The Power Went Out... The Energy Didn’t in Manassas, VA
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Yesterday, the energy was OFF THE CHARTS when I had the pleasure of partnering with Prince William County Public Schools Preschool Programs for their 3rd Annual Preschool Institute (PSI)!
The moment I entered the building, I was greeted by a spirit tunnel that made me feel like a guest on the Jennifer Hudson Show!
But that greeting wasn’t just for me.
Every preschool teacher and service provider who walked through those doors was welcomed with that same celebration. Before the work even began, the message was clear:
You are valued.
You are wanted here.
The work you do matters.
My assignment was to capture that energy and help take it to the next level.
That was an easy assignment because the moment I entered an auditorium filled with nearly 480 motivated early childhood professionals, the spirit of mission-aligned collaboration took over!
It wasn’t a keynote.
It was a conversation among people who understood the mission.
And even when the power went out, the energy never did! We called it a commercial break, kept moving, and picked up exactly where we left off.
Because that is what early childhood professionals do: adjust, collaborate, and keep the children at the center.
Our Top-Notch Village workshop then brought their theme, “Designing a Blueprint to Help Children Thrive,” to life.
Throughout the auditorium, early childhood professionals gathered in groups—many right there on the floor.
Because preschool teachers don’t need tables to handle the serious business of designing Top-Notch Villages and ecosystems that support the growth and development of children!
This was truly an all-hands-on-deck experience.
From Ms. Nancy, who walked with me to the building and shared that after 25 years at the same school, she is entering her final year of working with three-year-olds with additional needs…
To Ms. Cheryl, my handler, who made sure I had everything I needed and that my comfort was secure so I could show up fully for the people who deserved it most…
To Ms. Erica, who curated an experience that told everyone entering the building, “You are valued, and we want you here”…
To Dr. Camille Kelly, who heard me speak years ago and believed that I carried the message they needed to begin this school year with a BANG…
To Dr. Nora Bryant, who shared that she had heard me speak just a year earlier as she was transitioning into her role as Director of Preschool Programs…
To Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, who listened to my story through the ears of a strategic leader and identified the programs, initiatives, and through-lines that can help ensure the children entrusted to Prince William County Public Schools thrive from preschool through graduation—and beyond.
I left Prince William County FULL!
This is what it looks like when the adults responsible for children understand that thriving does not happen by accident.
It is designed.
It is supported.
It is sustained through community.
It takes a Top-Notch Village!
BOOM!!!! ❤️🙌🏾🌳☀️
Dr. El Brown is an early childhood keynote speaker, trainer, and engagement strategist who partners with Head Start, early childhood programs, and children and family service organizations to strengthen family engagement, support professional development, and build Top-Notch Villages™ where children and families thrive. ❤️🌰🌱🌳☀️
Interested in bringing Dr. El Brown to your organization or conference? Explore speaking and training experiences or submit a booking inquiry.
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