Spotlight on Children of Hope Child Development Center: Shaping Futures Every Day
When asked about the remarkable work of Children of Hope Child Development Center (COH), Director Lynn Hockenberger shared her insights and experiences with heartfelt pride. Her passion for early childhood education and advocacy shines through every word, as she reflects on the center’s mission, achievements, and goals.
Found in Phoenix, AZ, Children of Hope Child Development Center (COH) is an example of excellence in early childhood education. Since its founding in 2007, as an outreach ministry of Esperanza Lutheran Church, the center has prepared nearly 1,000 children for kindergarten and beyond. With a dedicated team of educators and a commitment to high-quality care, COH provides a nurturing environment where children aged 2-5 thrive both academically and spiritually.
A Unique Approach to Learning
“Our teachers know and respect that a child’s brain develops 90% in these critical first five years of life, so our curriculum is based on best practices and the brain science of how young children learn best. The philosophy behind our curriculum is that children learn best by doing. This requires active thinking and learning by experimenting to find out how things work and to learn firsthand about the world in which we live.”
COH’s philosophy centers on best practices and the latest brain science. The school’s curriculum encourages active thinking, hands-on experimentation, and real-world exploration. This dynamic approach ensures children not only understand their world but also develop critical social and problem-solving skills within a Christian framework.
Family Chapel Time enriches the students’ spiritual journey, teaching the Fruit of the Spirit and fostering a Christ-like approach to sharing these gifts with others. COH partners closely with families to build a strong foundation that nurtures a lifelong love of learning.
A Year of Excellence
COH’s crowning achievement this past year was earning a 5-Star rating from Quality First, Arizona’s early childhood quality improvement and rating system. This recognition, awarded to programs that significantly exceed quality standards, reflects COH’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Achieving the highest rating was a collective triumph for the staff, students, and families, demonstrating the center’s dedication to providing top-tier education and care.
ELEA: A Partner in Success
Membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) has been transformative for COH. Through the support of ELEA leaders, Cory Newman and Melanie Bicket, the center stays connected with educators and directors nationwide. Resources such as devotion booklets, Lutheran Schools Week curriculum, and professional development opportunities empower COH to maintain and enhance its high standards.
A pivotal moment came when Director Lynn Hockenberger attended an ELEA Boot Camp for early childhood directors.
“When I was new to the position the Boot Camp helped me connect and gain the skills needed to feel confident in my new role. Thanks to the ELEA Endowment Fund, myself and Deacon were able to attend a valuable national conference this year. We are a small school doing mighty things, but our small budget over the years often did not allow for travel to and attendance at national conferences. The networking and resources gained are invaluable and we are so grateful to the ELEA Endowment Fund for making this opportunity happen.”
Building a Brighter Future
Looking ahead, COH is focused on supporting children’s social-emotional development through a program based on the Pyramid Model. By addressing challenging behaviors and fostering emotional regulation, the school aims to create an inclusive environment where all children can thrive.
“We know the methods and strategies learned and implemented that support the social-emotional climate in our classrooms will help our students understand and manage big emotions and challenging behaviors.”
Another priority is establishing a scholarship fund to provide tuition assistance for families in need, ensuring that financial hardships do not hinder access to quality early childhood education. Through the ELEA Google group and various webinars, COH anticipates continued support and guidance in achieving these goals.
Celebrating Leadership and Advocacy
In 2023, Lynn Hockenberger was honored as ELEA Early Childhood Director of the Year. Her dedication and impact were celebrated by her staff and senior pastor, marking a proud moment for the entire COH community. Lynn has since joined the ELEA Board as Secretary, bringing her passion for early childhood advocacy to a broader stage. Reflecting on her journey, Lynn shares,
“It is such a labor of love to do the work of early childhood, and to now have opportunities to take this work to a wider audience for a wider affect is so exciting! The relationships I am building with fellow ELEA Board members from all across our country is personally and professionally a real blessing.”
Looking Forward
Children of Hope Child Development Center exemplifies what it means to blend education, faith, and community into a holistic early childhood program. With the support of ELEA and a dedicated team, COH continues to inspire, educate, and prepare children for a bright future.
For more information, visit their website at childrenofhopecdc.com.
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