Join us for the Diapers to Diplomas: Reimagining the Continuum of Learning, Care and Opportunity conference on October 15 & 16 in New York City.
Register now
Diapers to Diplomas will be a two-day gathering for parents, educators, youth leaders, policymakers, and advocates, coming together from throughout the US. Together we will explore how we build connected, equitable systems that support children and families from birth through graduation.
Over the two days, there will be hands-on workshops, learning labs, and plenaries, as well as healing spaces and vibrant cultural programming.
Register today to secure your spot.
Schedule Overview
Day One: Thursday, October 15
Registration opens 8:30 AM
Opening Plenary
Whole Child, Whole Family: Building New York’s Birth-to-Graduation Education System
Creating a seamless continuum of support for children and families requires coordination across child care, schools, after-school programs, summer learning, and community services. This opening plenary brings together leaders from multiple sectors to discuss what’s working, where gaps remain, and how communities can build power to advance lasting change.
Panelists: Senator Jabari Brisport, Chair, Committee of Children and Families; Shoshana Hershkowitz, Empire State Campaign for Child Care; Abe Fernandez, National Center for Community Schools; Salka Valerio, Citizen Action of NY
Morning Workshops
Power in Practice: Parents & Community Leadership
Experienced parent leaders share practical lessons on organizing, advocacy, coalition building, and public leadership. Designed for emerging leaders looking to strengthen their skills and impact.
Facilitator: Jasmine Gripper, Executive Director, New York Working Families Party
Education at a Crossroads: EdTech, Privatization, and Accountability
Technology continues to reshape education while questions about transparency, privatization, and accountability remain at the forefront. This workshop explores how communities can ensure innovation serves students and families.
Facilitator: Clarence Okoh, Center on Privacy and Technology, Georgetown Law Center
Lunch & Keynote Address
A featured keynote on the future of public education, community power, and the policies necessary to create opportunity for every child.
Featured Speaker: TBA
Afternoon Workshops
Valuing Early Childhood Educators: Compensation and Equity
Early childhood educators play a critical role in children’s development yet continue to face significant workforce challenges. This session explores strategies for advancing compensation, retention, and workforce equity.
Facilitators: Shanita Bowen, ECE on the Move, and Dede Hill, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
Every School a Community School
Community schools offer a proven framework for integrating academics, health services, family engagement, and community partnerships. Learn how advocates and practitioners are working to expand this model across New York
Facilitator: TBA
Youth Panel: Imagining the Future of Education
Young leaders from across New York share their perspectives on educational justice, civic engagement, school climate, and the changes they want to see in the systems that shape their lives.
Moderator: Jania Witherspoon, Co-Executive Director, Circle Keepers; Panelists: Youth representatives from YaYa Network, Circle Keepers, and NYCLU
Day Two: Friday, October 16
Morning Plenary
Who Pays for It? Revenue, Taxes & Winning the Fight for Investment
Transformational change requires transformational investment. This plenary explores the revenue strategies, policy priorities, and political organizing necessary to fund a comprehensive birth-to-graduation system.
Panelists: Brahvan Ranga, Invest in Our NY; Emily Eisner, Fiscal Policy Institute; Pete Nabozny, The Children’s Agenda; Paullette Ha-Healey, Special Education and D75 Advocate; Gray Hawranek-Burce, Dignity in Schools Campaign
Morning Workshops
Equity in Uncertain Times: School Funding and the Road Ahead
Learn about the current funding landscape and the fight for a more equitable future.
Facilitator: Wendy Lecker, Education Law Center of New Jersey
Universal Child Care to Universal Pre-K
How can New York better connect child care and early education to support families, educators, and young children?
Facilitator: TBA
Closing Plenary
Protecting Democracy to Protect Our Children
Strong public institutions, civic participation, and democratic accountability are essential foundations for educational opportunity. This closing conversation explores how communities can strengthen democracy while advancing justice for children and families.
Featured Speaker: Maurice Mitchell, National Director, Working Families Party
Closing Celebration
We will close out with a special musical performance, bringing attendees together to reflect on lessons learned, deepen relationships, and prepare for the work ahead.
Musical Performance by the Resistance Revival Chorus
End at 2 PM