Connections by Design: Creating Media, Children, and Family Partnerships through Research, Collaboration, and Advocacy This year, the Fred Rogers Center marks its 10th anniversary, and asks “How do we help children grow as confident, competent, and caring human beings?” This year’s conference invites media creators, scholars, educators, and advocates to share, listen, and inspire one

The so called “summer slide” in educational achievement hits young children from low-income families the hardest. Without opportunities to read together with adults, to practice new skills and to gain exposure to new words and ideas, far too many young children lose two to three months of reading skills each summer. Scholars have documented that