Created at ECCLA, this self-paced training equips early childhood professionals with foundational knowledge for consulting, covering essential topics like legal distinctions, business setup, contract essentials, and service definition to support effective consulting practices.

As the Facilitator of the Colorado Coaching Consortium Steering Committee through ECCLA, I lead and guide organizational practices while fostering strategic discussions that collaboratively enhance early childhood coaching practices across Colorado. My responsibilities include overseeing communications, supporting website management, and designing materials that promote our initiatives.

Created at ECCLA, the Early Childhood Career Pathway Tool was developed out of a need for a more detailed and comprehensive resource for individuals navigating career opportunities within early childhood education. Recognizing that existing tools were inadequate, this guide outlines various pathways, from entry-level positions to advanced roles, serving as a vital resource for early childhood professionals, educators, and organizations dedicated to cultivating and supporting a qualified workforce in their communities.

In my roles with the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children (COAEYC), I oversee financial stewardship as Treasurer and lead governance initiatives as Chair of the Governance Committee, helping to ensure effective, mission-driven operations for COAEYC.

In this episode of Children First Chatter, I join my colleague to discuss our work at ECCLA, highlighting the scholarships and grants we offer to support early childhood professionals. I delve into the concept of coaching in early childhood education, emphasizing how it drives transformative growth and fosters meaningful change in our communities. Tune in to discover insights and strategies that can empower professionals!

As an Advisory Board Member for Coaching Potentials, I help guide our vision of fostering healthy organizations that nurture connections and support systemic innovation. Our Coaching Potentials Coaching Certificate Program emphasizes the development of a coaching mindset through a holistic approach, focusing on continuous learning, equity, and behavioral sciences. We advocate for strong early childhood staff, recognizing their essential role in supporting children and families.

Created at ECCLA as a resource for Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils, the toolkit From Classroom to Career: Growing Your Own Early Childhood Workforce empowers communities to nurture local talent for early childhood education, addressing workforce shortages and enhancing program quality through ‘Grow Your Own’ approaches.

In my role as the Justice, Equity, & Belonging Collaborative Chair for ECCLA, I collaboratively lead initiatives focused on dismantling systems of oppression while amplifying the voices of young children, families, and early childhood professionals. We have developed a resource library, action plans, and tools like a glossary of terms and acronyms and an equity decision-making tool to support our work.

Created at ECCLA as a resource for Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils, the toolkit From Idea to Impact: Building Your Communication Strategy offers essential information on branding, graphic design, social media strategies, digital elements for offline marketing, and effective press release techniques. It serves as a comprehensive guide to help councils enhance their visibility and communication effectiveness.

As a proud member of NAEYC®, I stay connected to a national network of early childhood professionals, resources, and advocacy efforts that strengthen our profession. This membership supports my commitment to advancing high-quality early learning and professional growth.

As a proud member of the EarlyEdU Alliance®, I am committed to advancing high-quality early childhood education through innovative professional development and collaborative learning. This membership enhances my dedication to supporting educators and improving outcomes for young children.

Watercolor Insights is a proud member of the Colorado Early Childhood Coach & Consultant Network, connecting early childhood professionals with high-quality coaching and consulting support.

Created at ECCLA, this toolkit equips Early Childhood Councils with practical strategies to connect families and professionals with essential community services. Covering key areas like housing, food security, homelessness assistance, and domestic violence resources, it provides guidance on navigating systems, building partnerships, and strengthening referral networks to foster more resilient communities.