First Start Partnerships for Children and Families

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re recognizing Laura, Instructional Coach at our Lincoln Way Early Learning Center, for the positivity, patience, and abundant knowledge she brings to her role.

Laura guides and supports our teams with thoughtful feedback, helpful resources, and a deep understanding of early childhood education. Her coaching helps staff strengthen their teaching practices, support children’s social-emotional development, and communicate with children in meaningful ways.

Through her encouragement and expertise, Laura helps our teams do their very best, which helps children learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your knowledge, encouragement, and passion with our team. Your impact is felt in every classroom you support! 💛

📖💫Magic in the Book 💫📖

Our teachers model a love of reading while opening the door to a 🌎 of imagination and wonder.

As children 👀and 👂, they develop essential pre-reading skills. Providing opportunities for them to practice together builds confidence and lays the foundation for successful, independent reading. With guidance, encouragement, and time to grow, young readers can take flight on their own literacy journey. 🌟


👉firststartpartnerships.org

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re recognizing Heather and Rebecca, Assistant Teachers in our Greencastle classrooms, for their flexibility, dedication, and commitment to children across our program.

Heather and Rebecca consistently go above and beyond to support children, families, and fellow staff members. After spending the day caring for and teaching children in their own classrooms, they have repeatedly stepped in to support other locations, helping ensure children continue to receive the care, consistency, and learning experiences they deserve.

Their positive attitudes, teamwork, and willingness to help wherever they are needed make a meaningful difference throughout our organization. Whether supporting children in their own classroom or lending a hand at another site, Heather and Rebecca exemplify what it means to put children first.

They truly reflect what it means to be Champions for Children. 💛

Thank you both for your dedication and all that you do for children and families!

Thank you, Mainstreet Waynesboro, Inc., for welcoming our team downtown! We had a wonderful time exploring and enjoying time together. 💙💚

🎉 Announcing First Start’s Next CEO

We are excited to share that Rodney Benedick has been selected as the next Chief Executive Officer of First Start.

This marks an exciting next chapter for our organization, and we look forward to the leadership, experience, and vision he will bring as we continue leading the way for children and families across Franklin County.

👏 Please join us in welcoming Rodney to First Start!

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re recognizing Beth, Master Teacher, and Holly, Assistant Teacher, at our Chambersburg Early Learning Center for the dedication, teamwork, and care they bring to their classroom each day.

Ms. Beth and Ms. Holly go the extra mile for the children and families they serve. They provide engaging activities, support children’s growth, and help build the skills children need as they prepare for kindergarten.

Throughout the year, they have continued to work together, adjust to the needs of their classroom, and stay focused on creating meaningful learning experiences for children.

Their teamwork, perseverance, and commitment truly reflect what it means to be Champions for Children. 💛

Thank you, Beth and Holly, for all that you do!

Sticker Friday! 😊

Greetings with a smile make every day brighter, but Fridays are extra special!

Our children and staff show up each day ready to work, and the work of a child is simple… play! Through play-based learning, children discover important social-emotional skills while doing what 😍 love most.

🌟The positive praise and encouragement from our front office staff never go unnoticed. Our children know Fridays are welcomed with smiles, celebrations, and of course… stickers too! 🌟


👉firststartpartnerships.org

Fly High, Butterfly! 🦋

New life was observed as little eyes watched the amazing transformation and life cycle of a butterfly unfold right before them!

Our teachers know children learn best through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections with the arts. Just like butterflies, our friends are growing every day — learning, changing, and getting ready to be “set free” to explore the beautiful world around them. 🌎✨


👉firststartpartnerships.org

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re recognizing Lushenka, Assistant Teacher at our Chambersburg Early Learning Center, for the care, dedication, and positivity she brings to her classroom each day.

She consistently goes above and beyond to support children, families, and coworkers. She has been a dependable presence in her classroom, helping create an environment where children feel supported, cared for, and ready to learn.

Known for her kind heart and willingness to help others, Lushenka builds meaningful relationships with the children in her care and is always ready to lend a hand to her team.

She truly reflects what it means to be a Champion for Children. 💛

Thank you for all that you do, Lushenka!

🚍 The wheels on the bus 🚍

Beep, beep! Coming through! These kids are getting ready for school!

Our Greencastle location took a special trip on the school bus to prepare for the next big chapter… Kindergarten! ✨✨

Thanks to our wonderful school district partner, the children were able to experience the bus ride ahead of time, helping ease fears and reduce anxiety as this exciting transition approaches. Experiences like these help foster confidence, independence, and the growth of the whole child! 💞


👉firststartpartnerships.org