Become An Optimistic Leader
We are a community of Optimistic Leaders for Children. We are the adults — directors and teachers, parents and policy makers, receptionists and cooks — who co-create early learning ecosystems for young children. We believe:
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Equity for all children begins with equity for all of the adults in their lives.
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All children deserve the adults in their lives to be optimistic leaders, and that by working closely together and sharing common practices, we can provide children with the strong nurturing relationships for learning that they need to thrive.
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All children must have access to these adults and therefore, equity in early learning is not a recommendation but rather, an imperative.
Why do we need Optimistic Leaders for Children?
We know that young children thrive in an environment of trusting relationships with the adults who care for and educate them. All aspects of the children’s development — intellectual, social, emotional, physical, behavioral, and moral — are shaped by the relationships they have with the adults in their lives
The Five Commitments
Meet the Optimistic Leadership Council
The National Council is comprised of early learning professionals from a wide variety of roles and regions across the country.
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Margo Dichtelmiller
Board President
Leading for Children
South Orange, NJ -
Irene Garneau
Department Supervisor of Early Childhood
West Hartford Public Schools
West Hartford, CT -
Jill Gunderman
Program Coordinator
Arkansas State University Childhood Services
Jonesboro, AR -
Dr. Robin Hancock
Leading for Children Board Member
New York, NY -
Elena Jaime
Associate Director
The Brick Church School
New York, NY -
Tunga Otis
Family Engagement Specialist
Mississippi Community College Board
Jackson, MS -
Maria Rosado
Twos Head Teacher
West Side Montessori School
New York, NY -
Silvia Salcido
Director, Early Childhood Professional Development
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
Tucson, AZ -
Casey Sims
Pre-K Teacher
Harris Early Learning Center
Birmingham, AL -
Tara Skiles
Director, Professional Development
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education
Montgomery, AL -
Serene Stevens
Educational Leadership Coach
NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute
Bronx, NY -
Larramie Sylvester
Cook and Music Teacher
Global Connection Learning Center
Jackson, MS -
Sharmaine Thomas-Binns
ABC Paraeducator and Student Services Specialist
Monticello Pre-K
Monticello, AR -
Tia Walters
Teacher
West Point Christian Preschool
Hattiesburg, MS
In Conversation
Upcoming Events
Power and Equity in the Early Learning Community
Choose the time that works best for you!
Monday, 10/9/20 from 2-3pm ET
Wednesday, 10/11/20 from 6-7pm ET
Using the 5 Commitments, together we will discuss strategies to ensure our children grow and develop in a more equitable world.
