UCCC and LUME Take Center Stage

In 2022, LUME and UCCC staff were on the road with compelling presentations on early childhood development. Travels included the National Head Start Association’s Parent and Family Engagement Conference, where LUME early childhood specialists, Peaches Lott and Roxeanna Steiner, joined UCCC teachers, Tiara Jones and Tashay Maxwell, for a four-day event in Dallas. Each highlighted aspects of relationships and learning. Peaches and Tiara discussed the five essentials of relationships, while Roxeanna and Tashay’s presentation was titled: It’s All About Relationships.

“Engaging educators, families, and teachers from across the country in partnership with Tiara and Tashay was a wonderful privilege,” said Roxeanna. “Their stories and experiences left a lasting and uplifting impact on participants in our sessions.”

Roxeanna and Peaches also presented sessions and keynotes at the international Parents As Teachers conference in Denver, as well as The Knowledge Center’s Trauma-Informed and Relationship-Focused Conference in Quincy, Illinois.

Legacy of Love

In December 2022, we gathered to honor and share the love with retiring Executive Director, Steve Zwolak. The evening marked his transition from full-time leadership at UCCC and LUME to his “renaissance” years. As we celebrated Steve, we also acknowledged our commitment to continuing the legacy of love that he worked so tirelessly to establish during his five decades of service to children and families, and twenty years at UCCC/LUME.

There When We Need Them Most

UCCC friends gathered at 3rd Degree Glass Factory in September 2022 for our annual Fairy Tales Can Come True event. The uplifting evening’s theme was drawn from UCCC and LUME’s book, When I Need You Most. We had a ball with a festive parade led by the Red and Black Brass Band, music and dancing with DJ Reggie, notes of inspiration from Steve Zwolak, and plenty of opportunities to support UCCC. 

Heart-to-Heart

Educators connect with children in their care every day. These connections help children grow in emotional safety, widen their social circles and provide strong foundations for learning. In 2022, visitors from Academy Neighborhood School, Refuge and Restoration, and others deepened their understanding of emotionally-responsive practices as a result of their immersive visit to UCCC. 

In Capable and Loving Hands

Jessica Sims is no stranger to UCCC and LUME Institute; in fact, she’s a long-time employee of both. She first joined LUME in 2011, helping Missouri-based educators implement emotionally responsive practices. A few years later, she transitioned to UCCC as an Inclusion Coordinator, and later, Assistant Director. We are proud to announce Jessica’s newest post as Director of Early Care and Education.

“I am excited to build on UCCC’s 50+ years of progress,” Jessica said. “I look forward to supporting UCCC teachers as they grow in their ability to provide emotionally-responsive care to our children and families.” 

Jessica has built countless relationships with UCCC children, educators, parents/caregivers and others during her 11 years with us. These relationships provide a strong foundation for her new role, as does her deep understanding of UCCC operations, the LUME Approach and the field of early childhood education. 

Emotionally-Responsive Intent & Intentional Action

Since 2020, LUME has engaged 250+ educators at six institutions in learning experiences based on the LUME Approach. Those educators reported growth in being present, personal reflection and connecting with others.

• 97% reported growth in emotionally-responsive intent/action overall, and 75% reported growth in advancing relationships with children and others.

Relationship Building Actions

LUME helps educators understand behavior — children’s and their own — and how to apply those understandings in the classroom.

• 80% of educators from this same group (250+ since 2020) reported changing their classroom practices, specifically by being an emotional partner with children, being more calm and forgiving, and being more aware of actions and interactions.

Improved Learning Environment

LUME principles are in daily demonstration at University City Children’s Center (UCCC). An independent observer assessed UCCC’s classroom environment and its potential to foster emotional and social development.

• The observer noted UCCC’s interactions and behaviors as promoting a mentally healthy climate that exceeds national averages.

Emotional Development & Learning Outcomes

Emotional and academic assessments of children entering and leaving UCCC show marked improvements in emotional development and learning outcomes. For example:

• Over a six year period, assessments showed 13% of children entering UCCC had an emotional development need, while just 2% of children leaving UCCC for kindergarten had a need.