Preparing the Early Childhood Environment

Preparing the Early Childhood Environment 

Provider Spotlight: Kynard’s Child Development Center

By: Nancy Okuley, HOPE Toledo Professional Development and Support Specialist

I joined the leadership team of HOPE Toledo after spending over 30 years working with a variety of programs to develop quality education for children and teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Owens Community College, Lourdes University and the University of Toledo. 

Part of my job at HOPE Toledo is to conduct various onsite visits with our Pre-K providers and assist them in implementing new strategies to best educate the children they serve. The first year of HOPE Toledo was spent looking at the environment and working to make it a more viable workspace for children’s learning. 

A perfect example of this work is with Kynard’s Child Development Center where Ms. Stephaine Kynard is the CEO. When I first visited the center last year they were unsure whether my presence would be a benefit or hindrance to their daily routines. After several observations and meetings, we collaborated in creating improved learning centers and traffic flow throughout the room. We also chose color schemes that gave the impression of the more welcoming, light-filled classroom that it is. The children and their families have loved the changes we’ve made together.

We also began working together through Conscious Discipline trainings and continue to do so. These trainings have assisted the teachers in developing a classroom “family” where the children experience and advance their social and emotional development. This has given them a positive attitude toward the school environment that will last their whole lives. 

Working with Ms. Stephanie and her staff has been a highlight of my position at HOPE Toledo. We’ve really come a long way!