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4.01.2025
The Next Great Idea to Improve Conditions for Families in Our Community
By: Nayesdi Badillo and Kate Pflughoeft, Nevada Department of Education, Office of Early Learning and Development.
It is easy to see a problem, but coming up with a workable solution takes effort. When families and communities work together, they create stronger support systems that promote success. Family or community-led organizations can play a crucial role in strengthening community ties and creating more opportunities for families across Nevada.
Do you know someone who is actively working to promote the needs of Nevada families? The Preschool Development Grant Birth – Five (PDG B-5), a federal grant awarded to the Nevada Department of Education, works to support quality Early Childhood Care and Education throughout the state.
One of the goals of PDG B-5 is to promote family and community-led organizations as they work to solve problems that affect the youngest Nevadans. To help small or local organizations sustain their missions we are rolling out the Family Engagement Mentorship and Networking program.
The Family Engagement Mentorship and Networking (FEMN) Program
The mission of FEMN is to enhance family and community engagement programs that include children ages 0-8, by providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources to organizations across Nevada. Some of these organizations may not primarily focus on family engagement but are actively incorporating it into their work with children in this age range.
What the FEMN Program Offers
Through the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5), the Nevada Department of Education, Office of Early Learning and Development, is offering a unique opportunity for local organizations to deepen their impact in family engagement. The program provides:
- Mentorship Opportunities: Organizations will be connected with experienced mentors who can provide guidance on best practices for family engagement.
- Networking and Collaboration: Participants will gain access to a statewide network of organizations and experts who are committed to strengthening family involvement.
- Promote Funding Opportunities: Participants will be encouraged to share grant and funding opportunities, to help organizations expand their reach and effectiveness in engaging families.
Who Can Benefit?
The FEMN program is open to a wide range of organizations, including those that may not traditionally focus on family engagement but have incorporated it into their work. This includes:
- Non-profit organizations supporting families
- Community groups and local networks
- Libraries and family-friendly public spaces
- Social media groups dedicated to parent support and education
Join Us in Strengthening Family Engagement
Family engagement is a vital component of building strong communities. Through the Family Engagement Mentorship and Networking (FEMN) Program, we can empower families, support organizations, and create lasting change. By working together, we can strengthen advocacy efforts, enhance leadership, and improve access to vital resources.
How You Can Help
The success of these initiatives depends on identifying organizations that can benefit from mentorship, funding, and networking. We invite you to help us in this effort by:
- Identifying Potential Participants: If you know of organizations, groups, or initiatives that could benefit from this program, please share their information.
- Spreading the Word: Share information about this program with colleagues, community members, and organizations that may be interested.
Submit Your Recommendations for FEMN Today! https://forms.office.com/g/K2GWCKWnU7
For more information, please contact Kate [email protected] or Nayesdi [email protected]
Thank you for your support in this vital initiative. Your involvement helps shape the future of family engagement in Nevada!
