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The National Black Child Development Institute, Inc. (NBCDI) founded in 1970, exists to improve and protect the quality of life of African American children and families. NBCDI carries out its mission through a national affiliate network, public education projects and by providing  leadership training in the areas of early care and education, elementary and secondary education, child welfare, parenting and health. The institute is dedicated to linking prevention and intervention programs and resources to the African American community. BCDI Philadelphia & Vicinity Affiliate supports and is currently working on focus areas of NBCDI.
EARLY CARE AND LEARNING
BCDI Philadelphia & Vicinity Affiliate believes that the availability of developmental early learning experiences promotes and strengthens the well-being of children and their families. Such programs seek to look at the total needs of the child and family. In doing so, they: Recognize stages of growth and development in children; Provide stimulating experiences designed to facilitate cognitive, social, physical, cultural and emotional development; Attend to the health and nutritional needs of children; Promote nurturing and supportive emotional responses to children; and Provide culturally appropriate curriculum and practices.
2023 GREETING
As the year 2023 approaches us with abounding possibilities, hopes, and horizons anew, may we push our boundaries, realize our resilience, shape legacy, rediscover our inner strength, and forge ahead in unity and solidarity of purpose. This solidarity draws from W.E.B. Du Bois’ salient words, “Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.” For us, legacy is preparing soil, planting seeds, and watering gardens that faithful keepers can harvest and expect wonders.
An important element of pushing through and rising above difficult times is our belief and conviction to the NBCDI vision to ensure a successful future for all children. In this spirit, we will carry out our mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and families through education and advocacy.” Taking this path forward, we will embody the attributes espoused by our long legacy of educating and advocating, which is to serve as a local resource in Philadelphia by providing programs, advocacy, and trainings related to early childhood care and education, health and wellness, literacy, and family engagement.
Our work is more pressing than ever. Present challenges of lack of resources, declining mental health, education equity, and restorative practices in schools exacerbate disparities in children’s access to quality care and education birth through age 8. We have a real opportunity now to transform the way our Black children access and experience education, health and wellness, and engagement in society. You, as our unparalleled supporters and advocates, play an essential role in our continuing efforts and we look forward to continued engagement and partnership. As our President Lola Rooney embodies, let us remember that the important thing is to stand firm on the principles of love, faith, and hope that have carried us for generations and will continue for many more to come!
—In Solidarity for Educating Children,
Dr. Shawnik M. Rice, Secretary
BCDI Philadelphia & Vicinity
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