Meet the Week of the Young Child Discussion Panelists
April 2022
DIEEC, in partnership with the University of Delaware Lab School hosted “The Heart of Early Childhood Education: Teaching Social and Emotional Resilience in Young Children” panel discussion on April 6, 2022. Early childhood advocates came together to discuss and reflect on the critical need for young children to develop the skills to be resilient.
Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D. is an accomplished educator, author, public speaker, and professional learning specialist. She currently serves as a national teacher and early childhood specialist with the Devereux Center for Resilience where she helps those in the field “build their bounce.” Prior to joining Devereux, Nefertiti got her start with local roots as a preschool and kindergarten teacher in the city of Philadelphia.
Jamie Schneider is the owner/administrator of the Educational Enrichment Center (EEC) in Wilmington. In addition to the EEC, she also serves as the board president for the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (deaeyc). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamie led the Delaware Childcare Reopening Task Force to help bring awareness and essential support to those in the field.
Melanie Thomas-Price, Ed.D is an experienced educator, author, therapist, administrator, and early childhood advocate. Throughout her career, Melanie has served as a special education teacher and family crisis therapist in the Delaware public school system. Currently, she serves as the CEO/director of Leap of Faith Child Development Center (CDC) in Wilmington.
Clark Scott is a current second grade teacher at Anna P. Mote Elementary School. Prior to beginning his current role, he served as an intern with the Red Clay School District. Clark is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Originally from Washington, D.C, Clark is passionate about serving as a role model for students, as he was inspired by his own educators growing up.
Laura Morris is a master teacher for the University of Delaware Lab School and also the designer/leader of the annual “I Can Be Mindful” summer camp for the last six years. Prior to coming to the Lab School, Laura has led a three-decade career in education where she’s worked to design early childhood education programs that support and include children/families from all walks of life.
Click here for a printable copy of this Spotlight.
