The Orchard Foundation

10/09/2026

Read to Soar, our interactive early literacy program for young children and their families, is coming to Allen Parish! Join literacy specialist, Jatyra Jones at Allen Parish Library – Oakdale Branch on Tuesdays beginning October 13 through December 1, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants will add 40 FREE books to their at-home libraries. Register today! https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=GkKbiwTljk22Jnrc7CeQPIxK0fhomflPrfUTAhbjtfxUQ0dOUVNKNDVSOTJRWUdON0VWNzdCVFhIMS4u&route=shorturl

10/09/2026

Ready to get more from your GOLD data?
Join The Orchard Foundation for Teaching Strategies: GOLD for Admin & Coaches on Monday, November 9!

This 1-day, 6-hour training will help administrators and coaches:
✨ Analyze personal GOLD reports
✨ Turn data into actionable insights
✨ Strengthen teaching practices and program outcomes
✨ Explore documentation, scoring, progressions, and data collection strategies
✨ Make informed instructional decisions and develop plans for coaching teachers

📅 November 9, 2026
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 The Rapides Foundation | 1101 4th St., Alexandria, 71301

Coaches and administrators from childcare centers, Head Start centers, and public Pre-K programs in Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn Parishes are eligible to apply.
Register today! GOLD for Admin and Coaches – Fill out form

*These sessions are funded under The Rapides Foundation's School Readiness Initiative.

10/08/2026

Supporting Leaders. Putting Literacy Into Action.

On September 25, The Center for Literacy & Learning partnered with the Orchard Foundation for an early childhood professional development Lunch & Learn focused on supporting leaders as they put literacy into action.

Through our “Am I a Literacy Leader?” session, leaders explored thought-provoking data and big questions about how we can better support our youngest learners.

From experienced leaders to those new to leadership, participants engaged in meaningful learning and reflection around early childhood literacy leadership.

We’re grateful for our partnership with the Orchard Foundation and the opportunity to learn alongside leaders who are committed to strengthening literacy for our youngest learners. 💜

10/07/2026

A quick reminder to register for our upcoming October trainings!
We still have spots available, and we’d love to have you join us! These FREE, in-person workshops are a great opportunity to learn, connect with other early childhood educators, and take new ideas back to your classroom or program.

CLASS Practice-Based Coaching Support
October 12, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Plenty of seats available!
Register here – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/sz8ENDdDRS

Oral Language: Conversations with Young Students
October 19 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Plenty of seats available!
Register here - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HcMmewmxjk

Move, Grow, & Learn: Supporting Physical Development & Learning Through Movement
October 23 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Limited seats available!
Register here - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/XZffPXFSU1

All trainings will be held at The Rapides Foundation building - 1101 4th St., Alexandria, LA 71301.
There is no cost to attend! We will reimburse travel expenses and provide stipends or substitutes for those who qualify.

If you’ve been thinking about registering, now’s the time! We hope to see you in October!

*These sessions are funded under The Rapides Foundation's School Readiness Initiative.

10/06/2026

What a great day of learning!
Yesterday, 41 early childhood educators joined us for CLASSroom Organization & Behavior Management for Toddler and Pre-K Educators.
This 6-hour, hands-on training focused on CLASS-based strategies to prevent and address challenging behaviors in the early childhood classroom. Educators worked through real-life scenarios, participated in engaging activities, and shared ideas and strategies for keeping their classrooms running smoothly.
We’re so thankful for the educators who showed up ready to learn, collaborate, and strengthen their practice. Thank you for making this training such a success!

10/06/2026

10/04/2026

Meet our speakers! 💡💜

We’re excited to welcome an incredible group of speakers and facilitators to Building Bright Futures Together: A Family Summit!

🎤 Sydney Bordelon, OT — Keynote Speaker & Session Facilitator, Pediatric Therapy To Geaux
💜 Jamila Farris — Session Facilitator, Early Childhood Program Coordinator – Read To Soar
💡 Laurie Draper, SLP — Session Facilitator, Elevation Therapy

Join us for a morning filled with practical ideas, meaningful conversations, and resources to help families support learning and development at home. Elevation Therapy

REGISTER TODAY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCG8H6_rLdjbfaNSp3V7l8sLzA0fchAkr_HBsDnerNUy9mhw/viewform

📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:30 AM
We can’t wait to learn together! 💜💛

09/28/2026

On Friday, September 25, early childhood leaders from all 9 parishes joined us for a special Lunch & Learn focused on literacy leadership.

We kicked off our time together with a quick update from The Orchard Foundation and a Louisiana-themed lunch before diving into learning with instructors from the Center for Literacy and Learning. Participants explored three areas:
• Early Childhood Quality
• Literacy Development
• Core Principles of Andragogy
Throughout the afternoon, participants had opportunities to network with colleagues, discuss literacy needs within their districts, and reflect on how they can strengthen their own practices as literacy leaders.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring early childhood leaders together for meaningful conversation, learning, and collaboration.

*These sessions are funded under The Rapides Foundation's School Readiness Initiative.

09/25/2026

09/23/2026

Our Conscious Discipline Leadership Cohort is off to a great start!

On Saturday, September 19, our Conscious Discipline Leadership Cohort gathered for their kickoff session, Intro to Conscious Leadership – Part 1!
Through facilitator instruction and hands-on activities, participants explored the states of the brain and learned about the importance of adult-first emotional regulation.
This year-long program will include 5 in-person sessions and 4 virtual coaching sessions, giving participants opportunities to learn, practice, reflect, and grow as leaders.

Looking for more professional learning opportunities from The Orchard Foundation? Check out these upcoming workshops:
📚 CLASS: Classroom Organization and Behavior Management
🔗 Registration: CLASS: Classroom Organization and Behavior Management – Fill out form
💬 Oral Language: Conversations with Young Students
🔗 Registration: The Center for Literacy and Learning: Oral Language - Conversations with Young Students – Fill out form
🏃 Move, Grow, Learn: Supporting Physical Development and Learning Through Movement in the Early Years
🔗 Registration: Move, Grow, and Learn – Fill out form

*These sessions are funded under The Rapides Foundation's School Readiness Initiative.