Introducing the Early Excellence Project: Literacy Lessons for Little Learners

The Early Excellence Project is excited to launch a monthly blog series where we share lessons to help guide you through the exciting journey of introducing your child to the world of books and teaching your child how to read. If you ever searched on Google: how to teach my child to read,  how to make reading fun for my kid, or how to help my child learn to read, then you are in the right place!  Our approach is simple and fun, tailored to help you foster a love of reading in your little learner. Before you get started, consider these tips for inspiring a love of reading in your little learner! 

Tip 1: Explore the Book

The first tip seems really simple but is often overlooked. As you start on your journey of helping your child fall in love with reading and teaching your child how to read, begin by showing your child a book. Let them feel the cover, turn the pages, and look at the pictures. Explain the parts of the book: the front cover, back cover, and spine. Make the experience interactive by asking your child to point to each part as you name it.

Tip 2: Inspire Storytelling

The next tip is to introduce your child to the creators of the book, the author and the illustrator. Use your favorite book as an example, and explain how the author writes the story and the illustrator creates the pictures. Encourage your child to imagine creating their own story or drawings. Help your child envision themself as storyteller by encouraging them to take on the role of an author or illustrator. Even if they are just scribbling on paper, inspiring a love for storytelling will serve them well in their journey to developing a love for reading. 

Tip 3: Create a Fun Space to Read

This next tip is another simple one, that makes a huge impact on your learning to read journey with your little learner. Try setting up a cozy reading space together. It can be a corner of the living room with cushions or a special chair. The key is to make it inviting and comfortable, a place where your child looks forward to spending time with books. 

Tip 4: Engage in the Story

Choose a book together. Use funny voices for different characters to make the story come alive. Ask your child questions about the story as you read, and let them turn the pages. This engagement turns reading into a playful and interactive experience. Act it out and get silly to create a real love for reading for your child. 

Tip 5: Review What you Read

Here is another tip that you probably already do,  after reading, discuss the story. Ask questions like: who are the characters in the story, what happened in the story, and what was your favorite part of the story. Encourage your child to imagine a different ending to the story. This conversation deepens their understanding and enjoyment of the story.

We hope you found these tips helpful as you navigate the journey of introducing your child to the wonderful world of reading and work to teach them how to read. Join us each month for more tips on turning reading into a joyful and enriching experience for your child. Together, let's ignite a passion for reading in our littlest learners!

Program Spotlight: Executive Coaching for Childcare Center Leaders

Elevating Early Childhood Education Through

Leadership and Management Excellence

The Early Excellence Project stands as a disruptor in Early Childhood Education. We are committed to bridging the opportunity gap and dedicated to redefining leadership within childcare centers. Dr. Crystal Smith-Rose, Director of Workforce Development and Capacity Building at the Early Excellence Project, leads executive coaching for childcare providers.

Understanding the Challenge

The childcare sector in Pennsylvania and the broader United States is at a critical juncture. While the demand for quality early education is high, there is an increased need for leadership development within childcare centers. This gap is reflected in:

• Pennsylvania: A noticeable disparity between the demand for childcare services and the availability of qualified early childcare professionals.

• National Trends: High turnover rates of early childcare professionals and a shortage of leaders with necessary credentials impact the early childhood education field.

This challenge impacts not just the quality of childcare but also the viability and growth of these essential centers.

The Early Excellence Project's Innovative Approach

The Early Excellence Project responds to this challenge by offering executive coaching for childcare providers. This program goes beyond just training; it's about transformation. We support growth in several ways:

• Executive Coaching: A focused approach to develop robust leadership and management skills.

• Business Stabilization: A focused approach to build systems that withstand economic instability. 

• Mentoring: Personalized guidance to navigate the complexities of running a childcare center.

• Professional Learning: Ongoing education tailored to the evolving needs of childcare running a childcare business. 

Our Commitment

The Early Excellence Project's Executive Coaching program is designed with an asset-based approach, focusing on elevating each childcare center to its highest potential. Our goal is to enhance the quality of each center, encouraging them to reach new heights in standards and accreditation. This approach is underpinned by a deep respect for the unique journey of each center, recognizing that a 'one-size-fits-all' strategy is not effective in the diverse landscape of early education. We understand that every center has its distinct trajectory and set of needs, which we are committed to acknowledging and supporting. Central to our ethos is the value we place on the expertise of our providers. By acknowledging and building upon the rich experiences and knowledge they already possess, we ensure that their voices are integral to the learning process. This asset-based framing not only empowers each center but also fosters a more inclusive and effective pathway to leadership and management excellence in early childhood education.

The Impact: Beyond Leadership Development

The Executive Coaching program aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Empowerment: Leaders are equipped to enact meaningful changes within their centers, enhancing the quality of care and education.

• Quality Improvement: Effective leadership is directly linked to the overall improvement in childcare services.

• Sustainable Growth: Leaders are guided to develop sustainable business models, ensuring long-term success and impact.

Join Us in This Transformative Journey

Sign up to receive executive coaching from a member of our team by clicking here.

Celebrating Our First Friendraiser: A Step Towards Excellence

As we reflect on the remarkable success of our inaugural Friendraiser event held this November at CoHatch, Southside Works, we are filled with immense gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

A Heartfelt Thank You

First and foremost, we extend our deepest thanks to our event sponsors, whose generous contributions made this evening not just possible but a resounding success. Your support is not just a donation; it's an investment in the future of early childhood education. Our sponsors include:

• Key Bank

• Dollar Bank

• Duolingo

• Urban Pathways K-5

• Wright Childcare Solutions

• Shayla Hawkins Events

We also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our staff who meticulously planned every detail of this event. Your commitment to our cause is the backbone of our organization. A special thank you to all the event vendors who provided exceptional services, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable evening for all our guests.

Reflecting on Our Mission

The Early Excellence Project is committed to narrowing the opportunity gap and enriching the learning experiences of Black and Brown children. We champion Black & Brown childcare providers, fostering quality, equity, and accessibility in early childhood education. Our work involves delivering tailored coaching, advocacy, and professional development, with a focus on empowering providers and influencing policy.

Our goals are ambitious but achievable: to nurture and expand childcare centers, focusing on the recruitment and retention of Black and brown childcare providers, and to elevate the standard of care by supporting childcare providers in obtaining accreditation. We dedicate ourselves to designing culturally responsive learning environments through professional development, curriculum implementation, and innovative programming.

Our Core Values

Our core values create the conditions to carry out our mission, which include: fostering equity and justice, developing a supportive community, creating quality conditions rooted in culturally sustaining practices, championing the rights and voices of our community, and designing innovative solutions to complex problems.

Support the Early Excellence Project

As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your ongoing support is vital in reaching our year-end goal and in making a lasting impact on the lives of children and childcare providers. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to a world where every child has access to quality early childhood education. Together, we can make a difference. Click here to make a donation to the Early Excellence Project.

Pictured below are a few pictures from the event.