News

Jason Sims, Ashley Hodges, and Melanie Beaudin will represent CCSD in yearlong NAEYC initiative focused on strengthening early learning

Three Charleston County School District (CCSD) educators have been selected to participate in the 2026 NAEYC School District Leadership Cohort, a national, yearlong professional learning initiative led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Jason Sims, principal of Laurel Hill Primary School, Ashley Hodges, CCSD director of child development, and Melanie Beaudin, reading coach at Laurel Hill Primary School, will represent CCSD as one of only 30 school districts nationwide selected for the cohort. The initiative brings together teams of district, school, and instructional leaders to strengthen alignment and advance high-quality early learning from PreK through third grade.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our educators to learn alongside some of the best minds in early childhood education and bring that knowledge directly back to our schools and classrooms,” said CCSD Superintendent Anita Huggins. “The early years are foundational to a child’s long-term success, and we have a responsibility to make sure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences that help them build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. I’m proud of Jason, Ashley, and Melanie for representing CCSD in this important work and for their commitment to creating stronger outcomes and opportunities for our youngest learners.”

Throughout the year, the CCSD team will work alongside education leaders from across the country to explore research and best practices that support strong developmental and academic outcomes for young learners. Areas of focus will include:

• Aligned curriculum and assessment systems
• Developmentally appropriate instructional practices
• Culturally responsive learning environments
• Continuous improvement structures

The cohort officially launches with a full-day preconference session and dedicated programming during the 2026 NAEYC Annual Conference, held December 4–8 in Washington, D.C. The CCSD team will join nationally recognized researchers, practitioners, and peer district leaders to examine strategies for strengthening early learning systems.

Following the conference, participants will continue collaborating through four virtual Communities of Practice sessions throughout the year, with each district developing an action plan to translate what they learn into measurable improvements for students and educators in their local communities.

Through the cohort, CCSD will gain access to national research, resources, and peer collaboration to strengthen early learning and build greater alignment across the PreK–3 continuum. The district’s participation also provides an opportunity to share CCSD’s work on a national stage while bringing new ideas and proven practices back to schools across Charleston County.

_____________________________________________________________________

 

About NAEYC

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. Learn more at naeyc.org.