Childcare Resources Hosts Inspiring Professional Learning Workshop with Dr. Nefertiti Poyner

110 early childhood educators from 24 centers across Indian River County came together to hear Dr. Nefertiti Poyner and engage in a day of learning and connection.

Childcare Resources of Indian River recently welcomed Dr. Nefertiti Poyner for a dynamic professional learning workshop, “I’ll Bring the Joy: Finding Purpose, Passion and Peace in Early Childhood Education.” Held at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, the event brought together 110 early childhood educators from 24 centers across Indian River County for a day centered on renewed purpose.

Childcare Resources hosted its professional learning workshop, “I’ll Bring the Joy: Finding Purpose, Passion and Peace in Early Childhood Education,” featuring guest speaker Dr. Nefertiti Poyner.

Throughout the workshop, early educators explored what it means to align personal passion with professional practice. Dr. Poyner emphasized the vital role early educators play, noting that it doesn’t just take a village to raise children, it takes a healthy village.

The day fostered meaningful collaboration, with participants actively engaging in discussions, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing moments that have shaped their teaching journeys. Dr. Poyner encouraged attendees to recognize the significance of their work. “I don’t ever want to hear you say ‘I’m just a preschool teacher,’” said Dr. Poyner. “The work we do makes every other profession possible.”

The workshop was made possible with the support of Childcare Resources Program Committee members (L–R) Kathy Marshall, Pam Barr, Susan Donovan, and Pam Barefoot.

For many, the workshop served as a powerful reminder of why they entered the field. Sara Cooper, an early educator at First Methodist Academy, said, “As a disabled student myself, I wanted to become the teacher I always needed.”

Childcare Resources remains committed to supporting early educators through high-quality professional learning opportunities that inspire and equip those shaping the next generation.

“This workshop created space for our educators to reconnect with their purpose,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources.

“When we invest in the well-being and growth of early educators, we strengthen the entire foundation of our community.”

Following the workshop, center directors continued the conversation in a Community of Practice session with Dr. Raquel Diaz, taking a deeper dive into their leadership and impact within early childhood education. (L–R): Laura Wood with Wood Family Home Daycare, Renee LaRosa with First Baptist Church Preschool, Michelle Feliciano with ELC IRMO, Tara Beard with Childcare Resources, Valerie Powell with ELC IRMO, Yehsica Folkerds and Debbie-Ann Simpson Greenfield with Bridges ELC, Marcela Soto with Kendall Academy, Rachna Handa and Katherine Hayes with Tiny Treasures, and Franklin Johnson with EOC Head Start.