NEEC hosts screening and panel on Starting at Zero, spotlighting childcare as workforce infrastructure

Data shows a gap in community-based early learning centers’ true costs of care versus revenue

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Early Education Coalition (NEEC) tonight hosted an in-person screening of segments from the national documentary Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America at Riverside Revival, followed by a panel discussion on how high-quality early childhood education strengthens children, families, and Nashville’s economy.

The conversation, moderated by Dr. Leslie Cowell, dean of Lipscomb University’s College of Education, included filmmaker Willa Kammerer; Alabama State Rep. Jeana Ross, former Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education; Dr. Cynthia Osborne, executive director of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center; Monique Hodison-Stokes, executive director of Schrader Lane Childcare & Learning Academy; and Tiffany Ford, a parent whose children are enrolled at Schrader Lane.

“Tonight underscored a simple truth: Nashville can’t staff its economy if we can’t staff our classrooms,” said Melanie Shinbaum, executive director of NEEC. “When we invest in early learning, parents work, educators stay in their jobs, and the whole city moves forward.”

Panelists reflected on lessons from Starting at Zero — which features governors, educators, business leaders, and families — and connected those lessons to Nashville’s current landscape, including staffing shortages, educator compensation, and the financing gap for centers serving low-income families.

“The film shows what’s possible when communities invest early and consistently,” Dr. Cowell said. “Progress in Nashville isn’t going to happen by accident — it will take creative ideas, stable funding, and communitywide support to create better outcomes for children and a stronger Nashville workforce.”

NEEC also previewed its next public engagement: a citywide book read of The Daycare Myth by Dr. Dan Wuori, launching October 1 with a kickoff at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Those interested in reading along can visit the NEEC website to grab a copy of the book, host a book club using NEEC’s discussion questions, or join one of the facilitated conversations being hosted around the city. Three stakeholder Zoom conversations will take place the last week of October for parents, professionals, and policymakers. To learn more, visit nasheec.org/events.

Part of NEEC’s unique mission is to bring together voices from diverse communities, including business, philanthropy, early childhood education, government, and families. Tonight’s event was presented with generous support from The Frist Foundation, PNC, The Fallon Company, The Boedecker Foundation, Riverside Revival, and The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation.

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About NEEC

The Nashville Early Education Coalition serves as a catalyst and champion for affordable, high-quality early learning. We collaborate with families, childcare providers, employers, and policymakers to ensure that every family has access to affordable, high-quality early education—so parents can work, children can thrive, and our city grows stronger. Learn more at nasheec.org.

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For more information contact:
Kelli Gauthier, Chorus

301-471-2842

kelli@workwithchorus.com