programs NARRATIVES ECE EDUCATION SAFE COMMUNITY LITERACY REPRESENTATION FAMILY ENGAGEMENT HEALTH NUTRITION 2024 Legislative Priorities ​ BCDI-Atlanta held its annual Policy Briefing on October 17, 2023 with members, partners, program participants and community leaders to develop 2024 advocacy goals in alignment with NBCDI’s Eight Essential Outcomes for Blac k Child D evelopment . Thank you to the stakeholders who joined us to support this effort! ​ Bills we're watching: ​ HB 10 : E lections and primaries; visually disabled to vote electronically HB 3 : Support for Students Living in Poverty Act HB 148 : Student Teacher Promotion Act SB 81 : G eorgia Community Midwife Act SB 211 : Georgia Council on Literacy HB 565 : So cial services; temporary assistance for needy families; increase access to benefits HB 367 : Quality Basic Education Act HB 668 : Georgia Educational Opportunity Act ​ Download PDF Outline Year-round Civic Engagement ​ Staying in the know about what's going on in local, state and national legislation is essential to ensure your voice is heard throughout the year. In addition to voting, during elections, here are some ways you can continue to involvement in policy and advocacy. ​ Find Your Legislato rs : Look up your stat e legislators by address or use your current location. Keep up with what's going on Under the Gold Dome (Georgia General Assembly). Track the United States Congress and find legislation that affects you and yours. GOTV (Get Out the Vote) ​ BCDI-Atlanta has partnered wi th Vot-ER to help you vote safely! Visit Vot -ER to learn how you can register to vote, vote by mail, vote in-person, and stay a breast of the latest information. ​ Check your: ​ Voter registration status Mail-In application and ballot status Poll location Early voting locations Elected Officials Registration information on file with the county office Sample ballot for the upcoming election Provisional Ballot status ​ ​ COVID-19 & voting: Check vote.org/covid-19 for the latest updates.​ Prenatal-3 Initiative In partnership with NBCDI and the Pritzker Foundation, BCDI-Atlanta engages with families, early childhood educators (with a particular focus on Family, Friend and Neighbor providers), community members and stakeholders to develop a legislative agenda focused on prenatal to three. ​ In 2021, Paid Leave became a reality in Georgia, thanks to the work of partners like 9to5! In partnership with the Georgia Coalition for Paid Leave, on which BCDI-Atlanta proudly serves as a member, 9to5 Georgia recently released Dollars and Sense: A Cost/Benefit Analysis of Paid Leave in Georgia. With Paid Leave as a prenatal-3 goal in our legislative agenda, BCDI-Atlanta is excited to share this publication on the coalition's behalf! Be sure to view partner organizations on p. 27. Learn More & Download the Report Our Partners

GALLERY BCDI-Atlan ta Photo Release Form BCDI-Atlanta's Advocacy Day at the Capitol - March 6, 2024 5th Annual Culturally Responsive Summit - Feb 20, 2024 - Feb 21, 2024 4th Annual Culturally Responsive Summit - Feb 21, 2023 (Photos) 4th Annual Culturally Responsive Summit - Feb 21, 2023 (Videos) Full Playlist NBCDI’s 51st Annual Conference Washington, DC, October 7-10, 2022 76E6AEAC-4281-40F3-9B0B-21851272123A AC319091-C3F9-481F-93D1-B5C95A02A0C4 F7253FCD-8365-42BA-B0C4-D6A215D6988D 76E6AEAC-4281-40F3-9B0B-21851272123A 1/5 B9DFB685-7DE9-4DA0-A77D-91C8AABD93EA 9713558B-E632-4C97-AD27-2A5AF2AA0CBB (1) 0EC39C03-87F7-4123-AEB2-A47E55738AFC B9DFB685-7DE9-4DA0-A77D-91C8AABD93EA 1/7 Laundry and Literacy Day - July 29, 2022 3rd Annual Culturally Responsive Summit -Feb 23, 2022 0E9C3E00-2613-4BC9-B0E9-4E9498CF4694 (1) 3FD4A6C1-471D-4B2C-9DC1-EE73C3A013AF CF8ABD29-C844-4171-8FF4-D2DFB788CA68 0E9C3E00-2613-4BC9-B0E9-4E9498CF4694 (1) 1/9

From Our President... Dr. Bisa Lewis It is quite the honor to serve as the President of Black Child Development Institute (BCDI)-Atlanta! On behalf of our national office (NBCDI), Board of Directors, members, partners, and volunteers, I bring you greetings from Georgia’s Capitol! ​ I accepted the charge to lead this organization, because I want to pay it forward. When I was growing up in Southwest Georgia, there were so many servants and leaders in my community whose relationships and genuine care for my well-being made it possible for me to become the woman, mother, and educator I am today. I strive to replicate constructive learning experiences with others who cross my path, in hopes to inspire the next generation to be leaders and assets to society. ​ ​ Even after serving as Vice President of BCDI-Atlanta for nearly four years, I am continually impressed by the work our Affiliate does in Georgia’s communities. I love it that we are not pointing fingers; we’re taking ownership of challenges and concerns in the Black community and facilitating solutions! Ultimately, ALL children and families benefit from the work we do. ​ In each of our focus areas—literacy, child health, child welfare, policy, family engagement, and early childhood education, we are supporting communities through research, programs, and resources, so we can truthfully say Being Black is NOT a Risk Factor and “all the children are well”. I plan to leave this world empty, worki ng and serving to build up our communities by inspiring youth, empowering families, and educating future leaders. Along the way, I hope to meet others who will commit to passing on this perpetual gift of service; because service is the gift that keeps on giving! I personally invite you to become a member and attend one of our upcoming events . Change starts with…[look in the mirror]!😊 See you soon! ​ Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis ​ ​ Board of Directors INTERNS Nina Martin i s a spirited college senior hailing from Snellville, Georgia. Currently enrolled at Georgia State University, Nina is pursuing a degree in Social Work, a field that resonates deeply with her. Nina's connection to the world of social work traces back to her family, where she discovered her innate passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. Growing up with a twin brother who has autism, she learned firsthand the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with disabilities. This personal experience cultivated her desire to contribute to the well-being of those facing unique challenges. Eager to translate her compassion into action, Nina embarked on her academic journey with unwavering determination. As the vice president of the Social Work Club, she plays an instrumental role in fostering a supportive community for like-minded individuals, all driven by a shared commitment to social welfare. Beyond her academic pursuits, Nina dedicates her free time to two remarkable organizations, showcasing her boundless dedication to her chosen path. At her local library, Nina lends her skills to a range of tasks, showcasing her willingness to go above and beyond to assist her community. Additionally, she serves as the social media coordinator for God’s Ladies of Significance and Service (GLOSS), an organization that aligns well with her values and aspirations. Through her role in GLOSS, she harnesses the power of digital platforms to raise awareness and create meaningful connections. Nina's dreams for the future are as inspiring as her current endeavors. With a heart set on continued growth and impact, she aspires to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, equipped with an advanced toolkit to create lasting change. Her focus remains on advocating for the geriatric community and individuals with disabilities, striving to provide them with the care, understanding, and resources they deserve. In a world where empathy and action go hand in hand, Nina Martin stands out as an embodiment of compassion and dedication. With her eyes fixed on a future filled with transformative possibilities, she is a beacon of hope for those whose lives she touches and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her. Nina Martin Intern LaTia Onu is a se cond year master's student at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies where she is pursuing a degree in Social Work. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Journalism, minoring in Psychology in 2018, and graduating Cum Laude. She currently maintains a 4.0 GPA and is the recipient of Georgia State’s Social Work CPUA Scholarship. In her studies, Tia is focusing on sustainable social work practices to assist clients with depression, trauma, hardships, barriers, and other obstacles they face in daily life. Her interest in social work stems from her goal to establish a private therapy practice with a specific focus to assist Women of Color like herself using cultural competence and various forms of evidence-based research and intervention. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue licensure in the State of Georgia and open the doors to a facility welcoming clients ready to collaborate on a plan to improve the quality of their lives. LaTia Onu Intern

ABOUT US OUR HISTORY Established in 1981, Black Child Development Institute (BCDI)-Atlanta coordinates community programs and initiatives throughout the state of Georgia, supporting the six focus areas of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI )—early care and education, literacy, family engagement, child welfare, public policy, and health and wellness. OUR VISION BCDI-Atlanta envisions a society that ensures a successful future for all Georgia's children. ​ OUR MISSION To improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and families in Georgia through education and advocacy ​ Black Child Development Institute-Atlanta, Inc. is a Georgia non-profit organization - 501(c)(3). ​ Download our Info Sheet.

Share Your Story! BCDI-Atlanta President Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis requested a special shout-out from Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker to show appreciation to our Board, staff, members, and stakeholders. The work the organization has done for over 40 years is just as important now than ever before. Thank you, Boris and Nicole, for answering the call to recognize our everyday heroes! We'd love to hear from YOU ! ​ ​ Founded in 1981, BCDI-Atlanta continues to celebrate our legacy by sharing community stories from our stakeholders! BCDI-Atlanta would love to share how your connection to our organization has impacted you, your family and/or your work with young children and families. Please complete this Community Impact Form , so we may recognize you.