July - 2026

THE VILLAGE BLOG

My Child Takes Things Very Literally | Episode 23

Episode 23: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman My child takes things very literally. In Episode 23, we discuss being acutely literal, a characteristic of autism, and how taking language exactly as it is spoken can impact humor, sarcasm, social interactions, and everyday communication. As my son developed, we spent time practicing how to recognize when what someone says may be different from what they actually mean. We also talked about how saying exactly what is in you

Teaching My Child How to Make Good Decisions | Episode 22

Episode 22: Teaching my child how to make good decisions. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Seedling Stage (Pre-K–2nd grade) are beginning to understand cause and effect, solve simple problems, and make age-appropriate choices. During Architect Phase I, parents and caregivers intentionally scaffold experiences that help children develop sound judgment and increasing independence. In Episode 22, we discuss why I chose to teach decision-making instead of co

Understanding Pica and Honoring Individual Needs | Episode 21

Episode 21: Understanding pica and honoring individual needs. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Seedling Stage (Pre-K–2nd grade) are learning to regulate their bodies, emotions, and attention in ways that are unique to their individual development. During Architect Phase I, parents and caregivers intentionally create environments that support those individual needs while helping children build confidence and trust. In Episode 21, we discuss pica and one o

“Are You Coming Back Next Year?” in Ringgold, GA

Today, I had the honor of partnering with the Family Resource Agency of North Georgia in Ringgold, Georgia, as they kicked off a new school year with the incredible service providers who show up every day for the children and families in their community. We closed the keynote with our Acorn Commitment Ceremony, where participants wrote a personal commitment describing how they will continue showing up as village members for the children and families they serve. One by one, th

Building Life Skills Through Everyday Activities | Episode 20

Episode 20: Building life skills through everyday activities. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Sapling Stage (3rd–7th grade) are developing increasing independence through meaningful experiences, while parents and caregivers are in Architect Phase II, intentionally designing opportunities that strengthen confidence, decision-making, and everyday life skills. In Episode 20, we discuss how everyday activities can become opportunities to build transferable

The Universal Language of the Village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I’m sitting in the airport reflecting on my trip to Rio de Janeiro, and without question, the most impactful and rewarding part of my stay was visiting the favela. A favela is a community built along the mountainside. To reach the top, we took a cable car high above the homes and the community below. Inside the cable car, I met a little girl who appeared to be about three years old. We did not speak the same language, but she recognized warmth and love. She showed me the boo

Giving My Child Space to Discover What He Loves | Episode 19

Episode 19: Giving my child space to discover what he loves. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Sapling Stage (3rd–7th grade) are developing a stronger sense of identity, interests, and abilities, while parents and caregivers are in Architect Phase II, intentionally creating opportunities that help children discover and develop their unique strengths. In Episode 19, we discuss the importance of giving children the freedom to explore their interests before

My Child Knew He Was Protected | Episode 18

Episode 18: My child knew he was protected. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Seedling Stage (Pre-K–2nd grade) are developing confidence, emotional awareness, and a stronger sense of who they are, while parents and caregivers are in Architect Phase I, helping children build secure relationships, confidence, and a positive sense of self. In Episode 18, we discuss one of my son’s favorite childhood memories and what it taught me about secure attachment. Whe

Building the Village Begins with Leadership in Orlando, Florida

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 a

Developing Independence and Life Skills | Episode 17

Episode 17: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Developing independence and life skills. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Young Tree Stage (8th–12th grade) are learning to make decisions, set goals, and navigate the world with increasing independence, while parents and caregivers are in the Navigator Phase, shifting from directing to guiding as their child prepares for adulthood. In Episode 17, we discuss how intentionally creating opportunities to

2 3

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.