In the dynamic world of early childhood education, one of the most crucial concepts to grasp is the profound power of play. “Children learn through play. And I think that’s the biggest thing that people need to conceptualize,” says Lenita Flores, Director of School Success for Illumine. This isn’t about simply keeping a child busy; it’s about unlocking their natural curiosity and fostering genuine development. The alternative, “sitting a child and keeping a child constricted,” fundamentally misunderstands how young minds grow and absorb the world around them.
This philosophy was a central theme in a recent episode of the “Raising Innovators” podcast, where host Marnie Forestieri sat down with Lenita to discuss her journey and the current state of early childhood education. Marnie highlighted a common pressure point for families today: “So many parents that are not familiar with the developmental milestones, and they sometimes want to rush kids to learn earlier than they’re supposed to.” This rush can be counterproductive, skipping over the essential, hands-on experiences that build a strong foundation for future learning.
From Childhood Passion to a Career in Education
For Lenita, the path to becoming an advocate for hands-on learning started in her own childhood. “I just knew that early childhood, I say it found me,” she recalls. From playing teacher with her baby dolls in the attic to discovering a hands-on educational program in high school, her passion was clear. This experience solidified her belief that education was her “God-given purpose.”
She recognized the stark difference between a standardized, desk-based approach and a dynamic, interactive one. This realization propelled her into the field, starting as an assistant teacher in a toddler classroom at just 18 years old. Her career evolved through various roles—from teacher to assistant director and ultimately to running a school with over 200 students. This comprehensive experience gave her a unique 360-degree view of the educational environment. “I think the most important takeaway was that I was able to experience every single world prior to me even getting to an official leadership title,” she explains. “Teachers are the heartbeat of the school.”
Preparing for the Future, Not the Past
So, where does early childhood education stand today? According to Lenita, we are at a “pivotal point.” We can either remain stagnant or choose to innovate for the future. With Generation Z and Alpha, technology is no longer a novelty; it’s an integral part of their world. “Technology is in the palm of someone’s fingertips as early as the child is born,” she notes.
The challenge, therefore, is not to avoid technology but to integrate it in a healthy and adaptive way. The goal is to “incorporate the hands-on materials but then offer technology to be an asset, not to be the head leader of the child’s learning.”
A Hands-On Approach for Everyone
This philosophy extends beyond the students. Just as teachers need a hands-on approach with children, directors need one with their staff. Lenita champions a leadership style centered on coaching and understanding the unique vision of each school. By building strong relationships, she helps schools integrate tools like Illumine—an innovative, all-in-one platform with integrated AI—to support everyone from students and teachers to parents and owners.
This approach allows educators to lift the administrative load and focus on what truly matters: the children. By embracing tools that streamline operations and enhance communication, schools can preserve their unique educational philosophies while evolving to meet the needs of a new generation of innovators.
