Who We Are
We are a growing, multidisciplinary center of early child development experts and interventionists with various academic and practice backgrounds.
Early child development is complex, and no single person or professional group possess all the answers. We must work together to address the complex challenges seen in early child development across the globe.
Our People
Board of Directors
Kim Jackson
Barbara Landon
Dave Shaw
Randall Waechter
Becky Bailey
Michelle Fernandes
Maria Paula Avila
David Fetterolf
Management Team
Randall Waechter
Barbara Landon
Stephanie Holmes
Roberta Evans
Our Pillars
Our Values
Equity
A focus on equity guides us to recognize and address systemic barriers that may hinder the optimal development of children, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. By prioritizing equity, we aim to provide every child with equal access to resources, opportunities, and support systems needed for their holistic growth and well-being. This commitment drives our efforts to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote social justice, reduce disparities, and create environments where all children can thrive. Finally, equity underscores our dedication to culturally responsive practices wherein we acknowledge and value the diverse identities, experiences, and strengths within the communities we serve.
Diversity
Parenting is the most challenging job on earth. Child development—which starts with the health of the parents—pre-conception through adolescence and into early adulthood—is incredibly complex. We believe that fostering diversity in our communities of primary caregivers and those who are coaching them is essential for discovering innovative and culturally relevant practices that support child neurodevelopment. By celebrating diversity, we aim to honour the unique identities, cultures, and traditions of the children and families we serve. We actively seek out and value diverse voices in our programs, staff, volunteers, and leadership, understanding that this diversity enriches our work and enables us to better meet the diverse needs of our community. By promoting diversity, we strive to create a more vibrant and inclusive society where all children are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Empowerment
The best way to support early child neurodevelopment is to equip caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and social support they need to be active participants in their own growth and development. This starts with caregiver self-regulation. Only through self-regulation can the caregivers “lend” their executive skills to guide children through the process of learning to regulate themselves as their brains develop. This process builds agency and self-efficacy in both caregiver and child. As caregivers come together to support each other, we see empowerment at the community level. This fosters collaboration, leadership, and collective action to address systemic barriers and promote positive change within communities. By embracing empowerment as a core value, we aim to create a world where every child can thrive, and every family and community has the agency to shape their own future.