The Literacy & Learning Center is excited to announce the first new staff member for the new pre-K program — Carolyn Middlebrooks! Responding to the growing demand for additional early childhood education in the community, this initiative aims to bridge the gap and provide a nurturing and comprehensive learning environment for children in need of pre-K education.
The lead pre-K teacher will guide and educate the children aged three to five years. She will design and implement engaging activities that promote holistic development, manage classroom dynamics, assess children's progress, and maintain open communication with parents. Collaborating with staff, she will also contribute to curriculum development and program planning, creating a nurturing environment that fosters early learning and sets the foundation for children's future educational journey.
Carolyn's previous teaching experience is mainly focused at the Kindergarten and pre-K levels in both public and private schools. She was on the team that opened the Lower School at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in 2017, an experience that primed her immensely for this new position. "Being a part of something from its inception can be an exciting journey filled with growth, collaboration, and the satisfaction of seeing your efforts come to fruition," Carolyn stated. She continued, "With such a genuine need for a PreK in this community, I know this will be fulfilling work. Our efforts will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children and the community."
In her new position, she is confident that she can draw upon all her past experiences as an early childhood educator to help create a strong program that will help start more of Highlands' youth off on the right foot for a more prosperous future. She looks forward to leveraging her talents in innovative and diverse ways to excel in this role, beginning in mid-August.
In her free time, Carolyn likes to kayak, travel, and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs! She even has her own kayak decorated with decals from the places she's visited. She is a fourth-generation "bulldog," and her daughter is the fifth generation in the family to attend UGA.
For more information about The Literacy & Learning Center's NC-certified pre-K program, please visit www.theliteracyandlearningcenter.org or contact Caroline Cox at ccox@theliteracyandlearningcenter.org or 828-526-0863.