Visions of hope and inspiration for the future of learning

 
Havens of Hope shares the hopeful energy and positive transformation that is emerging through the early childhood education field in this historic time of pandemic, economic uncertainty, and protests for racial equity. It brings readers on a journey into the possibility for new approaches in education to learning emerging in response to the momentous challenges of our times.

Deemed essential in most US states and many countries throughout the world, a substantial number of early childhood centers remained open throughout the worst days of pandemic, economic uncertainty, and protests for racial equity.

Dr. Shira Leibowitz's center, Discovery Village Child Care and Preschool, located in downstate, New York, was one of the first COVID-19 hotspots in the country. Seeking connection and companionship, she and other early childhood educators globally joined together during the worst of times for support and reflection. Havens of Hope shares the stories of resilience, creativity, and growth of schools and educators across the country.

Inspiring approaches to early childhood learning of the 20th century—Montessori, Waldorf, and especially Reggio, were born out of crisis. Could this be a founding moment? Might we be witnessing, and even participating in, the birth of new approaches to learning and care, resonating with the needs of our own times?

144 pages.

REVIEWS

"What an uplifting story of educator resilience during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic! Shira Leibowitz asks whether the crises planted a seed for renewed excellence in education. Then she tells us stories of educators who worked through the pandemic with joy, creativity, continuous improvement, and profound commitment to the values that have shaped our profession. This insightful book is an energizing and hopeful reminder of the importance of both what we do in practice—and who we are as practitioners." —Valora Washington, PhD, CEO, The CAYL Institute

"Havens of Hope?is the right book at the right time. As educators emerge from?the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, they'll be faced with the decision to step back in time or launch forward, equipped with the lessons learned, to redesign the learning experience to one that is relevant for today's modern learners. A thought-provoking read, Havens of Hope provides the insight, reflection, and practical ideas for educators to make the needed system changes a reality." —Thomas C. Murray, Director of Innovation, Future Ready Schools, Washington, DC

"In my many years working in early childhood education, I have always considered educators to be people of great strength, resilience, and innovation. We are multitaskers caring for many children at once and looking out for the best interest of all. Times like the pandemic show our true colors in an even brighter way. In Havens of Hope, Shira Leibowitz takes us into classrooms around the country for a rare glimpse at the many complexities we experienced during the pandemic as well as the overpouring similarity of our hearts to do what's best for children and their families."  —Gigi Schweikert, CEO, Lightbridge Academy