Call for Applications: News Editors Institute on Covering Early Childhood in Brazil

Public policies aimed at children ages 0 to 6 are critical for societal gains in health, education and equality, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Research by Nobel Prize winner in Economics James Heckman shows that for every dollar invested in early childhood, society saves seven dollars (through a reduction in spending on healthcare, incarceration, et al.)

The seminar will include lectures, panels, journalist-to-journalist and other activities and address topics such as the neuroscience of early brain development, parenting, health, education and equity.

Speakers from previous seminars include internationally-recognized researchers and practitioners including Dr Jack P. Shonkoff, Director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, Dr Charles Nelson III, Neuroscientist and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard University, and Juliana Prates, former deputy director of the Institute of Psychology at the Federal University of Bahia.

The program will cover transportation costs (air or ground); 3-nights of lodging; and all meals during the institute.

Stories supported by this program have received international awards from organizations such as the Gabriel García Márquez Foundation and the UN food branch (FAO).

Eligibility Criteria

• The seminar is for news editors across all Brazilian media interested in the science of early childhood development and the impact of pressing societal issues on children.
• Preference will be given to journalists who hold lead editorial positions in Brazilian newsrooms (such as executive editors, managing editors, desk’s editors, founders) from across the country.
• Applicants’ professional experience and commitment to innovative news coverage about children will be considered as will different types of news organizations such as legacy media, local and independent media outlets, and others.

For more information, visit Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma.