October 19, 2026
Pulse Co-Executive Directors Kathy Szenda Wilson and Maria Ortiz Borden joined nearly 100 early childhood leaders and advocates from across the country October 14–16 in New Haven, Connecticut, for the First Home, First Teacher National Housing Convening. Hosted by Friends Center for Children, the gathering explored how communities can replicate rent-free housing models to support the early childhood workforce. The convening included the grand opening of the nation's first rent-free teacher housing village.
Originally developed by Friends Center for Children in New Haven, the First Home, First Teacher model came to Battle Creek through Pulse in 2026. The initiative's first two resident teachers live in a duplex owned and managed by Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek.
During the convening, Wilson and Ortiz Borden shared the rationale behind Battle Creek's initiative, how the model was implemented, and plans for its future. They also exchanged ideas with representatives from other communities adapting the model, including LaGrange, Georgia; Boston; St. Louis; and Hartford, Connecticut.
While in Connecticut, Szenda Wilson and Ortiz Borden met with leaders and advocates involved in establishing the state's Early Childhood Endowment and Office of Early Childhood. Discussions included Danielle Cloud of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, former state legislator Beth Bye, and representatives of Child Care for Connecticut and the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance.
The conversations offered insights into Connecticut's approach to early childhood policy, funding, and advocacy. Pulse will bring these lessons back to Michigan to help inform efforts to strengthen the state's early childhood system.