When early childhood educators come together to learn, share, and grow, the ripple effects touch children, their parents, and communities.
On Feb. 16, nearly 250 early learning educators, aides, and administrators from around the region gathered at CrossPoint Early Learning Center in Harrisburg for a one-day conference.
Dynamic speakers Donna Porter and DJ Batiste delved into the three R’s of classroom management: relationships, responsibility, and respect. Participants absorbed not just practical advice but the experiences that the duo brings to its training sessions.
The goal of the Community Connections for Children event, according to CCC organizers, was to provide high-quality professional growth to teachers.
“Our goal is to let them know that this methodology is something that they can use immediately in their classrooms,” says Kim Alloway, Rapid Response Coordinator at CCC.
Meeting educators where they are
CCC’s work extends well beyond one-day conferences. Through a wide range of support initiatives, the organization helps early childhood education programs strengthen teaching practices and overall program quality.
Kim explained that CCC offers several layers of support, starting with superior coaching inside and outside the classroom to acquaint learning programs with standards and guide them toward continuous improvement. Coaches help early learning programs move from one quality or STAR level to the next while building confidence among educators.
CCC also offers rapid response support to teachers and early learning programs for situations involving behaviors that may be challenging or children at risk of suspension or expulsion.
The real power of this assistance comes from the connection between coaches and teachers and among educators from various centers. When teachers, aides, and administrators attend programs such as the one-day conference, they realize they’re not alone in their endeavors and their struggles.
A shared commitment to quality at CrossPoint
This was the first time hosting a CCC conference for CrossPoint Early Learning Center at CrossPoint Church. The partnership reflects the shared commitment of CCC and CrossPoint to the advancement of early childhood education.
“Ongoing development and professional development and training for early childhood educators is critical,” says Suzanne Brubacher, Child Care Director at CrossPoint.
Early childhood education is evolving alongside new research on brain development and learning. As Suzanne points out, in the first five years of life, infants and toddlers develop over a million new synapses in the brain every second.
CrossPoint has benefited greatly from working with CCC, as its coaching and guidance have strengthened the program’s quality and classroom environments. From helping to arrange classroom spaces to supporting educators as they face challenges, CCC’s approach is hands-on and collaborative. Outside coaching has helped teachers hear feedback in a new way, reinforcing that recommendations are rooted in best practices, not just one administrator’s opinion.
“They are very hands-on. There isn’t a time when I have reached out that I didn’t have some type of support,” Suzanne says. “They are coaches, they are motivators, they are mentors.”
A shared focus on quality support
Through coaching, classroom support, and regional training events, CCC’s mission helps educators feel equipped and assisted, which directly impacts children’s experiences. CCC’s goal is to be responsive to what educators need most.
These programs and partnerships help ensure that educators not only receive training but that they feel connected, respected, and empowered, which ultimately benefits children, families, and communities.
“We all pull together because we want to do what’s best for teachers and for children,” Kim says.
CCC’s quality support offerings at CrossPoint Early Learning Center provide a glowing example of what’s possible when educators and community partners come together and focus on quality support. Through coaching, professional development, and regional collaboration, CCC is building stronger classrooms in its seven-county coverage area.