This spring, we tend the seeds of justice and grow together toward the Beloved Community.

As April comes to an end, we recognize Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. At FCD, we know that honoring diverse perspectives strengthens our work and impact. Arab American communities have helped shape education, public health, business, science, and the arts, while advancing conversations about identity, resilience, and belonging.

For many children of immigrant families, these experiences are part of everyday life as they navigate culture, community, and opportunity. Every young person, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and empowered.

Yet ongoing attacks on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) place many immigrant families in prolonged uncertainty. Efforts to weaken or end TPS protections can separate families, disrupt employment and housing stability, and create chronic stress for children who depend on the safety and consistency their caregivers provide.

When children live under the threat of displacement or family instability, their well-being, learning, and sense of belonging are at risk. Protecting children means protecting the stability of the families and communities that nurture them.

This month, and every month, we remain committed to advocating for inclusive policies and environments where all children’s stories are acknowledged, respected, and valued.

Learn more about challenges to TPS:

Ryan Berlin Joins FCD as Senior Communications Officer

The Foundation for Child Development (FCD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Berlin for the role of Senior Communications Officer.

Ryan is a communications and engagement strategist with more than 15 years of experience advancing nonprofit and social impact work. In this role, she will partner closely with Foundation leadership to translate complex research, policy, and movement priorities into clear, compelling messaging that elevates national conversations on behalf of young children and their families. Ryan’s background in marketing, event management, and network building informs her approach to communications as a tool for connection, learning, and advocacy.

This month, FCD grantee, UPLAN, and FCD’s Program Officer, Leela van Balkom, attended #UPLAN26, a convening of more than 200 parents from across the country, creating space for them to share their experiences, raise their voices, and engage directly with policymakers shaping decisions that impact their communities.

The message was clear: parents are not just participants—they are leaders driving solutions for children. At a critical moment for families nationwide, UPLAN members called for access to affordable, high-quality early care and education, safety, dignity, and opportunity for Immigrant families, and sent the message parents must be meaningfully included in the decisions that affect their children, schools, and communities.

Learn more and get involved at United Parent Leaders Action Network - UPLAN.

Cosponsored Webinar: Immigrant Families at Risk: Public Charge Proposals, Data Sharing and How Funders Can Help

May 11, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 PM ET

Immigrant families are navigating a rapidly shifting policy landscape that could dramatically change how they access basic supports and how their sensitive personal information is used. Join EOF, Tax Equity Funders Network, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, and Children, Youth & Family Funders Roundtable, for a timely virtual conversation to:

Get the latest updates on what these proposed rules would change—and what remains uncertain.
Understand the immediate and long-term implications for immigrant families and the organizations that serve them.
Share what field leaders and philanthropy are seeing on the ground.
Identify concrete ways foundations can respond now and, in the months ahead.

Guest Speakers:

Sarah Krieger, National Immigration Law Center
Nina Olson, Center for Taxpayer Rights
Vivian Tseng, Foundation for Child Development

Event the Playground Isn't Safe: How Immigration Policies are Harming our Youngest Children

No alternative text description for this image Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)’s newest report draws on interviews and focus groups with fifty-six immigrant parents of children age six and under, along with sixty-seven service providers, primarily child care and early education professionals, who support these families.

Across these conversations, a consistent theme emerged: anti-immigrant rhetoric, policies, and practices are undermining the safety and stability of young children.

Building on these findings, CLASP outlines key recommendations for state and federal policymakers, as well as opportunities for philanthropic organizations to step in and address critical gaps in support.

Read "Even the Playground Isn't Safe"

The Children's Equity Project's recent report "The Right to Education for All: The Value of Plyler v. Doe" reviews the history of Plyler, the role this ruling has played in our society, and research on the importance of maintaining access to education for all children living in the U.S.

Read more and review the full report here.

Last September, the Foundation for Child Development launched a year-long blog series, SPARK (Stories of Power, Agency, Resilience, and Power), featuring authors from academia, advocacy, organizing, and beyond. Each month, an original blog shares what it means to meet this moment with courage, clarity, creativity, and conviction as the authors work to protect and support children in immigrant families.

Catch up on the full series and sign up for FCD’s newsletter to receive these inspirational stories in your inbox.

Join the conversation! Follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky.