When the Whole Village Shows Up in Pasco, WA
I had a beautiful time with Benton Franklin Head Start in Pasco, Washington!
This was my first visit to Washington State, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with this organization. ❤️
From the kitchen staff to the executive director, we spent the day digging deeply into what it means to build Top-Notch Villages™ for children and families.
The enthusiasm that greeted me at 8:00 a.m. stayed with us the entire day!
Through in-depth conversations, group activities, and reflections, we explored how our everyday interactions with children, families, and one another help create the conditions for children to thrive.
Every role has a place in a child’s village, and it was beautiful to see those village members learning, sharing, and working together.
Their creativity came through as they illustrated a child’s village and described how the people within it are connected.
Their care came through in the commitments they placed on the acorn tree, including “See beyond the behaviors” and “I will tell them I am happy to see them.”
That is what operationalizing Love & Care looks like: identifying the things we can say and do so that children experience being seen, valued, and appreciated.
After more than six hours of learning together, they gave me a standing ovation.
My heart was full! ❤️😍🥰
Their enthusiasm had carried through every part of our day, and receiving that expression of appreciation at the close meant so much to me.
The children and families of Benton Franklin Head Start are fortunate to have village members who are so eager to learn together, work together, and show up well for them. It was a joy to be part of that shared commitment.
I’m leaving Washington with gratitude for the warm welcome I received and for the village members helping our acorns become the mighty, mighty oak trees they were born to be! 🌰🌱🌿🌳
BOOM!! BANG!!! POW!!! SHA-BANG!!!!💥🙌🏾❤️
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