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Jacksonville Early-Learning Program Hailed As National Model

Peter Haden
/
WJCT News

A Jacksonville pilot program for early-childhood education is getting national attention. Educators from around the country are in town to learn about early learning coaches.

Officials from six cities came to the Jacksonville Children’s Commission Thursday to get schooled on CoachJax.

“We are the first city and county in Florida that has certified early learning coaches,“ said Ginger Peacock-Preston, director of early learning and intervention programs at the Jacksonville Children’s Commission.

Preston said, “It’s very exciting personally and professionally that we’re here on the cutting edge.”

The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning recently certified 26 Jacksonville “Early Learning Coaches” — the first of their kind. They’ll work with teachers and childcare-center directors around the city — giving them the latest techniques and research.

Susan Main is CEO of Early Learning Coalition of Duval County, a partner in the program.

Main said, “This is an incredible opportunity for the child care centers in Jacksonville to improve the way they instruct the children. We’re going to send children to kindergarten totally ready to start.”

The Lastinger Center will roll out the Jacksonville model in other cities this fall.

Peter Haden is an award-winning investigative reporter and photographer currently working with The Center for Investigative Reporting. His stories are featured in media outlets around the world including NPR, CNN en Español, ECTV Ukraine, USA Today, Qatar Gulf Times, and the Malaysia Star.