GROWING
VISION
Early Childhood Education
As the needs of the children and families we serve grow more complex, we at Metropolitan are growing our Early Childhood Education (ECE) services to meet those needs; we’re working with more community partners, opening more classrooms, and adding more home visiting services.
Our two newly created Director of Early Learning positions oversee Early Learning business development and growth strategies, program standardization and sustainability, partner relationships, work flows and quality, local and state planning and initiatives, and innovation and strategic initiatives.
As the needs of the children and families we serve grow more complex, we at Metropolitan are growing our Early Childhood Education (ECE) services to meet those needs; we’re working with more community partners, opening more classrooms, and adding more home visiting services.
Our two newly created Director of Early Learning positions oversee Early Learning business development and growth strategies, program standardization and sustainability, partner relationships, work flows and quality, local and state planning and initiatives, and innovation and strategic initiatives.
Jennifer Alexander
Director of Early Learning
- Chicago
Most recently Program Director for ECE in Chicago, Jennifer contributes to the field through her active participation on numerous councils and associations. Jennifer’s demonstrated leadership can best be seen through the accomplishments of her staff.
“Empowerment means being equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate life. That’s how I look at the work I do, providing services that strengthen and mobilize families.”
» Growing staff ability and capacity
Addressing shortages in ECE by funding, thanks to a McCormick Foundation grant, the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees necessary for teacher certification, moving careers forward for staff who have talent and experience with children but not the required certification.
» Growing ECE outreach in our communities
Developing initiatives like Words to Grow On; established with support from PNC’s Grow Up Great program but continuing through the work of its Parent Advisory Council, Words to Grow On engages parents and children in literacy through story times, workshops and neighborhood collaborations.
» Growing Metropolitan’s ECE services
Working collaboratively with the Executive Directors in our North and Calumet centers to develop and grow early learning through center-based, home-based and other special initiatives.
Metropolitan
Family
Services