By Rachel Zielinski, QUALITYstarsNY Quality Improvement Specialist, Finger Lakes

WXXI Education and the Educators’ Resource Center at Monroe Community College hosted a community screening of the film “Make a Circle” by Jen Bradwell and Todd Boekelheide. The evening began with participants visiting vendor tables of community partners, including QUALITYstarsNY, the Finger Lakes Career Development Center, Child Care Council, and Children’s Institute. A welcome reception set the tone of coming together, holding space, and remembering the power of community. The film was powerful–not just something to watch, but something to feel, leaving the audience moved to tears by the film’s end. 

After the film, a panel discussion was held with early childhood professionals Ann Marie Stephan, Executive Director of Rochester Childfirst Network, Tiffany Howard, Preschool Teacher at Friendship Children’s Center, and Crystal Campo,  a family child care provider. These panelists all participate in QUALITYstarsNY and share a passion for early childhood education and their role in the community. The panel discussion brought the film’s themes into a real, lived context. The moderator asked about which part of the film resonated with each of them, what the biggest challenge was, and how the community can come together to support the early childhood field. Each speaker offered insight, vulnerability, and wisdom, weaving together perspectives that deepened understanding. They spoke not just as professionals, but as humans—sharing stories, challenges, and hopes that resonated across the room. What stood out most was the honesty. There was no pretense—just a shared commitment to growth, education, and community. The conversation created space for reflection and dialogue, reminding us that the work of connection in education is ongoing and collective.

It was an honor to attend this event. It is highly recommended that all who have a screening in their region take the opportunity to see the film. The New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC) will host a screening on Wednesday, April 22 at 8 p.m. at their 2026 conference.

WXXI Education Connections hosted a podcast to extend the conversation, Child Care in Crisis, with the film’s co-director, Jen Bradwell, and local early childhood professionals.