Building the Village Begins with Leadership in Orlando, Florida

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There are moments in this work that leave you more energized than when you arrived.

These past two days with the incredible leadership team at Orange County Head Start were exactly that.

Director Sonya Hill made a powerful investment by dedicating two full days exclusively to her leadership team before the start of the school year. That decision speaks volumes. It communicates that before we ask teachers to serve children and families well, we must first ensure that leaders are mission-aligned, equipped, and prepared to create the conditions where everyone can thrive.

Together, we explored the Top-Notch Village™ Framework—thinking deeply about mission alignment, intentional engagement, cultural humility, professional communication, and emotional regulation for leaders. But we didn’t stop at learning concepts. We wrestled with real leadership situations, challenged one another’s thinking, designed solutions together, and ultimately created blueprints for the kinds of villages we want every child and family to experience.

What encouraged me most was the engagement.

I learned from them as they learned from me.

Every discussion was filled with curiosity.

Every activity was met with enthusiasm.

Every conversation reflected a genuine desire to learn, grow, and improve—because children and families thrive when bring our best selves to the work.

As I watched table after table collaborating, asking better questions, refining ideas, and encouraging one another, I couldn’t help but think about the children and families who will benefit from leaders willing to invest this deeply in becoming better.

That gives me tremendous hope for our field.

Thank you, Orange County Head Start, for welcoming me so warmly and allowing me to spend these two days learning alongside you.

I left Orlando renewed, encouraged, and even more convinced that when leaders intentionally create the right conditions, children, families, and professionals all have a greater opportunity to thrive.

Here’s to another school year of building Top-Notch Villages™—one intentional decision at a time. BOOM!!!! #TopNotchVillages #TheAcornMovement 🌰🌱🌳❤️