As a distinguished educational leader, I am devoted to cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion within my early childhood school in Columbus, Ohio. With over 23 years of experience in education, I have consistently advocated for the needs of students from low-income backgrounds and those with special needs, creating a nurturing and empowering learning environment for all. As a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, I have exemplified the heart of a servant leader and continue to champion the cause of students in the Linden community, ensuring access to high-quality early learning opportunities. This endeavor has led to a doubling of our enrollment over the last six years, serving nearly 200 students annually, with parent satisfaction surveys indicating a 94% satisfaction rate with our school’s inclusive environment. My commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in various initiatives and accomplishments. I have participated in extensive training to become a culturally responsive leader, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to create an inclusive school culture that values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of our students and staff. Furthermore, my staff has participated in diversity trainings for early childhood, and we are committed to maintaining a school environment that reflects our student population, including having books and materials that feature diverse cultural backgrounds and physical limitations. One challenge we faced was ensuring students had access to a variety of diverse books, and we partnered with our neighboring high school to address this issue. The high school students organized a collection through a service project and donated over 50 new books to our school. These books have enriched our classroom libraries and allowed our students to see themselves in the stories they read, further strengthening our commitment and demonstrating the impact of community partnerships. My dedication extends beyond the school walls, as evidenced by my participation in the Leadership Columbus Signature Program Class of 2024, showcasing my commitment to being an active change agent within the broader community. Through this cohort, I collaborated with other city leaders across various sectors to develop a white paper on the social determinants of health as our cohort capstone project. This involved interviewing key stakeholders and compiling a list of strategies from their feedback that can be used to address inequities in our society. The white paper provides actionable recommendations for community stakeholders to address the social determinants of health. Ultimately, my dedication to creating and maintaining a supportive and equitable learning environment for my students has a profound impact on the entire Linden community, and I remain dedicated to this vital work.
Dr. Rhonda Childs is a passionate and impactful early childhood education leader with over 23 years of experience serving diverse student populations in Columbus City Schools. As Principal of Linden Park Early Childhood Education Center, she fosters engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments where children thrive. Her leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of early childhood development, honed through roles as a teacher, coordinator, and director. Dr. Childs recently completed the Leadership of Early Education program at Harvard University, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and best practices. She empowers teachers and families through collaborative partnerships, effective instructional leadership, and targeted professional development. Her dedication extends beyond her school, as evidenced by her involvement in organizations like National Association of Young Children (NAEYC), Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators (OABSE), and Leadership Columbus.
