RISE

05/08/2026

Join me this summer in Chicago or St. Louis to experience RIE!
This intimate experience shifts how we see impacting how we can and show up for children and/or families.
Many report an increase in fulfillment, connection, and healthy relationships with oneself and others.
Learn more at risechild.com/foundations and/or reach out to explore the idea of joining.
Registration closing soon!

05/06/2026

I am looking for a space to facilitate Parent-Child Classes in St. Louis. I have a couple leads but want to see if there are any other options out there. This is one of the spaces I had in the past.
Yoga studios, empty spaces in early childhood programs, an empty event space?
I have classes 2-4 times monthly for families and their 0-3 year olds.
Here is more information about my classes: https://www.risechild.com/classes-and-registration
Please reach out if you know of anything.

05/01/2026

Just a few pics from a great couple days in Omaha (and Iowa - because you have to drive into Iowa on the way to the airport🤷‍♀️)… my time there included giving two talks, observation of my RIE Practicum student, and holding a duckling.

04/19/2026

It’s a beautiful day so we are using a playground for our infant/toddler class today…
Join us online or in St. Louis!
https://www.risechild.com/classes-and-registration

04/17/2026

For St. Louis ECE Providers…
Join us in May so we can celebrate you!

2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event We are excited to announce the 2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event, a special evening honoring the exceptional early childhood educators in our region who dedicate themselves to supporting young learners and families.This event brings together educators, c...

04/14/2026

Did you know?

Research from the Pikler Institute shows that infants who are allowed to move freely - without being propped, positioned, or rushed - develop greater body confidence, fewer injuries, and stronger physical awareness.

This isn't theory. This is decades of documented outcomes.

This is the science behind the Educaring Approach. And on April 28th, you can help bring it to more families.

04/13/2026

Congratulations to Mallorie Woodard-Jones, with St. Louis Community College Child Development Center - Florissant Valley, for being nominated for the 2026 Early Educator of Excellence Award for the 2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event St. Louis!

Nominated by LaRece Mitchell-Williams, they shared, “She has not only cared for my child wonderfully, she has made my life easier because the way she teaches and how I want to teach and raise my child align. She is patient and loving."

Congratulations from our committee: Limitless Horizons, LUME Institute, Ready Readers, RISE, Nine PBS, SouthSide Early Childhood Center, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis County Library, Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, Divine Events, Turn the Page STL, United 4 Children, and Urban Sprouts!

04/13/2026

Congratulations to Danielle Jackson, with SouthSide Early Childhood Center, for being nominated for the 2026 Early Educator of Excellence Award for the 2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event St. Louis!

Her nominator shared, "I am nominating Ms. Danielle because she is an incredibly caring, sweet, and welcoming teacher who truly goes above and beyond for her students and families. She creates a classroom environment where children feel loved, safe, and excited to learn. From creative fashion shows to joyful bubble parties and meaningful art projects, Ms. Danielle consistently provides engaging, hands-on experiences that expose her students to new ideas and opportunities to express themselves.

This year, Ms. Danielle deserves recognition for the intentional and thoughtful experiences she has created for her students, as well as for the strong, welcoming relationships she builds with families. She makes families feel comfortable, included, and respected, fostering a true partnership between home and school. Her dedication, warmth, and passion for early education make her truly deserving of this nomination."

Congratulations from our team: Limitless Horizons, LUME Institute, Nine PBS, Ready Readers, RISE, SouthSide Early Childhood Center, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis County Library, St. Louis Public Library, Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, Divine Events, Turn the Page STL, United 4 Children, and Urban Sprouts!

04/13/2026

Congratulations to Krysteen Euson, with Pattonville Early Childhood Center, for being nominated for the 2026 Home Visitor of the Year Award for the 2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event St. Louis!

Nominated by Melanie Fitzgeral, they shared, “Krysteen is an exceptional Parent Educator whose dedication, compassion, and expertise set her apart as a true leader in her field. With extensive experience in early childhood and family support, she brings a depth of knowledge that enriches every interaction she has with children, caregivers, and colleagues. Her approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and genuine partnership, allowing her to meet families exactly where they are and walk with them through every step of their parenting journey.

In addition to her one‑on‑one support, Krysteen demonstrates exceptional leadership in her coordination of group connections for the school district. She thoughtfully plans a wide range of experiences—from Storytime sessions to activities focused on gross motor development—inviting guest speakers and designing opportunities that highlight the critical role of play in early brain development. Through these events, she empowers families to understand how getting on the floor, engaging, exploring, and playing with their children promotes both cognitive and social‑emotional growth.

Krysteen’s heart‑centered parent education, expertise, and devotion to families make her not only an outstanding Parent Educator but an invaluable asset to her community. She is profoundly deserving of recognition for the transformative impact she makes every day."

Congratulations from out committee: Limitless Horizons, LUME Institute, Nine PBS, Ready Readers, RISE, SouthSide Early Childhood Center, St. Louis County Library, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis Public Library, Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, Divine Events, Turn the Page STL, United 4 Children, Urban Sprouts!

04/13/2026

Congratulations Lisa Greening!!

Congratulations to Lisa Greening, with Turn the Page STL, for being nominated for the 2026 Early Childhood Education Champion Award for the 2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event St. Louis!

Nominated by Shauna Kerperin, she shared, “Lisa Greening is a tireless advocate for young children and families in the St. Louis region whose leadership has had a lasting impact on early childhood education and community support. As Executive Director of Turn the Page STL, the St. Louis chapter of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, she has brought together schools, nonprofits, families, and civic leaders to address disparities in early literacy and ensure more children enter third grade able to read proficiently. Her work is rooted in the understanding that early literacy sets the stage for a child’s lifelong success and her collaborative approach has strengthened regional efforts to support kindergarten readiness, family engagement, and equitable access to quality learning resources for families across St. Louis.

Beyond her organizational leadership, Lisa serves as a Missouri Childhood Community Leader, coordinating resources, workshops, and outreach that help families, educators, and service providers navigate early childhood supports. During the Spring 2025 tornado response in St. Louis, she stood up a support network to ensure families with young children had access to critical information, resources, and community connections at a time of crisis. Her consistent advocacy, compassionate leadership, and commitment to making early childhood support accessible to all families make her a powerful champion for young learners and an exemplary choice for this award."

Congratulations from out committee: Limitless Horizons, LUME Institute, Ready Readers, RISE, Nine PBS, SouthSide Early Childhood Center, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis County Library, Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, Divine Events, Turn the Page STL, United 4 Children, and Urban Sprouts!