Early in Life & the Importance of Early Childhood Education | Steve Zwolak | TEDxDelmarLoopED

Stephen Zwolak is the founder and CEO of LUME Institute and Executive Director of University City Children’s Center (UCCC), LUME’s lab school. Zwolak has more than 45 years of experience working in the field of early childhood. He is recognized for leading the conversation on the impact and future of early childhood education in St. Louis and beyond. His years as a classroom teacher and a leader in various educational arenas drove him to develop the LUME Approach, for which there is growing evidence of closing the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap. The LUME Approach brings together theoretical, observational, and neuroscientific research that affirms that the emotional development of children is critical to academic success and lifelong positive outcomes.

As a young teacher, Zwolak studied at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute, an educational center for which he now periodically serves as an instructor for others in child- and family-serving professions. In 2015, he received the American Psychoanalytic Association Educational Achievement Award.

Today, Zwolak is recognized for his visionary thinking and entrepreneurial ability to create, enhance and expand programs and develop infrastructure. He develops curricula which include understanding the importance of children’s sexual development and addressing angry love with ruthless compassion in the classroom and home. As a speaker and educator known for his warm demeanor, Zwolak skillfully challenges and motivates teachers to develop reflective practices in their daily relationships with children and families and to be prepared to administer therapeutic triage using a multi-disciplinary approach. Stephen Zwolak is the founder and CEO of LUME Institute and Executive Director of University City Children’s Center (UCCC), LUME’s lab school. Zwolak has more than 45 years of experience working in the field of early childhood. He is recognized for leading the conversation on the impact and future of early childhood education in St. Louis and beyond. His years as a classroom teacher and a leader in various educational arenas drove him to develop the LUME Approach, for which there is growing evidence of closing the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap. The LUME Approach brings together theoretical, observational, and neuroscientific research that affirms that the emotional development of children is critical to academic success and lifelong positive outcomes.

As a young teacher, Zwolak studied at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute, an educational center for which he now periodically serves as an instructor for others in child- and family-serving professions. In 2015, he received the American Psychoanalytic Association Educational Achievement Award.

[annchen]

Preschool teacher makes a great impact on a child's entire life. All it takes is 5 years to change society.

[ashleyyacono]

This touched my heart, not only as a teacher, but as a God mother, sister and (hopefully) future mother. It is so important to take care of the souls of our precious young ones. Thank you very much Mr. Zwolak.

[michadawn]

This is a great speech. It’s all true, and this is motivating. Early childhood has the highest number of turnover, more than any other profession. It’s one of the lowest paying jobs and many times does not offer benefits. If those things could change, then we may start seeing an improvement and a move in the direction the speaker is taking about. I don’t think any teachers come to the field expecting great monetary gains however a livable wage is necessary. It’s sad, there’s many of us that feel this is our life’s calling, work so hard to educate ourselves, to honor our children and family members who we serve yet we barely scrape by. If it weren’t for my husband’s income I could not work as a preschool teacher. I make more money working in a grocery store.

[haileighhalverson]

As a future early childhood educator, I found this video so touching. I loved the perspective that Mr. Zwolak has on Early Childhood education and makes me super excited to become a teacher!

[michelewatson]

Stephen Zwolak, you are amazing! Thank you for your dedication to Early Childhood. I too am a dedicated Early Education Teacher. I teach to the SOUL! I agree about understanding how to teach African American boys. I teach at a Title 1 school. You have to understand the families and the demographics. I strive to make a difference. It is evident. I have students return to visit me after six years. I love what I do.

[joannegarofalo]

Thank you Steve, i'm a doctor, thank you for You to you....♥️🙏

[francismausley]

Excellent points... "Whensoever a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud him and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means based on reason, even a slight verbal chastisement should this be necessary." ~ Abdul-Baha, Baha'i Faith

[teachwithyourheart]

"When teachers have a fearful temperament they are more likely to oppress children." I found that interesting, I would be interested to learn about more research in this area.

[delmar]

This is why I agree with the Reggio Emilia method and constructiveness for preschools

[guillaumeb.]

Ce que vous dites est extrêmement important et vrai ! Il faut comprendre l'âme et le cœur en premier lieu ! Bravo pour cette présentation !

[Phillyisalwayssunny]

There is no doubt that these are not easy ask. That being said, it is absolutely possible. Wonderful suggestions

[carlotanunez]

Excellent!!! Thank you. We have to make the difference !

[alexableacademy]

He's 100 percent correct. Great video.

[nancymacdonald]

Such an inspiring sharing. Thank you Mr. Zwolak!

[aryankrit]

ECCE means Pre Primary Education training for Anganwadi Pre School 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 very nice video 👌 thanks

[tmoroney]

Incredibly insightful. Thank you so much for this important perspective that is rarely seen in mainstream

[VlogAwi]

Pray for me, i hope i can be a better sunday School teacher for kids.
And i have a plan to learn Early child Education ( Master Degree ), is that any information about the best University that can teach us about that ( With scholarship ) ?

THANK YOU so much for the sharing Stephen. =")

[MyWatcher]

That was very inspiring and informative

[keithdaragon]

what happens early in life lasts a lifetime

all behavior has meaning

the critical moment for brain development is in the first five years

[janeanretz]

Children are the future for us all. There is no investment more important or more lucrative than the investment in our children.