Documentary Series 1: THE RAISING OF AMERICA: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation (June 24, 12-1:30 PM EST)

Interweaves discoveries from neuroscience with the stories of families and communities doing all they can to provide the nurturing environments all babies and young children need to thrive—while too often hindered by social conditions. And when parents are pressed, babies pay the price. The consequences may last a lifetime, shaping both individual outcomes—learning, earning and mental and physical health—as well as the future health, prosperity and equity of the nation. Improving conditions for families with young children is perhaps the most prudent investment any nation can make. The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation is changing the way Americans look at early child health and development.

Documentary Series 2: No Small Matter (July 22, 12-2 PM EST)

No Small Matter is a feature-length documentary film and national engagement campaign that brings public attention to this vital question by sharing powerful stories and stunning truths about the human capacity for early intelligence and the potential for quality early care and education to benefit America’s social and economic future. This multifaceted project reveals how our country is raising its youngest citizens, why making the most of this time in their lives is so crucial, and most importantly, what we can do to change the perception of when learning begins.

The first major theatrical documentary to tackle this topic, No Small Matter is designed to kick-start the public conversation about early care and education. The ultimate goal: to produce an entertaining, accessible, and inspiring film that redefines the audience’s understanding of the issue and helps drive it to the top of the political agenda. Or, as one advocate put it, “not just to make a documentary about early childhood education, but to make the documentary about early childhood education.”

Documentary Series 3: Make a Circle (August 26, 12-2 PM EST)

Make a Circle follows a group of child care providers who are determined to change how society values the education of its youngest citizens. Weaving together the magic they create in the classroom, the struggles they endure at home, and their tireless activism for their profession, MAKE A CIRCLE is a moving portrait of life as an early childhood educator and a promising blueprint for fixing our broken child care system.

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Summer Documentary Lunch and Learn Series (in person)