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ABOUT
HECC recognizes the importance of building a strong foundation for children, which begins in the early years starting as soon as the child is born. These are the essential years in supporting children’s growth, their well-being, identity, and overall development. Providing them with positive and healthy experiences, children begin to develop their own identity and have a better sense of self. Additionally, when caregivers actively participate in a child’s learning and development, it fosters motivation and encouragement for success; resulting in better academic, social, and mental health outcomes.
HECC would like to offer culturally appropriate educational programs related to identity and the Hmong culture, language, and history. Developed with input from community members, the “All About Me” curriculum. Over the course of 8 weeks, children will engage in activities that explore their identity, connecting with aspects of self, family, community, and the rich Hmong cultural heritage. Children will participate in sharing the experience of discovering and understanding their identity together. Parents will join in at the first session for an introduction into the program and at the last for our celebration. We hope that the “All About Me” curriculum will support Hmong cultural heritage and address the mental health concerns we have seen in our community.
WHERE
Location of the program is in St. Paul, MN. Please ensure reliable transportation is accommodated. Location will be shared once youth has been selected.
TIMELINE
Every Wednesday starting February 12th to April 2nd (8 weeks long).
Time soon to be announced
HOW DO I KNOW THIS FELLOWSHIP IS BEST FOR ME?
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We welcome youth of ages 6 - 8
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This is good for students who want to learn more about their Hmong culture and how it connects to their identity. Please note that this is a first come, first serve application process. The classroom capacity is 20 students.
About Hmong Early Childhood Coalition
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In 2006, a group of individuals came together to launch the first Hmong Early Childhood Summit and continued to do so annually for the next eight years. The summit was to create awareness and identify key advocates in support of early childhood education and quality care of young Hmong children. It was held to educate and empower the Hmong Community about the importance of school readiness, quality care, early intervention, and advocacy of young Hmong children.
In 2014, its members became Hmong Early Childhood Coalition (HECC) so that they could expand and provide more opportunities for families and the community.
Hmong Early Childhood Coalition (HECC) is a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to sharing research and evidence-based practices on early learning. HECC partners with families and community agencies in providing education and advocacy to optimize early learning for Hmong children.
MISSION
Partner with families and communities to ensure children have access to culturally appropriate early learning services through training, resources and advocacy.
Meet the Teachers
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Bao Vang
(she/her)
Bao Vang recently came back to join Hmong Early childhood Coalition after stepping away for a few years. Being interested in early learning education at a young age, Bao has been in the classroom teaching our young kids to training early childhood educators and providers for over 10 years. With being in multiple learning environments, Bao is motivated to assist in helping families create the village that is needed to raise their children.
Npaus Baim Her, an educator and storyteller, is known for her work in chronicling the narratives of Asian Americans. In 2023, she spearheaded “A Reflection on Hmong Culture & Language” with Public Art St. Paul as part of the Sidewalk Poetry Workshop series. Her digital zine, “Hmong American Experiences during the Pandemic,” was published in 2022 in collaboration with the Hmong Museum.
Prior to these, she served as an instructor at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she taught College Writing and worked as a Writers Consultant for the Writing Workshops.
Currently, Her holds the position of arts & culture coordinator at XIA Gallery & Cafe, where she champions Asian and BIPOC artists. She also recently graduated with her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing & Publishing from the University of St. Thomas University.
Kalia Yang
(she/her)
Kalia Yang, originally from Fresno, CA and raised in Conover, NC, initially aspired to become a teacher. Pursuing her passion for early education, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development and became licensed to teach Birth to Kindergarten. She began her career in an inclusive preschool classroom, then she later sought to broaden her impact. In January 2024, she volunteered with the North Carolina Hmong Women’s Association Inc and started advocating for the Hmong NC community. She was able to co-create and lead KUV Camp, a Hmong language summer camp. Through this experience she hopes to continue influencing future Hmong generations in an uplifting and positive aspect.
Npaus Baim Her, an educator and storyteller, is known for her work in chronicling the narratives of Asian Americans. In 2023, she spearheaded “A Reflection on Hmong Culture & Language” with Public Art St. Paul as part of the Sidewalk Poetry Workshop series. Her digital zine, “Hmong American Experiences during the Pandemic,” was published in 2022 in collaboration with the Hmong Museum.
Prior to these, she served as an instructor at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she taught College Writing and worked as a Writers Consultant for the Writing Workshops.
Currently, Her holds the position of arts & culture coordinator at XIA Gallery & Cafe, where she champions Asian and BIPOC artists. She also recently graduated with her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing & Publishing from the University of St. Thomas University.
Nee Xiong
(she/her)
Nee Xiong has been involved with Hmong Early Childhood Coalition since 2015. Nee’s interest and passion has always been in early childhood. She started her career out as a lead teacher in a daycare center to becoming a preschool teacher and program lead at a charter school in St. Paul. Through her classroom experiences, she saw the barriers and challenges families came across in supporting their children. No longer in the classroom, Nee works to advocate for and provide relevant resources to families and caregivers to ensure their children receive the support needed to be successful.
Npaus Baim Her, an educator and storyteller, is known for her work in chronicling the narratives of Asian Americans. In 2023, she spearheaded “A Reflection on Hmong Culture & Language” with Public Art St. Paul as part of the Sidewalk Poetry Workshop series. Her digital zine, “Hmong American Experiences during the Pandemic,” was published in 2022 in collaboration with the Hmong Museum.
Prior to these, she served as an instructor at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she taught College Writing and worked as a Writers Consultant for the Writing Workshops.
Currently, Her holds the position of arts & culture coordinator at XIA Gallery & Cafe, where she champions Asian and BIPOC artists. She also recently graduated with her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing & Publishing from the University of St. Thomas University.
Zang Vang-Lee
(she/her)
Zang Vang-Lee understands the importance of healthy experiences for children, especially during their early years. She is a mom of three who all empowered her to become the advocate and resource for children, families, and community, today. Zang has been in the early childhood field for over 15 years and has experience working with schools, families and communities advocating for more equitable resources and services. She received her Masters of Education and Licensure in K-8 at the University of MN-Twin Cities and Early Childhood licensure at Metro State University. Zang has been a dedicated member of Hmong Early Childhood Coalition (HECC) for over 10 years. She believes in HECC’s mission and vision, working to ensure Hmong children and families have the essential tools and resources they need to do well in life.
Npaus Baim Her, an educator and storyteller, is known for her work in chronicling the narratives of Asian Americans. In 2023, she spearheaded “A Reflection on Hmong Culture & Language” with Public Art St. Paul as part of the Sidewalk Poetry Workshop series. Her digital zine, “Hmong American Experiences during the Pandemic,” was published in 2022 in collaboration with the Hmong Museum.
Prior to these, she served as an instructor at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she taught College Writing and worked as a Writers Consultant for the Writing Workshops.
Currently, Her holds the position of arts & culture coordinator at XIA Gallery & Cafe, where she champions Asian and BIPOC artists. She also recently graduated with her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing & Publishing from the University of St. Thomas University.