During Head Start Awareness Month, GLCAP Head Start is recognizing the educators and support staff who help children build the foundation for lifelong learning. 

For Sylvania Head Start teacher Brittany Turner, that work begins with understanding the whole child.

Through her education and credentials, Turner learned the importance of supporting children's physical, social-emotional and intellectual development. She says every child learns differently, making observation and individualized support essential.

"Head Start is so much more than childcare," Turner said. "It is the foundation for a lifetime of learning."

She notes that activities some adults view as simple play are often powerful learning experiences. When children build with blocks or Legos, for example, they are developing problem-solving abilities, persistence and fine-motor skills.

Supporting teachers like Turner is Nate Ingram, a teacher coach whose role is to partner with educators and help them strengthen their teaching practices through a strengths-based coaching model.

"We look at where the teachers are and their strengths," Ingram said. "We then use those strengths as a starting place in working toward a goal to strengthen their teaching practices."

Teacher Coach Nate Ingram helps educators strengthen teaching practices. 

Teacher coaching is a key component of Head Start's commitment to quality. Coaches observe classrooms, review data, discuss challenges and celebrate successes, helping teachers continue to build their teaching knowledge and skills in the classroom.

Ingram said coaching is especially important in early childhood education because educators are working during one of the most significant periods of brain development. Ongoing professional support helps teachers stay current with best practices and better meet children's needs.

He also believes one of the biggest misconceptions about early childhood education is that learning only happens during structured lessons.

"Children are always learning," Ingram said. "When children are playing, they are learning."

Whether children are sharing materials, managing emotions, solving problems or working cooperatively with peers, they are developing critical social-emotional skills that serve as the foundation for future academic and life success.

The partnership between teachers and coaches ultimately benefits children and families. Turner credits collaboration with specialists and support staff for helping children overcome challenges and thrive in the classroom. Ingram adds that continuous support helps educators remain engaged, confident, and effective while strengthening relationships with families.

That team-based approach reflects what Head Start has championed for over 60 years—preparing children for kindergarten through high-quality education while supporting the entire family.

Portions of this article were organized and edited with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot using original interview responses from GLCAP Head Start staff. All facts, quotes and final editorial decisions were reviewed by GLCAP Public Relations.