Virginia | KinderJam

THE VILLAGE BLOG

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

When the Work Is Remembered in Arlington, VA

Yesterday, I had the honor of returning to partner with The Campagna Center in Arlington, Virginia. The room was abuzz with the energy of a new program year—colleagues reconnecting, hugs being exchanged, and laughter and conversation filling the room. During our time together, I shared my From Acorn to Mighty, Mighty Oak Tree™ keynote and engaged team members in the Top-Notch Villages™ workshop. Together, they mapped the ecosystems surrounding children and families, identifie

The Village Starts Before the Classroom in Warrenton, VA

Today I had the opportunity to return to Fauquier Community Action Committee Head Start in Warrenton, Virginia, an agency I have had the pleasure of partnering with for three years. One of the things I appreciate about this team is that every time I return, they are ready to learn, reflect, and add new strategies to their practice. In fact, they were the first Head Start program to put the Acorn Affirmation on their bulletin board. So, they have been sipping the Top-Notch Koo

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.