Agenda for Children

On June 11, we celebrated the completion of our ECE Leaders Exchange cohort! 🎉

During the final session, participants reflected on their growth, shared their leadership goals, and presented plans for continuing their leadership journey. Through creative presentations, including slides and poster boards, they highlighted their accomplishments and the lessons they will carry forward.

More than a professional learning experience, the cohort fostered meaningful connections, collaboration, and a strong sense of community among early childhood leaders. We are proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing how they continue to strengthen early childhood education through their leadership.

Our offices are closed today, Friday, June 19th and will re-open for normal hours of business on Monday, June 22nd.

As Louisiana experiences stormy weather following Post-Tropical Storm Arthur, we're especially grateful for the opportunity last week to bring together early learning professionals and emergency preparedness leaders for our Child Care in Emergencies Forum which we held in partnership with Save the Children US.

Protecting children before, during, and after emergencies takes collaboration. Thank you to the child care providers and emergency response leaders who came together to share resources, strengthen partnerships, and support our communities.

Together, we're building a safer, more resilient future for Louisiana's youngest children.

Thank you The Pointe Coupee Early Childhood Coalition for joining us!

The sky is the limit when it comes to metal pans and magnets! Yesterday, our professional development team began breaking down our Louisiana “Fest Season” activities in our model classroom to prepare for a new Back-to-School setup that will debut in early July.

Before retiring the Lagniappe A-B-C Music Wall, they left a special message on the board for educators reminding them that a little creativity can go a long way in the classroom when a metal pan doubles as a practice space for literacy and fun!

The activity areas in our model classroom are currently inspired by Louisiana festivals, featuring intentionally designed spaces that encourage educators to think about how real-world environments can support children’s learning and play.

During our most recent Big Ideas from the Model Classroom workshop, educators used Michelle Thornhill’s schemas framework to reflect on children’s patterns of play, interests, and curiosity.

One of the most exciting moments was watching participants make connections by identifying schemas and recognizing children’s interests in action. Educators were then able to connect those observed behaviors to the Teaching Strategies’ “38 Objectives for Learning and Development,” seeing how playful experiences can support developmental growth while honoring each child’s unique way of learning.

This month, a number of our team members are celebrating work anniversaries, and on this , we’re recognizing those reaching milestones in late June.

Please join us in celebrating Analiezel Hall on 9 years, Nick Kindel on 3 years, Emma Maddox on 4 years, and Nirenza Taylor on 4 years!

We are so thankful for your dedication and passion in supporting high-quality early care and education and in striving to make Louisiana a state where every child can thrive. You make Agenda for Children and our ECE ecosystem stronger every day.

Please join us in celebrating them on these significant milestones!

Last month, Early Care & Education Specialist Ana Treffinger joined educators from Children’s College of Academics for a professional development workshop led by the Louisiana School for the Deaf Early Intervention Program – Guidance, Outreach, & Language Development (GOLD).

The workshop focused on inclusion, belonging, and practical strategies for incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) into early learning environments. During the sign language boot camp, participants practiced classroom-friendly signs, explored ways to integrate ASL into daily routines, and discussed how using sign language when greeting children and families can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

This is just one example of how our team works alongside partnering organizations and experts to ensure that centers are connected with the resources they need to help support every child in their care.

Registration is now open!

Agenda for Children and the St. Tammany Early Childhood Ready Start Network invite early childhood professionals to attend the Seeds of Success Professional Development Institute on July 25.

This FREE professional learning event will feature more than 25 workshops designed specifically for teachers, administrators, and staff working in Type III early learning centers throughout St. Tammany Parish.

Participants can choose from a wide range of topics, including:
🔵 CLASS® 2nd Edition
🔵 Curriculum implementation
🔵 Behavior support strategies
🔵 Family engagement
🔵 Staff wellness and stress management
🔵 Developmentally appropriate practice
🔵 Child assessment
🔵 Language development
🔵 Effective teaching practices

Whether you're looking to strengthen classroom instruction, support your team, or build new skills, Seeds of Success offers practical learning you can apply right away.
📅July 25, 2026
⏰️8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
📍Northshore Technical Community College

Seats are limited and workshops fill on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about the event, explore workshop options, and register for your sessions today at https://agendaforchildren.org/educators/workshops/seedsofsuccess/