More than 100 people registered for the fifth annual early childhood education conference organized on October 31 by Esperanza College of Eastern University in North Philadelphia and made possible by the financial support of Vanguard. The event was part of the Hope Latinx Early Learning Pathways program, through which the institution prepares bilingual early childhood educators and other professionals to help improve the lives of Latino students and families, as well as members of other communities.
This year’s theme, “Standing in the Gap,” highlighted the essential role educators play in the lives of children and families. Inspired by Ezekiel 22:30, the theme emphasizes the call to stand in the gap for children and their families. It presents educators as bridges connecting children to the opportunities they need to thrive and overcome systemic, political, and economic barriers that contribute to educational inequities.
Just as a bridge connects separate paths, educators who stand in the gap create connections that enable children, families, and early childhood professionals to move forward together toward success and educational justice.
Dr. Nilsa R. Graciani, Academic Dean of Esperanza College, said that “Standing in the Gap” reflects the institution’s strong commitment to preparing educators who positively impact the community.
“By preparing outstanding educators, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for our children,” Graciani said.
The keynote speaker was Ana María Rodríguez, author of Empowered Parenting (Crianza Empoderada) and founder of Empowered Family, an educational platform that provides practical tools to help parents and caregivers better understand children’s behavior and break generational patterns. Her work integrates trauma-informed approaches and brain development research to promote healthier family relationships.
Tasha Eliz López, Director of Education Programs at Esperanza College, noted that “teachers are the ones connecting families to the resources their children need.” She also pointed out that participants traveled from as far as Allentown to attend this year’s conference.
Esperanza College also partnered with First Up, which provided facilitators to lead workshops on trauma-informed practices, advocacy, wellness, nature-based learning, art, and play.
Rosaida Iraola, who directed a preschool center for 15 years, delivered a presentation in Spanish on behalf of First Up about the educator’s role during playtime. She emphasized that play is a critical component of children’s learning and development.
“During playtime, it is important to build connections, identify learning goals, give children time, introduce materials, and help them understand the purpose of those materials,” Iraola explained.
According to Iraola, this process is interactive and involves guiding children through questions. For example, when using modeling clay, teachers may ask children about its color, smell, texture, and how they might shape it into a circle. At the end of the activity, educators can assess whether learning objectives were met.
Carmen Marcet, founder of Madre Tierra Educativa, said she was delighted to hear Ana María Rodríguez’s presentation and to connect with a group of Latina educators dedicated to early childhood education in Philadelphia and surrounding communities.
“The most meaningful part of the day was sharing the experience in a welcoming, safe environment where Spanish was prioritized,” Marcet said.
Participants had the opportunity to learn alongside fellow educators through workshops, network with colleagues, and explore resources and services offered by exhibitors. Community organizations also shared information about programs and resources available to educators and childcare center owners.
