All of our programs are proudly accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children(NAEYC), the gold standard for quality in early childhood education. This accreditation reflects our commitment to thoughtful teaching, strong relationships, and learning environments where children feel supported, understood, and encouraged to grow.
At Imagine Early Learning Centers, we believe that when educators continue learning, children benefit in meaningful and lasting ways. That belief drives us to invest in professional development opportunities like the NAEYC Annual Conference. From November 19 to 22, members of our Imagine team traveled to Orlando, Florida to learn alongside early childhood educators from across the country.
Representing Imagine were Tijuana Jackson, Teacher Mentor at Brooklyn Bridge; Chiniqua Meeks from Lehman; Teresa Nguyen from Jamaica; and Jeannette Bohorquez, Teacher Mentor at Sinai. They returned energized and inspired, bringing back ideas that shape everyday moments in our classrooms.
For Tijuana Jackson, the experience felt meaningful from the very first night. The opening keynote by journalist Soledad O’Brien set the tone for the conference. When O’Brien shared, “We have to evolve in how we do things. It’s not about us working with children, but about us knowing children,” the message immediately resonated. It reflected what Imagine educators strive for each day by truly knowing their students and leading with care and understanding.
Teresa Nguyen was especially moved by sessions focused on brain development and children’s behavior. One insight stayed with her long after the workshop ended. “You can’t tell a child to calm down if no one’s ever taught them how. Regulation isn’t instinct. It’s a skill. And all skills begin with guidance, not demands.” This reminder reinforces that emotional growth is learned through patience, modeling, and steady support from caring adults.
Jeannette Bohorquez found inspiration in conversations about biophilic design and the role environment plays in learning. She reflected on how biophilic design brings elements of nature into learning spaces to support well being, alongside a quote that deeply resonated with her work. “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you change the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” These ideas align closely with how Imagine centers intentionally bring nature into classrooms through loose parts, natural materials, and thoughtful design.
Experiences like the NAEYC Annual Conference strengthen our classrooms because they first strengthen our educators. By learning together, our team continues to grow in ways that directly support children and families every day. At Imagine, accreditation and professional learning are not checkboxes. They are part of an ongoing commitment to care, curiosity, and community, and to showing up with intention for every child and family we serve.