Coaching
At First Up, we believe coaching is a partnership that honors the knowledge, experiences, and values of each educator and program. Our approach is strength-based and collaborative, designed to unlock potential, celebrate what’s already working, and co-create pathways for meaningful growth.
Pathways to Positive Connection
Whether you’re building on your Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan, seeking to deepen the impact of recent professional learning, or looking for thought partnership on a specific area, First Up’s experienced coaches are here to walk alongside you.
Through personalized, strengths-based coaching, we:
- Celebrate and build on the unique strengths of each educator and program.
- Co-design goals that reflect your community’s culture, values, and aspirations.
- Provide practical strategies and reflective spaces that foster confidence, resilience, and innovation.
Among the areas where we can impact your program:
- Classroom arrangement and management: designing classroom environments that nurture belonging and learning.
- Supporting children’s social and emotional development through responsive practices.
- Cultivating leadership skills at every level of the program.
- Strengthening business and administrative systems for sustainability.
- Positive interactions: Co-creating positive daily routines, classroom organization, and transitions.
- Fostering warm, culturally responsive interactions among educators, children, and families.
- Promoting health and safety practices.
NAEYC Accreditation
NAEYC’s voluntary accreditation system sets a nationally recognized standard for high-quality early childhood education and affirms a program’s commitment to excellence. Whether your program is pursuing first-time accreditation or re-accreditation, First Up provides coaching and tailored resources to guide you through the process.
Our support includes:
- Strength-based planning and reflection.
- Collaborative goal setting aligned with your program’s vision.
- Practical, sustainable strategies that build capacity and confidence.
We approach accreditation as a journey, not a checklist—ensuring the process strengthens your team, deepens your impact, and reflects the vibrant communities you serve.
To learn more about First Up’s Technical Assistance and Coaching offerings email Nancy Nicewonger>
Right From Home!
Is a business training and coaching series specifically designed to supports home based child-care educators in strengthening the operations of their programs.
Early Head Start
First Up provides targeted coaching to infant and toddler educators, improving their ability to respond to children’s social and emotional needs and reducing behavioral challenges. We have provided comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically relevant coaching services to childcare staff that are part of the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC) Early Head Start Partnership Grant. First Up coaches also utilize evidence-based and practice-based coaching practices to support Early Head Start teachers in Bright Side Academy locations in Philadelphia.