June 5, 2025
During the month of May, Early Edge California’s Director of Policy, Carolyne Crolotte, joined the final meetings for the 2024-25 academic year of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board Committee on Children and Families in Early Education as an external member of the committee.
The May 6th meeting began with opening remarks from Chairperson Kelly Gonez followed by two presentations. The first presentation was about “Building Strong Foundations: The Importance of Numeracy in Early Education Programs” presented by Imelda Mendez (Principal, Alexandria Early Education Center), Hewan Negussie (Early Education Teacher, Alexandria Early Education Center), Pia Sadaqatmal (Chief of Transitional Programs), and Dr. Dean Tagawa (Executive Director, Early Childhood Education). The second presentation was on “Overview of the Trauma & Resilience Informed Early Enrichment Program (TRiEE) at LAUSD” presented by Joel Cisneros (Executive Director, School Mental Health and Wellness Services) and Kezia Miller (TRiEE Coordinator). The meeting concluded with closing remarks and an opportunity for public comment.
Access the meeting materials and watch a recording of the May 6th meeting here.
The final meeting of the 2024-25 academic year on May 29th began with opening remarks from Chairperson Kelly Gonez followed by two presentations. The first presentation was about “Building Education and Career Pathways” presented by Pia Sadaqatmal (Chief of Transitional Programs), Dr. Dean Tagawa (Executive Director, Early Childhood Education), and Renny Neyra (Executive Director, Adult and Career Education). The second presentation focused on the “Children and Families in Early Education Committee 2024-2025 School Year Recommendations” presented by Kelly Gonez. During the presentation of the recommendations, Carolyne spoke about the importance of dual language programs and offering pathways to biliteracy, expanding infant/toddler care, and expanding partnerships with community based organizations.
After the committee members discussed the recommendations, Dr. Dean Tagawa’s retirement was announced where he received a special recognition by the LAUSD staff and committee members for his hard work, dedication, and leadership as a champion for LAUSD’s youngest learners and their families. He will be retiring in June 2025.
The meeting concluded with an opportunity for public comment and a special recognition for the committee members where Carolyne received a certificate of recognition for her commitment and involvement in the LAUSD Board Committee on Children and Families in Early Education.
Access the meeting materials and watch a recording of the May 29th meeting here.