Duration: 58 minutes
Status: Now available on demand

During the COVID-19 pandemic, families with young children faced unprecedented challenges. Simultaneously, early childhood organizations were navigating staffing shifts, funding uncertainty, and the urgent need to adapt services. In this recorded webinar, we highlight how two organizations rose to meet the moment—one by launching a new LENA Start program, and the other by pivoting to virtual family engagement.

Panelists reflect on their decision-making processes, the biggest hurdles they faced, and the creative strategies they used to maintain meaningful connections with families. The discussion also includes early data insights from the State of Early Talk Report, focused on the home language environment during the pandemic.

Topics covered:

• Launching a new program in a time of crisis
• Virtual engagement strategies that resonated with families
• Overcoming recruitment and participation challenges
• Initial findings from LENA’s State of Early Talk Report

Panelists:

James Spadola
Executive Director, Read Aloud Delaware
A community leader and advocate for early literacy, James brings a unique perspective as a veteran, former police officer, and board member in Wilmington, DE.

Dr. Corrie Norrbom
Health Policy Fellow, Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS)
A family physician and assistant professor, Dr. Norrbom works at the intersection of health and community systems to support families beyond traditional clinical care.