05/26/2026
The end of April through May has been a busy and exciting season of professional development for NEWCA, Inc. families and staff!
We kicked things off by attending the South Carolina Fatherhood Conference, where NEWCA fathers, mothers, staff, and community partners participated in impactful training sessions designed to strengthen parenting skills and family engagement. Through workshops and networking opportunities, the conference highlighted the critical role fathers play in a child’s development. Sessions focused on creativity and expression, language and literacy, male health and wellness, and strategies for meaningful family involvement.
A special thank you to staff member Adrian Poole for representing our agency during the opening session with an inspiring call-to-action response, and to Head Start Director Tanya Trainer Dennis for coordinating the logistics that made this experience such a success.
Next stop — San Antonio, Texas!
Our Head Start Director, Education Manager, and Center Directors attended the HighScope IGNITE Conference, where they engaged in training centered around NEWCA, Inc.’s research-based early childhood curriculum. Staff gained valuable resources, innovative ideas, and opportunities to connect with HighScope leaders to deepen their understanding and application of best practices for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Since returning, staff have already begun reflecting and developing action plans to enhance instructional practices, strengthen responsive interactions, and increase individualization in the classroom.
We wrapped up the month with an incredible learning opportunity for our Kitchen Managers through our first-ever “Look Who’s Cooking” Training!
During this three-day interactive and collaborative experience in Raleigh, staff were recognized, educated, and inspired in their important role of providing nutrition to children and supporting overall child development. Kitchen Managers participated in relational-based activities, guest lectures, group engagement, excursions, and mental health and wellness sessions. They also received updated information on dietary guidelines, health and safety regulations, nutrition practices, menu planning, promoting fresh local foods, and strategies for increasing family engagement around nutrition.
At NEWCA, Inc., we remain committed to investing in continuous learning and development so we can better serve children, families, and our communities.
