The Village Blog | KinderJam

THE VILLAGE BLOG

Operationalizing Love in Akron, Ohio

Today, I had the pleasure of working with the Community Action Akron Summit Head Start team as they celebrated the beginning of a new program year. But today did not start today. Earlier this year, I delivered a virtual keynote and training to Head Start leaders through the Ohio Head Start Association, Inc. And Ms. Glenda was there. The message spoke to her, and she knew it was exactly what her team needed to start their program year strong. She shared the experience with her

Building Independence Before They Need It | Episode 35

Episode 35: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Building Independence Before They Need It The archival conversations in this series were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman. As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us space to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum. Independence was

When the Message Arrives Before You Do in Suffolk, VA

I am very vocal about the Acorn Movement. Because I believe every child deserves a Top-Notch Village™ that will help them grow into the mighty, mighty oak tree they are destined to become. I travel from city to city and state to state carrying this message of collectivism, shared responsibility, and generational impact. But today, the message met me at the door. Last December, I had the opportunity to share my From Acorn to Mighty, Mighty Oak Tree™ keynote and an accompanying

The Power of Recognizing a Child’s Gifts

Episode 34: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman The Power of Recognizing a Child’s Gifts These archival conversations were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman. As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us space to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum. In fifth grade, Ricky II’s mus

Dr. El Brown, Florida Head Start alumna and keynote speaker

From Florida Head Start Child to Florida Head Start Association Keynote Speaker

Dr. El Brown, Florida Head Start alumna and keynote speaker

Grown Folk Conversations in Erie, PA

Erie, Pennsylvania showed up today!!!! I had the absolute pleasure of spending the morning with the good people of Child Development Centers, Inc., and they came ready to learn, reflect, collaborate, and do the work! They gathered in their groups, mapped the villages surrounding the children and families they serve, exchanged ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and leaned fully into the experience. The conversations were rich, the laughter was plentiful, and the commitment in

The Acorn Movement Is Headed to Michigan

BOOM!!!! Michigan Head Start Association family, I’ll see you in October! I can’t wait to make some Early Learning and Family MAGIC TOGETHER!!!!! ❤️🙌🏾🤩🌰🌱🌳🎉🎊 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 t

Investing in Your Child’s Gifts | Episode 33

Episode 33: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Investing in Your Child’s Gifts These archival conversations were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman. As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for the transition to college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us an opportunity to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum. I use the Vi

Starting the School Year with JOY in Manassas, VA

This is how Prince William County Public Schools Preschool Programs welcomes their professional team back for a new school year! BOOM!!!! Come on, Somebody!!!!!! ❤️🙌🏾🤩🎉🎊 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

The Power Went Out... The Energy Didn’t in Manassas, VA

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 th

2 3 4 5

ABOUT THE VILLAGE BLOG

The Village Blog is a living record of engagement strategy in action.

Here, I share field stories, practical strategies, and original frameworks from my work with Head Start programs, school districts, community action agencies, and child- and family-service organizations across the country.

Each post explores how adults can strengthen relationships, become mission-aligned, and show up well for children and families. I work with adults and work for children—because every child deserves to be loved and cared for well.

Raising Superman

Raising Superman is co-authored by Dr. El and her son, Ricky II. Together, they weave their voices into one story that highlights the three characters of a Top-Notch Village: the child, the family, and the village members.

The book gives families and village members tips and strategies drawn directly from Dr. El’s Village Engagement Matrix™—a framework designed to help both work together so that children have every opportunity to maximize their personal potential.

At its core, Raising Superman shows what becomes possible when children grow up surrounded by belief in themselves, a positive identity, and a village committed to turning dreams into reality.