On November 15, 2025, early childhood educators, leaders, and advocates gathered in Manhattan for The Power of Unity: Leading the Future of Childhood, hosted by the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. As a public–private partnership at the City University of New York, the Institute advances the early childhood field across New York State through research, public policy, higher education, and professional learning.
This convening marked the launch of a new initiative and celebrated Latino leadership in early childhood education. It offered space for connection, reflection, and shared commitment. The message throughout the day was steady and clear: meaningful change takes root when partnerships are strong, voices are centered, and communities grow together.
Partnership as the Foundation
The Institute’s work centers on collaboration. Through a comprehensive professional development system, it supports early childhood practitioners in delivering high-quality services to children and families across New York.
The event reflected that commitment in action. Educators from across New York City gathered to explore what unity between parents and educators looks like in practice. Panelists shared distinct leadership journeys while modeling shared responsibility for the future of the field.
Our participation was made possible through a valued partnership with the National Association for Family Child Care and the leadership of Dr. Almodovar, facilitator of Phase II of NAFCC’s Leaders Shaping Leaders initiative. Through this partnership between NAFCC and NPLI, components of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) curriculum have been integrated into family child care leadership development curricula, creating a bridge between professional learning and family leadership.
When professional development includes family leadership, the dynamic shifts. Educators gain tools to engage families as partners. Parents step forward as leaders shaping systems alongside professionals. We are grateful for partners who invest in relationships that strengthen communities across the country.
Centering Family Leadership and Policy Change
NPLI brought a distinct lens to the convening as the only organization focused specifically on family leadership.
Representing NPLI, Zulema Gomez, Director of System Capacity and Implementation, shared concrete examples of how parent leadership has influenced policy. Drawing from experiences in New Orleans, she described how parent leaders have organized, engaged decision-makers, and helped shape systems that directly affect children and families.
Her message resonated with the audience of NYC educators. Families serve as leaders, advocates, and essential partners in system change. When parent voices guide decisions, policies become more responsive and outcomes more sustainable.
Growing Together Through Unity
Unity between parents and educators anchored the day, and each panelist contributed a distinct perspective, from leadership development to policy advocacy. Together, those perspectives reinforced a shared commitment: solidarity in pursuit of quality care, dignity, and opportunity for all families.
Unity shows up in daily practice. It takes shape through collaboration. It grows through trust. It holds through accountability to the communities we serve. Each relationship built and each partnership strengthened moves the work forward.
Language Justice as a Path to Belonging
A defining feature of the gathering was its commitment to language justice. The conference was conducted in Spanish, with interpretation available for non-Spanish speakers.
That choice shaped the atmosphere in powerful ways. Language influences safety, identity, and joy. By centering Spanish and creating language-affinity spaces, organizers honored culture and invited authenticity. Participants engaged more fully. Conversations deepened. Leadership expanded.
Belonging fuels collective work. When people can speak, think, and lead in the language that reflects who they are, trust strengthens and collaboration becomes more meaningful.
Looking Ahead
The Power of Unity: Leading the Future of Childhood marked a strengthened commitment to partnership, to elevating parent voices, and to shaping policy alongside the communities most impacted.
We are proud to stand alongside partners like the Institute and NAFCC as we continue this work. Together, we are unifying people, strengthening systems, and leading the future of early childhood with intention and care.
