Coaching for Child Care and Youth Program Educators
What is Coaching
Coaching is a supportive partnership that helps educators grow in their practice. It’s not about evaluation—it’s about collaboration. Through reflection, shared goals, and practical strategies, coaching empowers educators to build on their strengths, try new ideas, and create positive learning experiences for children.
Why Coaching Matters
Coaching makes a difference because it supports both educators and children. When educators feel encouraged and confident, they are more able to create nurturing, engaging classrooms. Research shows that educators who receive coaching are more likely to use effective teaching practices, which leads to stronger child learning and social-emotional outcomes.
What To Expect as an Educator
As an educator in coaching, you are an active partner in the process. You’ll share your goals and classroom priorities, reflect on your daily experiences, and try out new strategies with your coach’s support. Your role is to be open to conversation, celebrate your strengths, and explore new practices. Coaching is flexible and designed around your needs—so together we can create the best learning environment for you and your children.
How To Prepare For Your Visit
Getting ready for a coaching visit doesn’t require extra work—it’s about making the time meaningful for you.
- Think about your classroom goals or challenges.
- Gather any materials you want to try during the visit.
- Be open to sharing what’s working and what’s tricky.
- Bring your questions—your coach is here to help!
- Coaching is about support, not evaluation.
We are currently prioritizing programs in greatest need while we rebuild capacity.
Click the button below to:
- Join the Priority Waitlist (no-cost when funded),
- Request Fee-Based Coaching (sliding scale and scholarship options for small programs/family homes), or
- Access our No-Cost Resources and Monthly Public Clock-Hour Trainings.
Jessie B’s Academy Partners with United 4 Children for Success
For Jessica Black Gant, director and owner of Jessie B’s Academy, knowing the long-term impact of her role in each child’s life brings her joy.
“To see what I teach them and for them to implement it makes my heart smile. I’m raising the next doctors and lawyers of St. Louis,” Jessica said. “The first five years of a child’s life is most critical. We have to have teachers and people who want to give back to the kids and give back to the next generation.”
Jessie B’s received accreditation for her program in 2023. Accreditation is not required for child care programs to legally operate, however, some programs make accreditation part of their goals because it signals to families that a program goes above and beyond to provide high-quality care.
Our team worked closely with Jessica and her team while they were preparing their program for the accreditation process. Accreditation was just one of Jessie B’s Academy’s goals. United 4 Children has partnered with Jessie B’s for a few years to provide additional resources and wrap-around support.
“They (United 4 Children) gave us coaching along the way, supplies to help us grow, and they were always a phone call away if we felt like we needed help with something,” Jessica said.