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In February 2026, ELA hosted our 2nd Annual Wellness Retreat for Early Childhood Leaders, generously funded by Early Educator Investment Collaborative (The Collaborative), at the beautiful Civana Resort in Carefree, Arizona.
This meaningful gathering offered leaders dedicated time to rest, reflect, and build authentic connections with other leaders in the field. Participants engaged in both group and individual coaching sessions with Didier Sylvain, along with a variety of restorative and renewal-focused activities designed to support personal and professional well-being.
If you are a leader in early childhood education, we invite you to connect with us to learn more. Our contact information is listed on the bottom of this page.
Check out some photos from this year’s retreat!
Monthly Motivation & Reflection: April 2026
April is a time to begin looking ahead while staying grounded in the present. As the year begins to take shape, coaching conversations can center on momentum, confidence, and preparing students for what’s next—academically and emotionally.
Reflective questions for your coaching conversations:
• Where are you seeing students grow in confidence or take new risks in their learning?
• How are classroom relationships supporting a strong sense of belonging for each student right now?
“Children are not things to be molded but are people to be unfolded.” — Jess Lair
This is a reminder that our role is not just to measure progress, but to nurture each child’s unique development and identity.
Coaching Moves
April is a powerful time to shift from introducing new strategies to strengthening what’s already taking root. Coaching can support educators in helping students feel confident, capable, and ready for what’s next.
Coaching moves to try this month:
Deepen peer connections
Encourage structures that build community (partner work, shared problem-solving, student voice) so every learner feels a sense of belonging.
Focus on meaningful progress
Help educators prioritize growth that matters most rather than trying to cover everything before the year ends.
Keep equity at the center
Ask: Who is feeling confident and included right now? Who might need more intentional support to get there?
Coaching in April is about lifting growth, strengthening relationships, and helping both educators and students move forward with confidence. Visit our ACSES offerings to support your work.
Your voice matters to us.
Please fill out the short form below to share how we can support you and what resources would make the biggest difference. You’ll also join our mailing list to stay connected with ELA news, events, and helpful resources.
We’re grateful for your feedback and partnership!
We’re excited to announce our 3rd Book Giveaway! The drawing will take place on May 6th. The winner will be contacted via email and announced in the following newsletter.
This is your chance to win a bundle of 7 culturally diverse books for your classroom or center. Click below to enter the drawing.
Books included in the giveaway:
Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Yesterday I Had the Blues by Jeron Ashford
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang
Daddy Calls Me Man by Angela Johnson
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
