Who We Are

At Early Childhood Collective, we believe in the power and promise of Head Start. Founded by a team of three seasoned professionals with deep roots in early childhood education, our mission is simple but profound: to support, uplift, and empower every person who makes Head Start thrive—teachers, administrators, family support staff, children, and the families they serve.

Multiple pairs of hands cupping soil with a small green seedling growing in it.

We know the work is complex. We know the needs are layered. And we know the heart it takes to show up every day in service of young children and their families. That’s why we’ve built the Early Childhood Collective—to be a trusted partner in professional growth, a catalyst for innovation, and a source of strength for Head Start programs across the country.

Our Consultants

  • A passionate advocate for at-risk children. She has a tremendous gift for connecting with children of all ages, helping them thrive and reach their fullest potential. She loves supporting caregivers in creating healthy attachments with infants and toddlers. Marisa skillfully translates research into practical strategies, coaching educators in developing best practices.  Marisa received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from  Sam Houston University and has been endorsed as an infant  family associate from the Texas Association for Infant  Mental Health.  Texas Child Care Health Consultant and Registry #1809. She has been a certified CLASS observer and trainer of observers for 10+ years.

A woman with shoulder-length light-colored hair wearing glasses on her forehead, hoop earrings, and a patterned blouse, smiling in front of some foliage.

  • Dr. Sharon R. Jackson, PhD is a lifelong advocate for early childhood education with more than 40 years of experience dedicated to improving the lives of young children and their families. A seasoned educator, speaker, and consultant, Dr. Jackson has presented at international, national, state, and local conferences, sharing her expertise on early learning, play, and family engagement.

    After over two decades leading Early Education initiatives in a public school district, she now consults with programs across the country. She is also the founder of Curating Play, an organization devoted to promoting the essential role of play in early childhood development.

    Dr. Jackson’s work centers on creating enriching classroom environments, fostering strong home-school connections, and elevating the importance of play as a vital foundation for learning and growth.

A woman with long dark hair smiling, resting her head on her hand, wearing a white tank top and layered necklaces, in a room with wood paneling and decorative objects in the background.

  • Andrea is a dedicated educator and dynamic trainer with more than two decades of experience in teaching and consulting within Head Start programs. Honored as Teacher of the Year in 2007, she has consistently advocated for research-based strategies that support the growth and development of young children.

    In 2010, Andrea began working as an educational consultant. Since then, she has collaborated with schools, agencies, and organizations nationwide to strengthen support systems for both educators and young learners. Her work is rooted in the belief that every child—and every educator—deserves the opportunity to thrive.

    Andrea’s mission is to equip those who shape young lives with the tools, strategies, and confidence necessary to foster meaningful connections and create lasting change. Whether she is working with new teachers or experienced administrators, she brings warmth, passion, and a deep respect for educators.

What We Do

Early Childhood Collective provides high-quality, relevant, and relationship-driven training and professional development experiences tailored specifically for the Head Start community. We offer support across all areas of the program:

  • We provide hands-on, developmentally appropriate training that honors the unique needs of young children and helps educators build effective, joyful learning environments.

  • We support leaders in growing their teams, meeting compliance with heart, and leading with vision and integrity.

  • We equip family-facing professionals with tools and strategies to build authentic relationships, strengthen family partnerships, and support families in meaningful, culturally responsive ways.

  • Our approach is collaborative and systemic. We understand the importance of alignment across roles and departments and design our services to strengthen the collective capacity of your entire program.

Our Values

At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the Head Start mission and the people who carry it forward. We are guided by values that reflect the spirit of the program:

Relationships First

We believe strong, respectful, and trusting relationships are the foundation for all effective work—with children, families, and professionals.

Equity and Inclusion

We honor the diversity of the communities we serve and strive to create spaces where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.

Excellence with Heart

We are committed to high standards, but we never lose sight of the people behind the practices. Our work balances accountability with compassion.

Joy and Renewal

Head Start work is both vital and demanding. We infuse joy, reflection, and inspiration into everything we do, helping professionals reconnect with their purpose and sustain their impact.

A woman and young child playing with colorful letter blocks at a table in a living room.
Child kneeling on pink paving stones, playing with dirt and small rocks.
Five young children with diverse ethnicities gathered around a table, one girl wearing a pink hat is using her hand to touch soil in a flowerpot, others are watching and participating in planting activity.
Three children in costume, one with oversized glasses, one with a Viking helmet, and one with a brown hat and blue scarf, smiling and having fun.
Child playing with wooden toys in a white sandbox with a bowl of macaroni and cheese nearby.
Three young girls sitting together indoors, smiling, and embracing each other, in a classroom or daycare setting.
A father and daughter playing a stacking ring toy inside a living room.
Group of young children sitting at a table playing with colorful alphabet and number beads, smiling and enjoying classroom activity.
Four young children playing with color swatch cards on a yellow rug in a classroom filled with educational toys and shelves.
A young woman reading a book with a toddler on her lap while another toddler sits on the floor, holding a toy.
A woman with braided hair and three young girls looking at a book together indoors.
Three young children sitting together, with one holding a large yellow book, in a bright room.
Two smiling young girls sitting on the floor in a classroom with colorful educational toys and blocks, with other children and adults in the background.
Three toddlers playing with wooden building blocks on a carpet in a bright room.
A man and young girl sitting on the floor reading a book together in a bright room.
A woman with long brown hair holding a young boy with short brown hair, both smiling and looking happy in a living room with a beige sofa and a plain white wall.
A group of young children sitting on the floor, smiling and laughing, as they listen to a story being read by a woman in a classroom.

How We Serve

Group of diverse people sitting in an audience, smiling and clapping at a conference or seminar.

Our services are designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker, a customized training series, CLASS® Observations, coaching support, or a full professional development plan, we collaborate with you to co-create solutions that are practical, engaging, and aligned with your program goals.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We believe in listening, tailoring, and delivering with excellence. Head Start is more than a program—it’s a community, a movement, and a legacy. At Early Childhood Collective, we are honored to walk alongside the people who make it all happen.

Get in Touch

Ready to collaborate?

Tell us a bit about yourself, and we’ll get back to you soon. We’re excited to connect!