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Cari Miller, Chancellor of Early Learning for the Florida Department of Education; Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources; Tara Beard, School Director; and Sadie Collet, Assistant School Director. Childcare Resources of Indian River was honored to welcome Cari Miller, Chancellor of Early Learning for the Florida Department of Education, for a special visit focused on learning more about their early childhood programs and services supporting children, families, and early educators across Indian River County. As part of her ongoing work throughout Florida, Miller visits communities to see firsthand how early learning programs are serving families, identify challenges facing providers and educators, and better understand what is working as state leaders continue shaping the future of early childhood education during the legislative session and beyond. During her visit, Miller experienced Childcare Resources’ mission in action by spending time in classrooms, connecting with staff, and learning more about the organization’s programs designed to strengthen kindergarten readiness, early educator support, and family engagement throughout the community. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share our work and proud to be part of the momentum helping shape the future of early childhood education in Indian River County and throughout Florida,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman. “Visits like this highlight the importance of continued investment in children, families, and the educators who make lifelong learning possible.” Miller also toured the organization’s future downtown campus of early childhood excellence, where she saw firsthand the vision for expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities for generations to come. "It was a pleasure visiting Childcare Resources and seeing how the organization’s programs extend support and services throughout the community,” said Miller. “The work being done is truly meaningful, and I wish the team continued success into their new facility.”

Coastal Connections gave four-year-old students in the Ducklings classroom an engaging morning of learning about sea turtle conservation. Pictured in the back row (L–R): Selena Munoz, Childcare Resources teacher; Nancy Vandergrift, Coastal Connections volunteer; Marilyn Brock, Childcare Resources teacher; and Coastal Connections volunteer Pat Lenski and STEM Educator Hannah Keiper. A three-year-old student in the Kittens classroom explored the differences between leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles, discovering how each species varies in size, shell structure, and habitat. A morning of play-based discovery unfolded as Coastal Connections, a nonprofit dedicated to sea turtle conservation, visited students at Childcare Resources of Indian River. The collaboration brought together two community-focused organizations with a shared goal of inspiring and educating the youngest learners in Indian River County. Coastal Connections STEM Educator Hannah Keiper, along with volunteers Pat Lenski and Nancy Vandergrift, visited the Kittens and Ducklings classrooms, where they introduced three- and four-year-old students to sea turtle life cycles and anatomy through hands-on learning experiences. Program students took turns “wearing” a turtle shell, using imaginative play to experience what it might be like to move and live like a sea turtle. “It was incredibly rewarding for us to spend time with the students at Childcare Resources,” said Kendra Bergman, Coastal Connections Founder and CEO. “Through interactive activities, we aim to help children understand that even at a young age, they can play a role in protecting our environment and the wildlife that makes our community so special.” Students were especially captivated by the opportunity to see and touch a real sea turtle shell, eagerly taking turns to explore it up close. Experiences like this support early childhood development by encouraging sensory exploration, language development, and critical thinking. Hannah Keiper with Coastal Connections gave students a hands-on learning experience, inviting them to touch a real turtle shell and closely examine its intricate patterns and unique structure, sparking curiosity about marine life and natural design. “Seeing the enthusiasm of students while they learn something new is impactful,” said Childcare Resources Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman. “Collaborations like this bring learning to life and create lasting impressions that support both education and a deeper appreciation for our environment.” Childcare Resources continues to prioritize enriching educational experiences that spark curiosity and connect program students to the world around them, reinforcing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Childcare Resources received a $35,000 gift in support of its Transforming Tomorrow capital campaign. Pictured (left to right): Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club General Manager Rob Tench; Childcare Resources Director of Outreach Monica Cheslak; John Hendricks; Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club Fitness Director JohnMark Jenkins; Childcare Resources Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman; Director of Philanthropy Ashley Marshall; and Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club Fitness Committee Chairman Timothy McWilliams. Community spirit was on full display at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club’s 24th Annual Family 5K Walk & Run, where Childcare Resources of Indian River was named this year’s charitable beneficiary. Pictured at the Annual Family 5K Walk & Run (left to right): Orchid Island General Manager Rob Tench; Childcare Resources directors Monica Cheslak, Tara Beard, and Tracey Griffis; Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman; Childcare Resources director Michele Harr; and Orchid Island Fitness Director JohnMark Jenkins. More than 185 participants, including members, their families and guests, and Childcare Resources staff, took part in the April 3 event, enjoying a scenic course, breakfast, and awards ceremony. In total, more than 120 members contributed through sponsorships and donations, helping to raise a record $35,000. This year’s proceeds will directly support Childcare Resources’ Transforming Tomorrow Capital Campaign, funding the organization’s new downtown campus of early childhood excellence. The investment will expand access to high-quality early learning, strengthen wellness and early intervention services, and create new opportunities for educator training and support across Indian River County. “We are incredibly grateful to the Orchid Island community for their belief in our mission,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources. “This support is an investment in our future campus and in the children, families, and educators we serve. It allows us to meet the growing needs in our community by offering the resources, support, and early learning families depend on.” Afterward, Orchid Island General Manager Rob Tench, Fitness Director JohnMark Jenkins, and Fitness Committee Chairman Timothy McWilliams presented a check to Childcare Resources. “Seeing more members and families come together—both as participants and sponsors— to raise $35,000 for Childcare Resources speaks volumes about the heart of our Orchid Island community,” said Jenkins. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Orchid team that promotes and organizes an event that directly supports children and families throughout Indian River County.”

Find out more about our early educator coaching program. Early Educator Coaching A coach is an empathetic, encouraging, and experienced educator who can help you with curriculum and classroom recommendations, program structure, interacting with parents and staff, and more! First, you’ll identify goals for your classroom or teaching style. Together, you and the coach will discuss strategies to help you reach those goals. After implementing the new strategies, you’ll meet with the coach again for feedback. Early education coaches also facilitate Communities of Practice , where educators come together to support one another and learn as a group. All Childcare Resources coaching staff is certified through the University of Florida Lastinger Center. Sign up for coaching View Flyer More from the coaches June 1, 2026 Educator Spotlight: Celebrating Mauricia Flynn Read More May 1, 2026 Joy is not about removing challenges. It goes not make the work we do easier or faster. Joy gives us direction. Read More April 1, 2026 Practicing Joy Read More More Newsletters

Educator Spotlight: Celebrating Mauricia Flynn Coach's Column Amanda Gooch June 1, 2026 In early childhood education, confidence begins to blossom and bright futures take flight. This month, we are proud to shine our Educator Spotlight on Mauricia Flynn and celebrate the many accomplishments she has achieved throughout the past year. Mauricia, the 2024-2025 Early Childhood Educator of the Year nominee from Bridges Early Learning Center, is dedicated to creating a classroom environment where every child feels seen, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Her passion for teaching and commitment to nurturing young learners make a lasting impact on the children and families she serves each day. Mauricia recently achieved an exciting milestone by earning her Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). Our outreach team is proud to celebrate her commitment to professional growth and her passion for early childhood education. Mauricia's dedication to learning and leadership continues to inspire those around her. This fall, she plans to take the next step in her journey by pursuing her Director's Credential , and we look forward to supporting her continued success along the way. Educators like Mauricia shape the future of one child, one smile, and one breakthrough moment at a time. Her dedication and passion are a true reflection of the incredible work happening in early childhood education every day. This fall, we look forward to celebrating more outstanding educators like Mauricia at our August 29th workshop , where we will honor the 2025-2026 Early Childhood Educators of the Year. We are also excited to welcome Conscious Discipline instructor Abbi Kruse. Abbi is the founder and the Executive Director of The Playing Field , an early childhood program serving children experiencing homelessness right alongside those from far more advantaged families. Prior to this role, Abbi served in a variety of ECE setting including the University of Wisconsin Preschool Lab, Head Start, and community based programs. Wishing you all the best, Amanda, Todd, and Jensen Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

Explore previous newsletters from our early educator coaches. Coaching Newsletters Recent Newsletters June 1, 2026 Educator Spotlight: Celebrating Mauricia Flynn Read More May 1, 2026 Joy is not about removing challenges. It goes not make the work we do easier or faster. Joy gives us direction. Read More April 1, 2026 Practicing Joy Read More February 1, 2026 Celebrating Making Friends Read More January 1, 2026 Why Does Play Matter? Read More December 1, 2025 Play supports children's cognitive development Read More November 1, 2025 The Science of Reading Read More October 1, 2025 Literacy in early childhood classrooms Read More September 1, 2025 Our training focused on teaching what we practice, how Conscious Discipline starts with us. Read More Back to Coaching