Early Childhood Forum

Regina Calcaterra No. 1 international and New York Times best-selling author of Etched in Sand is the keynote speaker for the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County’s inaugural Early Childhood Forum on April 30. Calcaterra will share her inspiring story of how five siblings rose above unspeakable childhoods of abuse hunger and homelessness. Her message of how no child is a lost cause and how we can all positively impact the life of a child is an important reminder for every member of the community from parent to pastor elected official to educator and business leader to bus driver.

The memoir Etched in Sand takes readers through Calcaterra’s experiences in and out of foster care. The story includes themes of resilience perseverance and self-determination. Positive encounters especially those in early childhood helped her and her siblings overcome their past and become successful adults. Calcaterra rose to serve in several high-profile public-sector roles including being appointed the first woman Chief Deputy County Executive of Suffolk County NY. She is the founding partner of a woman-owned boutique law firm and has received numerous awards and honors including the Suffolk County Civic Service Award and Medal in 2023 the National Law Journal’s 2020 Trailblazer Award and the 2018 Seton Hall Law School Woman of Substance Award. Calcaterra is an advocate for foster care youth and children in need. She is also co-author of Etched in Sand’s sequel Girl Unbroken which she wrote with her younger sister Rosie Maloney. Both books will be available for signing following the event.

The Early Childhood Forum is Tuesday April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd. Ocala. The Forum is sponsored by Florida Credit Union and will highlight the importance of early childhood education in Marion County. Tickets for the free luncheon can be reserved at www.ELC-Marion.org/Get-Involved/ECF or by calling 352-369-2315 x202.

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County works to meet the early care and education needs of children and families in Marion County. They implement the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) School Readiness and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) programs on behalf of the Florida Department of Education Division of Early Learning plus additional complimentary programs that support parents as a child’s first and most important teacher.

Host or Publisher Early Learning Coalition of Marion County