"This work starts by treating early learning as foundational and recognizing it as the place where children learn how learning works and how thinking develops."
-Erica Glenn
Erica Glenn and Kimberly Bradley, co-founders of Max Results, are ardent champions for early childhood education, and prekindergarten, in particular. Through their work in public education, community outreach, and partnering with likeminded organizations, their voices speak with the authority of educators doing the real work.
Based on the article of the same title featured in the spring 2026 issue of Legacy, Transformation in Action Erica and Kimberly will delve into the implications for starting STEM instructional design with our youngest learners using these three considerations:
Presence and Instructional Attention: Principals who believe that PreK is foundational can be observed in early learning classrooms discussing what children are being invited to problem-solve, discuss, and inquire about. They also include PreK in instructional conversations, so early learning is part of how the school understands teaching and learning as a whole.
Designing Conditions That Support Thinking: Young children engage in complex thinking when the environment is conducive and makes it safe to ask questions, experiment, and dialog. Schedules, materials, and the use of space support opportunities to investigate, experiment, and return to ideas. When these conditions are intentionally designed, problem solving and inquiry become part of the early learning program.
Investing in Adult Learning Through Observation: Observation is the gateway for adults to notice what children are thinking, doing and saying. Through observation, adults can get a peek into how their students are reasoning and where support is needed to extend their ideas. PreK teachers need opportunities to observe, reflect and talk with each other about student thinking. It’s the school leader’s role to facilitate these conversations within professional learning opportunities so that teachers learn from each other’s strengths and can problem-solve together.
Join this dynamic duo on Tuesday, June 16th at 4:00 p.m. e.t. to learn more!
Erica Glenn is the co-owner of Max Results LLC and a former public school principal who led elementary and early learning campuses. Her work focuses on early learning and the systems adults build that shape what children experience day to day. She has supported the Chicago Children’s Museum through Curiosity Classroom assessment and has developed and delivered state-approved professional learning for school leaders.
