“4C has always been a big part of our success,” says administrator Niesha Jones of Children of Hope Learning Center in Northside. “If it was not for 4C… we would not be where we are today.”
The 17-year early childhood education veteran only had a short amount of time to talk before having to return to her classroom. Her goal, both as an administrator and lead teacher, is for her children to excel in learning and be prepared when they enter kindergarten. “As teachers,” she says, “we’re planting seeds because these children are going to be our tomorrow.”
Niesha knew she needed to make changes in her program, which led to her decision to seek support from a 4C for Children coach to improve her program’s Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating.
The state’s three-tiered quality rating system uses Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards to recognize child care programs that go above and beyond quality standards. At the time she reached out to 4C for Children, her program had earned a Bronze Award.
Niesha was connected with 4C for Children coach Brianna Jones-Hardy met and the two met twice a month for six months. The result: Niesha and her program skipped right over the Silver Award and earned a Gold Award! Niesha says Brianna broke down what needed to be done in a way that was understandable and attainable.
“Niesha is very passionate about child care,” Brianna says. “She always goes above and beyond with her staff and children. Her passion, drive and dedication are what made her (SUTQ) journey move quickly.”
In her preschool classroom, Niesha’s “little scholars” are settling down for circle time when one exclaims, “That’s the daddy house and that’s the mommy house,” as Niesha holds up “Love Lives in Both Homes,” a book she wrote and published.
The story is about a child growing up in two different homes. She wrote it for her own children when the family went through a change. Then she noticed children in her care had the same need.
“It’s just a story to reassure children that not all families look the same,” Niesha explains. “Some families may have just mommy and grandmother or maybe just dad…. But you know what? Even though it looks different, it’s still beautiful.”
Reach your professional and organizational goals with coaching from 4C for Children. From individualized private coaching to group sessions where networking and learning from others occurs, we have a plan to meet your needs.