The Impact Edition


February 2026

Brittany from All Around Children engaging the children during storytime.

Turning Coaching Into Everyday Practice: Professional Development In Action


Here at the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC), we know that professional development is most powerful when it moves beyond theory and becomes an integral part of everyday interactions with children. During a recent site visit at All Around Children - related to the ECRC’s ongoing literacy work in Stark County, caregivers shared clear examples of how the coaching and training ECRC staff provides are directly shaping their classroom practices and significantly improving outcomes for young learners.


Brittany reflected on how coaching support from her dedicated ECRC early childhood specialist has helped her use daily routines to intentionally build the language skills of the toddlers in her class. After her coach modeled and recommended using simple, functional phrases with her students, Brittany began consistently teaching phrases like “pass it” and “back up.” These small but purposeful language choices have made a big difference. 



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Unified Early Learning System Project Update


Check out what's new with the Greater Akron Unified Early Learning System (UELS), a recently launched pilot initiative led by the City of Akron and the Early Childhood Resource Center that is designed to help stabilize child care businesses and educators while expanding access to quality programs.


UELS coaches and providers recently participated in Joyful Together® training, hosted by OhioGuidestone in partnership with Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board. This engaging, hands-on session equipped the team with practical strategies to strengthen relationships, promote resilience, and help bring more joy into everyday interactions with children and families.


We’re grateful for this collaboration and excited to put these tools into practice.

FEATURED SUPPORTER

PNC Grow Up Great® - Building Brighter Futures


For more than two decades, PNC has demonstrated what it truly means to invest in the future. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, a landmark bilingual early childhood education initiative launched in 2004, the company continues to make an extraordinary impact on children from birth through age five. 


PNC Grow Up Great represents a $500 million, multi-year commitment to expanding high-quality early learning opportunities, providing $270 million in grants and supporting more than 10 million children. 


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Help Strengthen Families

In Our Community


Through the support of individuals like you, we are proud to offer programming, resources, trainings, and referrals in the following counties: Portage, Mahoning, Medina, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull.

A Child Care Resource and Referral Agency

proudly serving Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull counties.

 

Visit our website ecresourcecenter.org or call 330-491-3272

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