The mystery and wonder of the young growing brain are at the core of this engaging documentary, the first of its kind in linking early childhood education with the science and the proof that lifelong success builds critically on the quality of stimulation received between the ages of one and six. No dry study, this film goes where change happens, from the vibrant “Yellow Room” in Highland Park, Illinois, where Ms. Giannini leads her small and eager charges in an exciting search for outdoor bugs, to a free program for working parents in Waco, Texas, where a Hispanic mom joyfully discovers that the simple act of reading to her kids results in a wealth of emotional and intellectual benefits. Bringing animation, humor, scientific research, and a performance by the Cookie Monster into the mix, the award-winning filmmakers (LOUDER THAN A BOMB) delve into the nation’s crisis in early childhood education with positive look to the future. Narrated by Alfre Woodard. ProRes digital. (BS)
Special guests are scheduled to be present for audience discussion at all screenings except for Friday at 4 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.
6/21 8PM - Early Educators Night!
Moderator - Greg Jacobs, Co-Director
Panelists confirmed:
Rachel Giannini, Early Childhood Advocate
Dan Harris, Executive Director, INCCRRA
Brenda Eiland-Williford, Director, Early Childhood Quality and Impact, Ounce of Prevention Fund
Sat. 6/22 - Parents Day
Moderator - Danny Alpert, Co-Director
Panelists confirmed:
Maria Whelan, Executive Director, Illinois Action for Children
Yeny Duran, POWER-PAC Illinois
Yolanda Williams, POWER-PAC Illinois
Sunday 6/23 5PM - Q&A with Directors & Subjects
Moderator - Laura Fallsgraff, Co-Producer
Panelists:
Danny Alpert, Co-Director
Greg Jacobs, Co-Director
Jon Siskel, Co-Director
Rachel Pikelny, Producer
Rachel Giannini, Early Childhood Advocate
Monday 6/24 - Maternal and Child Health Night
Moderator: Greg Jacobs, Co-Director
Confirmed panelists:
Michele Brown, Senior Manager, Illinois Birth to Three Institute at the Ounce of Prevention Fund
Brenda Blasingame, Executive Director, HealthConnect One
Dr. Gina Lowell, Rush University Medical Center
Tuesday 6/25 - MOVIE CLUB!
The Business Case for Early Education
Moderator: Rachel Pikelny, Producer
Panelists confirmed:
David Sabathne, CEO of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce
Shirley Neiman, Bright Horizons UChicago
Wednesday 6/26 - Health Care and Early Education
Moderator - Greg Jacobs, Co-Director
Panelists confirmed:
Dr. Mariana Glusman, Chair, Reach Out and Read Illinois
Dr. Colleen Cicchetti, Executive Director, Center for Childhood Resilience (CCR) at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Brenda Blasingame, Executive Director, HealthConnect One
Thursday 6/27 - The Early Education - k12 Continuum
Moderator - Greg Jacobs, Co-Director
Panelists confirmed:
Rachel Giannini, Early Childhood Advocate
Aneesh Sohoni, Executive Director, Teach for America Chicago
Daniel Montgomery, President, Illinois Federation of Teachers
