News
Great early care and education starts with great educators. But even the most dedicated teachers benefit from having someone beside them to encourage, guide, and help them grow.
At 4-C, we believe professional development is most powerful when it goes beyond a training room. Through individualized coaching, our coaches work alongside early childhood educators in their classrooms—observing, modeling strategies, problem-solving together, and helping teachers put new ideas into practice.
It’s not about telling educators what they should be doing. It’s about building relationships, understanding the unique needs of each classroom, and creating a trusted partnership where educators feel supported to try new approaches and grow their practice.
Coaching That Makes a Difference
The impact of this approach is felt throughout an entire program. Educators gain confidence and new strategies. Leaders become more intentional in supporting their teams. Classrooms become stronger learning environments. And ultimately, children benefit from more responsive, meaningful interactions with the adults who care for and teach them.
As one St. Joseph Child Development Center educator shared:
“Having Courtney from 4-C here on-site to coach us during our regular work hours has been incredibly helpful. It makes the training feel much more personal and relevant because she gets to see our classrooms, understand our day-to-day challenges, and work alongside us in real time… We know her, she knows us, and there is a level of trust and connection that makes us much more comfortable asking questions, accepting feedback, and putting what we learn into practice. It has made the coaching experience much more supportive and meaningful.”
— Educator, St. Joseph Child Development Center
That trust is at the heart of effective coaching. And the results extend beyond individual educators.
“Having a coach at Providence over the past few years has helped our staff find renewed joy and excitement in working with children. We look forward to our weekly visits with Liz, and the encouragement and support she brings to our team. Liz has helped me grow my role as a curriculum specialist and become more intentional in supporting my team… Liz has a way of making everyone feel valued, encouraged, and capable.”
— Dominique McGhehey, Curriculum Specialist, Providence Childcare & Preschool
At Harbor House, coaching has helped educators develop new ways of thinking about children’s behavior and their own teaching practices:
“Our teachers have grown in their ability to strategize, problem-solve, and approach challenging situations with greater patience and understanding. They have learned that every behavior is a communication and an opportunity to build a stronger relationship between child and adult… this experience has helped our staff grow professionally and personally and allowed them to become more intentional with their day’s activities.”
— Gwynne Dellar, Director, Harbor House
Investing in Educators Is Investing in Children
These stories demonstrate why 4-C’s work matters. When educators have access to ongoing, relationship-based support, they are better equipped to create nurturing, engaging environments where young children can learn and thrive.
This work is at the heart of 4-C’s commitment to ensuring all children and families have access to world-class early care and education.
You can help make more coaching experiences like these possible.
During Give for Good Louisville on Thursday, September 10, 2026, make a gift to 4-C and invest in the educators who nurture, teach, and inspire our community’s youngest children.
Give for Good. Give to 4-C. Invest in educators. Empower children. Strengthen our community.
Early Giving begins September 7th! Click here to donate!
