
Grant Overview
At the heart of PRAISE is a commitment to growing the capacity of early childhood educators and leaders through meaningful, collaborative learning. Each cohort begins with a dynamic泭 Summer Institute 泭that brings together teachers, paraprofessionals, and school leaders to explore evidence-based practices and strengthen shared goals for student success. Throughout the year, participants engage in泭 School Readiness Professional Learning Communities (SRPLCs)���spaces for reflection, data analysis, and peer collaboration that translate learning into daily classroom practice. Ongoing泭 instructional coaching 泭further personalizes support, helping educators refine their craft and sustain growth. Together, these experiences create a vibrant professional learning network dedicated to improving instruction and outcomes for 勛圖厙���s youngest learners.
Project Objectives
PRAISE is designed to strengthen the instructional capacity of early childhood educators and leaders to improve school readiness outcomes for preschool English learners.
The project���s main objectives are to:
- Enhance instructional practice 泭by deepening teachers��� knowledge and use of evidence-based strategies that promote oral language and literacy.
- Improve School Readiness 泭and student literacy achievement in VPK programs.
- Increase family engagement 泭by equipping educators and families with tools and strategies to support children���s language and literacy growth at home and school.
We aim to do this by:
- Building leadership capacity 泭among principals and instructional coaches to sustain effective early learning and coaching practices.
- Improving alignment 泭between pre-kindergarten and early elementary instruction through collaborative professional learning structures.
- Developing a sustainable professional development framework 泭that can be refined, evaluated, and replicated across districts to promote lasting impact.
Collectively, these objectives guide PRAISE in its mission to advance instructional excellence, strengthen family-school partnerships, and ensure learning opportunities for all young children.
Who We Are

Cynthia B. Bauman, Ph.D.
OELL Associate Director, Learning Programs
College of Education
Educational Leadership and Research Methodology

Christina Butler
OELL Administrator, Professional Development
College of Education
Educational Leadership and Research Methodology

Daniel Reyes-Guerra, Ph.D.
Professor and Coordinator of the M.Ed. and Ph.D. programs in Education Leadership: School Leaders
College of Education
Educational Leadership and Research Methodology

Sabrina Sembiante, Ph.D.
Interim Co-Chair and Professor, TESOL and Bilingual Education - Coordinator, Ph.D. Program in Curriculum & Instruction
College of Education
Curriculum and Instruction
Boca Raton Campus | Boca - ED 485 ,Davie - ES 220