December 2022

Molly White’s passion is providing families with a child care experience that fits the learning needs of each child while supporting the family, ultimately building community. To fulfill her vision, Molly opened her center in Milford during the pandemic’s beginning in the spring of 2020.

But according to Molly, the opening was “just in time” because this crisis provided her center with a more significant opportunity to serve her community.

“Even in times of uncertainty, there are opportunities for innovation, creativity, and personal growth,” said Molly.

Her partnership with the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood helps Molly explore these possibilities.

First, Molly participates in DIEEC’s Community of Practice, a regularly scheduled meeting facilitated by a Technical Assistant where leaders share ideas and support each other.

“Molly is the definition of a leader,” said Nancy Hoffman, DIEEC technical assistant. “She is a risk-taker who consistently shows up with the same energy that spreads throughout her program.”

Together, Molly and Nancy put together a quality improvement plan (QIP) that included the program’s strengths and identified growth areas. 

“A QIP helps you anticipate and solve problems in the future,” says Molly. “Additionally, I love working alongside another professional to enhance the quality of our program, learning ways and/or strategies to improve, and gaining knowledge and insight into how to be more effective.

“Also, my technical assistant helps us be ‘aware’ of strengths and weaknesses as a group and individually. The QIP is a guide to enhance/sharpen the quality of our program.”

Molly’s involvement with DIEEC doesn’t stop there. She recently participated in the “Let’s Go Outside” professional learning experience.

“Outdoor learning fits with my vision,” says Molly. “Learning occurs naturally outdoors. Nature is the best teacher.

“It also helps children with their emotional and social skills. The same children that argue over a toy in the classroom are more willing to dig together and get along.”

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