At Briljent, we are committed to fostering innovation and excellence in early childhood education. Our latest collaboration with Shine Early Learning on the SPARK Learning Lab project exemplifies this commitment. Funded by the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL), SPARK Learning Lab is Indiana’s first go-to resource for Early Childhood Education professionals.

The team at SPARK Learning Lab provides a comprehensive support system for early childhood educators across Indiana. They include a self-assessment tool for program quality, various tiers of technical assistance, and a range of services designed to empower and inspire educators.

The expert team at SPARK is here to enhance the quality of early learning experiences across Indiana, providing professionals with the tools and resources they need to succeed. At Briljent, we are proud to support this initiative, which enhances the quality of early childhood education across the state.

Introducing the SPARK Learning Lab

Indiana’s number one go-to resource for statewide assistance and support for early care and education professionals, the team at SPARK Learning Lab, offers a range of services, from access to experienced coaches and content specialists to a wealth of online resources. The team provides in-person training, ensuring tailored, hands-on support, and their dedicated and knowledgeable staff supports early childhood programs on their journey to provide the best care and education for Indiana’s children and families. SPARK aims to aid professional development and enhance program quality for all of Indiana’s early childhood education professionals.

Support Services Provided by SPARK Learning Lab

SPARK offers comprehensive support services to empower early childhood professionals with the guidance and resources they need to excel in their roles.

• Coaching Support: Program leaders and educators can access a team of coaches for personalized and group support, both in-person and online. Assigned coaches through the SPARK Learning Lab offer individual assistance, facilitate professional learning communities, lead group coaching, and consult on customized development or improvement plans.
• Help Desk and Virtual Group Coaching: SPARK Help Desk coaches are available to professionals, even if they don’t have an assigned coach. The Help Desk can answer questions and provide guidance, ensuring professionals receive the support they need regardless of location.
• Professional Learning Communities: SPARK Learning Lab fosters community among early childhood professionals through learning communities. These professional communities provide a platform for peers to share knowledge, collaborate on best practices, and support each other in their professional growth.
• Content Specialists: SPARK Learning Lab content specialists offer training and support in various areas, including licensing, operations, staffing, and business management. These specialists also provide valuable insights into family engagement, inclusion, and education for children of all ages.
• Virtual and In-Person Learning: Recognizing the time commitment required for quality early childhood care and education, SPARK Learning Lab offers a range of online training options, including instructional videos, webinars, and video conferencing. They also partner with statewide and regional agencies that support Hoosier children and families to provide in-person learning and collaboration opportunities.
• Town Square: The Town Square, sponsored by the Erikson Institute, is an online environment designed for family childcare home providers. This platform addresses the unique challenges faced by early childhood professionals by offering resources such as tip sheets, activity ideas, and templates. The Town Square fosters a community among home-based early education professionals, providing access to tools, resources, and professional development opportunities. Through Town Square, professionals can engage in online discussions, access training materials, and collaborate with peers to enhance their skills and promote high-quality early childhood education.

Our Role at Briljent

As a critical partner in this project, Briljent brings a wealth of expertise in training and development. Our team has worked closely with Shine Early Learning to design and implement a robust support framework that addresses early childhood professionals’ unique challenges. This collaboration has resulted in a dynamic and responsive system that adapts to the evolving needs of the early education community. We’ve partnered with Shine Early throughout the country, and our support of SPARK is especially meaningful in the home state of Briljent’s founding, Indiana, where we’ve been growing since our inception in 1998.

Video Examples

To illustrate SPARK Learning Lab’s innovative work, we have compiled a series of video examples our support of the project’s mental health and wellness outcomes. These videos highlight the novel approaches that early childhood professionals across Indiana are using and demonstrate the tangible benefits provided by SPARK.

• The Body Scan video is a guided practice perfect for children and adults. It helps them tune into their bodies, notice sensations and areas of tension, and promote relaxation and calm. This short video is an excellent way to teach children about bodily self-awareness and the power of noticing where we store tension and stress in the body.
• The Mindful Breathing video allows you to share the power of mindful breathing with the children in your care. This fun three-minute video practices simple mindful breathing in an engaging setting to relax, reduce stress, and center the mind.
• The Mindful Movement (“Move Like the Animals Do”) video guides viewers through an upbeat song, movement, and breathing exercises that connect them with their bodies and promote relaxation. This video is perfect for releasing tension, boosting energy, or simply enjoying a moment of mindfulness.
• Sensory Awareness is a simple practice that “grounds” you and the children in your care in the present moment by focusing on your senses. This video is ideal for use whenever you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or distracted. It helps you reconnect with your surroundings and restore calm.
• Finally, the Guided Imagery video invites children to use their imaginations in a calming practice that uses visualization to transport their minds to a peaceful and relaxing place. This technique helps reduce stress, improve focus, and promote relaxation, making it perfect for moments of anxiety, the need for mental clarity, or unwinding after a challenging day.

Looking Ahead

SPARK Learning Lab is more than just a support system; it is a community of practice that brings together program leaders, educators, coaches, and specialists to share knowledge and collaborate on innovative solutions. As we continue to work with Shine Early Learning, we are excited to see how this project will evolve and expand, further enhancing the quality of early childhood education in Indiana.

Get Involved

We invite all early childhood professionals in Indiana to join the SPARK Learning Lab community. Whether you are looking for professional development opportunities, resources to enhance your teaching practice, or want to connect with other educators, SPARK has something to offer. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children.

Visit SPARK Learning Lab’s Contact Us page to sign up for SPARK Learning Lab’s newsletter and follow them on social media to stay updated with the latest news!

Of course, if you’re in the education sector looking for opportunities to enhance your program offerings, retool your curriculum, or think strategically about early childhood education, we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line.