Kelli Parson and Karen Garner were part of a statewide panel at the LEA Academy offering insight on how Early Childhood Coordinators and Local Leads work together to improve outcomes for early childhood students with disabilities or suspected delays.
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.
At DMESC, we celebrate the strengths, abilities, and potential of every learner. By creating supportive, inclusive learning environments, we can help all students grow, belong, and succeed in their own way.
Thank you to the educators and support staff who meet students where they are and help them shine every day.
At DMESC, we celebrate the strengths, abilities, and potential of every learner. By creating supportive, inclusive learning environments, we can help all students grow, belong, and succeed in their own way.
Thank you to the educators and support staff who meet students where they are and help them shine every day.
Whether you’re diving into a cozy mystery, a chilling thriller, or a transformative non-fiction read, it’s time to slow down, pour a warm drink, and turn a page this October.
#thinkcoop1st
👇 What book is at the top of your stack for the season? Drop your recommendations below!
#thinkcoop1st
👇 What book is at the top of your stack for the season? Drop your recommendations below!
#thinkcoop1st
We Serve and Support our schools so that ALL students Succeed
We Serve and Support our schools so that ALL students Succeed
October is National Principals Month! 💙💚
We are grateful for the dedicated principals across our DMESC districts who lead with heart, support their staff, encourage their students, and make a difference in their schools every day.
Thank you for all you do for your students, staff, families, and communities. We appreciate you!
#thinkcoop1st
We are grateful for the dedicated principals across our DMESC districts who lead with heart, support their staff, encourage their students, and make a difference in their schools every day.
Thank you for all you do for your students, staff, families, and communities. We appreciate you!
#thinkcoop1st
⚓💙 Anchored in Collaboration. Focused on Arkansas Children. 💙⚓
A big THANK YOU to the leadership at the Office of Early Childhood for taking time to meet with some Local Lead “Anchors” today!
We are grateful for the positive communication, genuine collaboration, and thoughtful conversation as we continue working together to strengthen early childhood education across our state.
The best part? No matter the topic, Arkansas children remain at the forefront of every conversation and every decision.
-DMESC Local Lead Captain Karen Garner
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
A big THANK YOU to the leadership at the Office of Early Childhood for taking time to meet with some Local Lead “Anchors” today!
We are grateful for the positive communication, genuine collaboration, and thoughtful conversation as we continue working together to strengthen early childhood education across our state.
The best part? No matter the topic, Arkansas children remain at the forefront of every conversation and every decision.
-DMESC Local Lead Captain Karen Garner
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
Happy School Custodian Appreciation Day to Mrs. Olivia! 💙💚
Today we celebrate and thank Mrs. Olivia for her hard work, dedication, and the care she puts into keeping our campus clean, safe, and welcoming each day. Her work often happens behind the scenes, but it makes a big difference for our staff and visitors. You help make DMESC a better place for everyone who walks through our doors. Thank you, Mrs. Olivia, for all you do! We appreciate you!
#thinkcoop1st
Today we celebrate and thank Mrs. Olivia for her hard work, dedication, and the care she puts into keeping our campus clean, safe, and welcoming each day. Her work often happens behind the scenes, but it makes a big difference for our staff and visitors. You help make DMESC a better place for everyone who walks through our doors. Thank you, Mrs. Olivia, for all you do! We appreciate you!
#thinkcoop1st
Foster Grandparents enjoyed The Golden Gathering today in Nashville City Park while our program had a booth to help recruit more grandparents in those areas where we are needing more grandparents to help struggling students.
#thinkcoop1st
#AmericorpsSeniors
#thinkcoop1st
#AmericorpsSeniors
Hello, October! 🍂🏈🎃
A new month means new opportunities to learn, lead, support, and celebrate our schools. Here’s to crisp fall days, Friday night football, and a great October from your DMESC team! 💙💚
#thinkcoop1st
A new month means new opportunities to learn, lead, support, and celebrate our schools. Here’s to crisp fall days, Friday night football, and a great October from your DMESC team! 💙💚
#thinkcoop1st
Nashville Preschool students did a “good thing” by coloring pictures and writing notes on the back for Triston who is fighting cancer and is in Children’s hospital. His favorite super hero is Spiderman so what better way to show him and his mama that we care.
We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed.
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed.
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
🏫👩🏫Attention: DMESC Preschool Teachers🏫👩🏫
We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed.
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed.
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
📚✨ Learning, connecting, and building bridges to kindergarten! ✨📚
PreK teachers participated in two engaging workshops focused on Building Skills for Kindergarten and CDELS!
We explored kindergarten readiness skills by sorting them into “Need to Know,” “Be Able to Do,” and “Ready to Learn” categories. We also completed a CDELS mapping activity to make connections between PreK standards and kindergarten expectations. For our CDELS mosaic activity, teachers answered questions about CDELS and used their individual pieces to create a larger mosaic. 🧩🎨 The finished mosaic was a great visual reminder that, just like each piece is unique, every child learns, develops, and brings their own strengths to the classroom. 💛
Building strong foundations today helps our little learners feel confident and ready for kindergarten tomorrow! 🖍️✏️
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
PreK teachers participated in two engaging workshops focused on Building Skills for Kindergarten and CDELS!
We explored kindergarten readiness skills by sorting them into “Need to Know,” “Be Able to Do,” and “Ready to Learn” categories. We also completed a CDELS mapping activity to make connections between PreK standards and kindergarten expectations. For our CDELS mosaic activity, teachers answered questions about CDELS and used their individual pieces to create a larger mosaic. 🧩🎨 The finished mosaic was a great visual reminder that, just like each piece is unique, every child learns, develops, and brings their own strengths to the classroom. 💛
Building strong foundations today helps our little learners feel confident and ready for kindergarten tomorrow! 🖍️✏️
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
❤️🩹 Learning skills that can save lives!
A great day of hands-on learning at our DMESC CPR/AED/First Aid Workshop. Thank you to everyone who joined us today to learn, practice, and prepare to make a difference when it matters most!
#thinkcoop1st
A great day of hands-on learning at our DMESC CPR/AED/First Aid Workshop. Thank you to everyone who joined us today to learn, practice, and prepare to make a difference when it matters most!
#thinkcoop1st
Computer Science Domain 4 in action! Ashley Kincannon, AR CS Specialist, was all about unpacking the standards, identifying durable skills, and experiencing standards-aligned activities that bring the learning to life in the classroom. #CSforAR, #thinkcoop1st
DMESC EC Staff Spotlight: Krisi Dixon! 🌟
Meet Krisi Dixon, a Lead Infant Toddler Teacher at CRELC-Vandervoort in her second year with DMESC! 🍎✨
When asked what she loves most about Early Childhood, Krisi puts it simply: "The kids are the best part of this job! I love where I work and love the ladies I work with!" She’s especially proud of having the endless patience needed to love and guide little ones all day long—though she admits the non-stop hugs and affection make it pretty easy!
When she isn't shaping young minds, Krisi is all about family and farm life. Her world revolves around her three daughters (ages 23, 21, and almost 20) and her brand-new 2-month-old granddaughter! 👶💖 Rounding out her busy home life is a whole crew of pets: cats, dogs, ducks, and chickens! 🦆🐶🐱🐔
🥤 Go-to Fuel: Pineapple & Strawberry Fantas or Pink Slush Alani
💬 Words to Live By: "To teach a child is to touch the future. The patience, warmth, and quiet care you extend today becomes the foundation for who they grow up to be tomorrow."
We are so grateful for the heart, warmth, and dedication Krisi brings to our classrooms every day! 💙
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
Meet Krisi Dixon, a Lead Infant Toddler Teacher at CRELC-Vandervoort in her second year with DMESC! 🍎✨
When asked what she loves most about Early Childhood, Krisi puts it simply: "The kids are the best part of this job! I love where I work and love the ladies I work with!" She’s especially proud of having the endless patience needed to love and guide little ones all day long—though she admits the non-stop hugs and affection make it pretty easy!
When she isn't shaping young minds, Krisi is all about family and farm life. Her world revolves around her three daughters (ages 23, 21, and almost 20) and her brand-new 2-month-old granddaughter! 👶💖 Rounding out her busy home life is a whole crew of pets: cats, dogs, ducks, and chickens! 🦆🐶🐱🐔
🥤 Go-to Fuel: Pineapple & Strawberry Fantas or Pink Slush Alani
💬 Words to Live By: "To teach a child is to touch the future. The patience, warmth, and quiet care you extend today becomes the foundation for who they grow up to be tomorrow."
We are so grateful for the heart, warmth, and dedication Krisi brings to our classrooms every day! 💙
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
🍔 National Cheeseburger Day at Mena Preschool! 🍔
Crystal’s class celebrated National Cheeseburger Day with a little creativity! Preschoolers had fun making their very own 3D cheeseburgers—stacking up lots of learning and fun along the way! ❤️
We love seeing creativity come to life in our preschool classrooms! ✂️🧀🍔
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
Crystal’s class celebrated National Cheeseburger Day with a little creativity! Preschoolers had fun making their very own 3D cheeseburgers—stacking up lots of learning and fun along the way! ❤️
We love seeing creativity come to life in our preschool classrooms! ✂️🧀🍔
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
🇺🇸 Constitution Day at DeQueen Preschool!🇺🇸
Cynthia Tena's preschoolers celebrated Constitution Day by putting on their fancy hats and creating their very own classroom constitution! They worked together to make positive declarations for their classroom and proudly added their signatures.
Such a sweet way to bring Capturing Kids’ Hearts into everyday learning—building kindness, connection, and a classroom community where everyone belongs. ❤️
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
Cynthia Tena's preschoolers celebrated Constitution Day by putting on their fancy hats and creating their very own classroom constitution! They worked together to make positive declarations for their classroom and proudly added their signatures.
Such a sweet way to bring Capturing Kids’ Hearts into everyday learning—building kindness, connection, and a classroom community where everyone belongs. ❤️
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
We appreciate Dana Ray and Andria Miller for sharing their knowledge and expertise at our Principals’ Meeting today! 💙💚 Their work behind the scenes—and their willingness to share valuable data, information, and resources—helps support our school leaders and the districts we serve. We’re grateful to have them on our team! #thinkcoop1st
Supporting Our Beginning Principals!
Dana Ray, DMESC's Assistant Director/ TCC and Andria Miller, DMESC Systems Support Specialist, met with our Beginning Principals Mentoring (BPM) group today to share important data and resources to support them in their new leadership roles. We appreciate the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support these school leaders as they begin their journey in administration! 💙💚
#thinkcoop1st
Dana Ray, DMESC's Assistant Director/ TCC and Andria Miller, DMESC Systems Support Specialist, met with our Beginning Principals Mentoring (BPM) group today to share important data and resources to support them in their new leadership roles. We appreciate the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support these school leaders as they begin their journey in administration! 💙💚
#thinkcoop1st
🌟 DMESC EC STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟
Meet Jana Strode, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at DMESC! Jana is kicking off her 3rd year full-time with us, bringing so much heart, passion, and expertise to our early childhood team. 🗣️❤️
What drives Jana: "My favorite part of working in early childhood is seeing how much growth can happen in such a short period of time. I love helping children find their voice and watching their confidence grow as their communication skills improve."
What she’s most proud of: Building meaningful relationships with her students and guiding them as they find their voice. For Jana, nothing beats the feeling of watching a child transition from struggling to communicate to expressing themselves through words, sounds, and other tools.
A few quick facts about Jana:
Life Advice: "Remember that every day is a fresh start. Some days are harder than others, but don’t carry the frustrations of today into tomorrow."
Family & Pets: She shares her life with her husband, four grown children, one dog, "way too many" cats, and one very special granddaughter! Of all her titles, "Grammy" is her absolute favorite.
Go-To Fuel: Turkey jerky & a Bloom sparkling energy drink! ⚡
Thank you for everything you do to support our students, Jana! We are so lucky to have you on the DMESC team! 👏✨
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#thinkcoop1st
