Each day, the caring staff and teachers at Lena Pope’s Early Learning Center (ELC) are fostering the development of meaningful relationships, emotional intelligence, effective communication skills, and strategic problem-solving. These are the cornerstones of our vision and the strong foundation we are working together to build for our community.
At Lena Pope, we believe that Emotional Intelligence is the cornerstone of success, not just for individuals, but for entire communities. It empowers us to regulate our emotions and understand the feelings of those around us, fostering healthier relationships and more effective communication.
Emotional intelligence impacts every aspect of our lives, from our personal well-being to our academic and professional success. It enables us to navigate challenges with resilience, seek help when needed, and forge stronger connections with others. This belief is reinforced by programs such as Conscious Discipline, an evidence-based behavioral model that we implement at the Early Learning Centers. Utilizing Conscious Discipline in our ELC classrooms has shown significant improvements in social-emotional skills and academic readiness among students.
One of the ways Lena Pope stands out is through our investment in emotional intelligence from an early age. Through programs like our Early Learning Centers, where children as young as six weeks old are introduced to concepts of emotional regulation and empathy, we are shaping future generations of emotionally intelligent individuals.
Moreover, we understand the importance of investing in our staff, who play a pivotal role in fostering emotional intelligence in the children and families we serve. Led by Dr. Elgin and our dedicated directors, we prioritize ongoing training and support to ensure that our team is equipped with the tools and resources they need to make a meaningful impact.
This commitment, with your support, allows us to bring real change to families in our community.
Families like Ben’s…
I recently witnessed the transformative power of emotional intelligence in action when a student in our program, Ben, was having trouble connecting with his peers and teachers.
Ben was extremely shy and it was a hindrance in his social-emotional development. Instead of trying to force him into communicating in a way he wasn’t comfortable with, we came up with a way for him to acknowledge his fears and practice communicating in a way that worked for him.
We began using a mailbox next to my desk to communicate through written notes and drawings. Every day he was able to come in and leave a note to communicate his thoughts and feelings with me. And every day I was able to respond with a note, and we would take them out and read them together.
With the help and support of his family, we were able to acknowledge the feelings of fear he had and give him the tools to work through it and develop a sense of belonging within the classroom. Over time, Ben was able to take steps to practice emotional intelligence, communicate his needs and feelings with others, and begin building healthy relationships with those around him.
In other words, Ben is thriving!
When you invest in Lena Pope is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in the future of our communities. Your support allows us to continue providing essential services and education, shaping resilient, empathetic individuals who will make a positive difference in the world.
Our commitment to making sure all children, families, and caregivers in our community have an opportunity to build a strong foundation so they can thrive wouldn’t be possible without you. Please consider a donation today to create life-long change in lives like Ben’s.
by Eva Rodriguez, Assistant Director, Lena Pope Early Learning Center HSC campus
To learn more about Lena Pope’s vision and how it impacts our community, check these out: