First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight: Deon Cooper, EduScholars Learning Center, Lake City, SC

How long have you worked in the early childhood education field? 

I have worked in the early childhood education field for over 10 years.

What inspired you to become a First Steps 4K Leader?

I always heard about the wonderful opportunities First Steps 4K offers to families, how they invest in the leaders and centers that partner with the First Steps 4K family. I am passionate about early childhood education and believe that providing young children with a strong foundation in their formative years is crucial for their future success.

What are your core values as a leader?

First is my commitment to the well-being and development of children. A dedicated leader should provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and be cultivated. Second, respect for diversity and inclusion - to embrace and celebrate the diversity of children and families. Third is professionalism and class by maintaining a professional demeanor and displaying integrity, respect, and empathy towards everyone. And lastly, community. I foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork among my employees. My learning center foundation is built on the community, where we create a supportive, collaborative environment where employees feel connected, valued, and engaged. I encourage communication, promote teamwork, support well-being, and value diversity and inclusion with parents, students, and staff.

How do you foster a positive and supportive work environment for your staff?

I prioritize employee empowerment to create a positive and supportive workplace where my staff feel valued and trusted. I empower my staff by delegating decision-making authority within their classrooms and involving them in shaping our school's policies. I also provide yearly surveys to give them a voice. I've been in different work environments where I was never asked if I was happy with my job, the policies, or the company's core values. I often felt unappreciated because I was never told "thank you" or even acknowledged for my work. To create a supportive and uplifting workplace, I encourage my employees to recognize their peers' contributions and engage in acts of kindness, such as providing thoughtful gifts or surprises like buying them lunch, giving them real flowers, bringing in pastries and providing them a yearly Christmas bonus.

What strategies do you use to build strong relationships with families and your community?

To build strong relationships with families and the community, I have a monthly family night where I invite families and the community to come in and fellowship with us with games, food, and crafts for children ages 1-4. I also celebrate every holiday that I can think of that promotes diversity and inclusion. Currently, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. I have banners posted outside the center and flags hanging on the ceiling of every country participating in Hispanic Heritage Month. In October, we have an annual community celebration for Halloween. We have food trucks, games, vendors, and parents of the center doing trunk-a-treat with endless candy and treats that we provide. Let me not forget the live petting zoo that the children love!

What are your long-term goals for your career in early childhood?

 have lots of goals, but the one that is dear to my heart is to transition my childcare center to a developmental center to help children with different learning disabilities. I also have a goal of one day having letters behind my name. I am currently enrolled at South Wesleyan University to obtain a degree in Early Childhood, but that is just the beginning. First Steps 4K opened my eyes to endless educational possibilities. To have people like Kristine Jenkins and Amy Engle of First Steps 4K behind me, I will see a PH.D one day behind my name. Another goal I wanted to accomplish was becoming an Early Childhood trainer with the state. I am proud to say that this month, I received a congratulations email stating I am now a SC Endeavors certified trainer for the State of South Carolina.

What impact do you hope to make on the lives of your students, your staff, your families and your community?

 aim to make a significant difference in the lives of my staff, families, and community by providing a supportive and caring environment. I strive to be the best possible childcare director and owner in South Carolina, always putting the needs of others first. Lastly, to my students. I want to impact them by knowing they are somebody and can accomplish whatever they put their minds to, regardless of race, religion, demographic background, or learning disability. I want them to find their identity like I did by having a passion for what they do daily and loving who they are as they cycle through life. Growing up, I always felt like a John Doe because I never knew who my biological parents were; that's right, I was adopted at birth and thought I had no identity, always asking myself, "Who Am I?" I have found my identity. I am Deon Cooper, Director/Owner of EduScholars Learning Center, an Early Childhood Educator, and a First Steps 4K Leader.

Topics: First Steps 4K, Early Care and Education