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A Portrait of Quality in Early Childhood Education​

This is the story of a dedicated leader driving remarkable change at her early learning center.

Nancy Sylvester has found an innovative way to foster the teacher-child interactions that are the heart and soul of early childhood education. It’s data feedback that “paints a picture” of the classroom. And it’s what’s helping Nancy and her teachers create sustainable quality improvements and shape the center’s positive culture.

At Global Connections Learning Center in Jackson, Miss., Nancy and her teachers are making sure that every interaction counts.

Watch the film:

Short Clips

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About LENA

Too many children miss out on the brain-building conversations they need during the critical first five years. At LENA, we believe this is one of early childhood’s most solvable challenges.

From Head Start classrooms to family child care homes and private child care centers, the LENA Grow professional development program is increasing early talk about boosting program quality across the U.S. 

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About the filmmakers

LENA was proud to partner with Blue Magnolia Films to bring the story of Global Connections Learning Center and LENA Grow to life.

At Blue Magnolia, Alison Fast and Chandler Harris seek in their work to “celebrate ‘bright spots’ and small town solutions across the state of Mississippi.”

Let's Talk

Early childhood leaders and center directors may see a lot of themselves in Nancy Sylvester — her ambition, her vision, where her heart’s at. Learn more about the program, LENA Grow, that changed the game for her teachers and children. 

A Portrait of Quality in Early Childhood Education

This is the story of a dedicated leader driving remarkable change at her early learning center.

Nancy Sylvester has found an innovative way to foster the teacher-child interactions that are the heart and soul of early childhood education.

It’s data feedback that “paints a picture” of the classroom. And it’s what’s helping Nancy and her teachers create sustainable quality improvements and shape the center’s positive culture.

At Global Connections Learning Center in Jackson, Miss., Nancy and her teachers are making sure that every interaction counts.

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When you show the children the love that they deserve to have, it makes such a difference in who they become in their future lives.

– Nancy Sylvester, Director & Owner of Global Connection Learning Center