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.

A Hub of Creativity: Empowering Young Learners at Margaret Washington Literacy Center

October has always been a month of change, with leaves turning to a riot of colors and the air infused with a sense of anticipation. This October, however, the Hill District of Pittsburgh is buzzing with a different kind of excitement. The Margaret Washington Literacy and Inclusion Center (MWLC) has opened its doors for the school year, and with it, a world of boundless possibilities for our youngest learners.

Every nook and cranny of the MWLC embodies the dream of offering an inclusive learning environment, where each child, regardless of their background or abilities, can soar to their highest potential. From the alleys of Uptown to the vibrant streets of West Oakland, the echoes of joy and learning are palpable. Here, children with diverse capabilities come together, learn, play, and grow in an atmosphere free of biases. With the expertise of educators trained in special education, the center is pioneering an anti-ableist approach, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and understood.

But what truly sets the pulse racing is the rich tapestry of activities that the MWLC has curated for its young visitors. Imagine a place where stories come alive, where every page turned unravels a new adventure. This year, preschool and kindergarten students will embark on such adventures, diving headfirst into enchanting tales that reflect diverse cultures and experiences. And as they immerse themselves in these narratives, the world around them expands, fostering empathy, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Yet, the magic doesn't stop at stories. The MWLC is a hub of creativity! Little hands will get busy with arts and crafts, weaving dreams and painting their aspirations. From crafting colorful bookmarks to designing their storyboards, each activity is a testament to the limitless potential of our young creators. And to add an extra sprinkle of fun, engaging literacy games await, turning every lesson into a delightful game.

The physical realm of the MWLC, nestled in the Hill District, is not just a center but an escape. The walls here are lined with a treasure trove of multicultural books, each catering to the Pre-K-5 age group, ensuring every child finds a story that resonates with them.

The Margaret Washington Literacy and Inclusion Center is not just a center; it's a dream realized. It's the manifestation of hope, dedication, and the belief that every child, irrespective of color or capability, deserves a world-class education. As the MWLC launches our 2023-2024 programming this October, we look forward to welcoming our little learners with love and joy!