Educational research shows that P-3 (Preschool to Third Grade) is an unprecedented and unparalleled phase of development for children, yielding the most opportune times to chart a path to academic achievement and to better life outcomes for children. The P-3 GEEARS Leaders Fellowship Program allows Early Learning Leaders and Elementary School Principals of Atlanta Public Schools an opportunity to collective engage in action research in efforts to increase a seamless cradle-to-college pipeline of academic achievement for all children in the Atlanta area.
Recently, four YMCA early learning leaders completed the P-3 GEEARS Program. Hear what they have to say about their experience and the program’s impact:
Uroni Macon, Center Director of Dean Rusk Early Learning Center (completed 2019-20)
I was honored to represent YMCA Early Learning in the inaugural GEEARS P-3 Leaders Fellowship Program. In my current role, I implement learnings from the program, continue to foster collaborative relationships, and optimize possibilities for the Dean Rusk Early Learning Center as I remain connected to leaders who completed the program with me as well as future Fellows, which inevitably widens the web of Georgia leaders committed to and positioned to create meaningful change for Georgia’s future: its children.
Zarinah Winston, Center Director of Arthur Blank Early Learning Center at E.A. Ware (completed 2020-21)
The P-3 leadership experience provides valuable insight and contributions to the P-3 Fellowship community. Professionals are given the opportunity to use their knowledge, reflective practices, and drive to thoughtfully engage with others. Fellows identify challenges that impact outcomes for the children in our city. I served as an insightful thought partner. This experience will aid in me navigating challenges with ease and prioritize what is in the best interest of children consistently. I will continuously focus on innovative solutions and prioritize learning all that I can about the issues impacting our children and families throughout Atlanta. With so much uncertainty and the unique challenges facing our families in the midst of the current pandemic, I strive to be a strong leader and work within the early childhood field to ensure children throughout our city are not left behind. My goal is to always be this type of leader.
Angela Maines, Director of Pre-K Services (completed 2020-21)
Being able to represent the YMCA through the P-3 Leaders Fellowship program has been an incredible experience. It has allowed me to engage with elementary school principals and early childcare center directors within the community. Through our collaboration, I have been connected to great leaders from both groups and have gained a deeper understanding of leadership and the need for alignment within the P-3 sector. I am more knowledgeable of the importance of young learner’s academic experiences from birth to 3rd grade and the role it plays in their overall academic achievement and life outcomes. The knowledge that I have gained will support my work as Pre-K Coordinator to ensure that developmentally appropriate instruction, daily assessment and data sharing is occurring in our Early Learning program to strengthen student success and outcomes.
Melinda Long, Center Director of Woodson Park Early Learning Center
I had the great opportunity to be a part of the first class of the P-3 GEEARS Fellowship. This experience allowed me to connect with other leaders in the early learning and elementary school arena. I have always been interested and eager to be a part of the conversation of bridging the gap between early learning and elementary schools. Participating in the fellowship allowed me to do just that. Working together with other leaders in the education field allowed me to obtain more knowledge about effectively transition students to elementary school. Having open and honest conversations with the early learning and elementary leaders also brought about respect among the educators of these two entities. I am proud to have been a part of the conversations where early learning and elementary leaders recognized the importance and expectations of each other.