Message in a Backpack™ is a column that appears in Teaching Young Children. Print these documents out and send them home with children as a resource for their families!
Using the Strengthening Families framework, more than 30 states are shifting policy and practice to help programs working with children and families focus on protective factors.
Shubert’s Home in Bug Valley offers practical, room-by-room examples of Conscious Discipline implementation in the home.
Grow Your Expertise
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Early Language & Literacy Specialization
The Early Language & Literacy (ELL) Specialization helps child care professionals strengthen communication, literacy, and social-emotional development through individualized coaching and evidence-based practices. Throughout the program year, participants engage in three core components—LENA Grow, Learning Language & Loving It™, and DECA—to build practical skills that support children's growth and create language-rich learning environments.
Applications for the next cohort open July 13, 2026.
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LENA Grow™
LENA Grow™ helps child care professionals strengthen responsive interactions and increase meaningful conversations with children.
Through coaching, reflection, and practical strategies, participants create language-rich environments that support communication and early brain development.
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DECA
DECA helps child care professionals strengthen children's social and emotional development through observation, reflection, and intentional support. Participants learn strategies that build resilience, positive relationships, and protective factors that support lifelong success.
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Learning Language & Loving It™
Learning Language & Loving It™ helps child care professionals build children's language skills through everyday interactions and routines.
Participants learn practical strategies to encourage conversation, expand vocabulary, and create meaningful opportunities for communication throughout the day.
Family Engagement
Coordinator

Emily Smith
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Family Engagement
Assistant Coordinator

Bethany Parker
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Amy Wilson
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Serves Cocke, Hamblen, and Upper East counties
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April Bryant
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Serves Upper Cumberland Counties.
April_Bryant
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Carrie Ellis
Family Engagement Quality Coach
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Daisy Dominguez
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Serves Southeast Counties.
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Karen Vega-Romero
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Serves West counties.
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Kayla Ruttlen
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Central: Davidson and Wilson
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Lauren Farmer
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Serves East counties.
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Marissa Parker
Family Engagement Coach
Serves Central & Mid Cumberland Regions
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Meagen Huff
Family Engagement Coach
Serves West counties.
Meagen_Huff
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Nikki Bilyeu
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Southeast: Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, & Rhea
Nikki_Bilyeu
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Tanzania Clark
Family Engagement Quality Coach
Shelby County
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