At Christiana Frank Consulting (CFC), we are dedicated to transforming educational environments through holistic, whole-child approaches that integrate social health into academics, and community engagement. Our methodologies foster shared energy, positive mindsets, strong communication, collaboration and creation.
Holistic and Integrated Student Supports
At CFC, we believe in the philosophy of Whole Child Education, understanding that fostering positive approaches to learning, self-agency, self-advocacy, life skills, and social skills are essential for every student. Our Integrated Student Supports seamlessly integrate into existing frameworks and curriculum. By cultivating an environment where students learn to love and be loved, to be peaceful and share peace, and to express joy and find enjoyment in learning, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.
Expanding Opportunities through Enriched Learning
Understanding the importance of time in education, CFC embeds process directly into existing frameworks and supports Expanded and Enriched Learning Time initiatives, providing students with additional learning opportunities before and after the traditional school hours, as well as during intersessions. As we know, these programs are crucial for offering extended learning activities that enrich the students’ educational experience, helping them to achieve their full potential.
Fostering Deep Connections with Family and Community Engagement
Community and parental engagement is at the heart of our approach. CFC trains educators and support staff how to create and sustain deep connections between the school and their communities, offering strategies that promote home-school collaboration and establish culturally responsive community partnerships. These efforts enhance family well-being and stability, creating a supportive network that extends beyond school walls.
Advancing Educational Leadership and Professional Development
Our Collaborative Leadership and Practices focus on nurturing leadership qualities among educators and administrators, with an emphasis on professional developments that transform school culture. We offer extensive training in innovative educational methodologies that are both evidence-based and experiential. A few of these include trauma-informed practices and Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Skills (Social Emotional Cognitive Learning), all designed to equip leaders with the skills to support holistic student development.
Execution of Best Practices in Education
Comprehensive Educator and Staff Development: Offering professional development and intersession trainings that cover a range of crucial areas and highlights Sustainable Educational Practices.
Family/Community Engagement Meetups: Facilitating meaningful gatherings that bring together parents, students, school staff, and community members to foster collaboration and support student success. These meetups include clear objectives, agendas, and diverse communication methods to ensure ongoing engagement and action-oriented outcomes.
In-Class Modeling: Providing hands-on demonstrations and guidance in the classroom environment to support educators in implementing effective teaching strategies, positive classroom management and student engagement techniques.
Instructional Coaching/1:1 Coaching: Tailored coaching sessions designed to support educators in improving their instructional practices and fostering a positive learning environment. These sessions can be conducted in person or virtually and may include options for classroom observation and feedback.
A Spectrum of Specialized Training Topics
Our training topics are carefully selected to address the essential areas of modern education, are strength-based and build of knowledge already in place:
- Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Skills (Social Emotional Cognitive Learning): Empowering students to understand and manage their emotions and advocate for themselves in and out of the classroom.
- Health and Wellness and Coping Strategies: Providing education on wellness while teaching effective coping and mindfulness strategies to manage stress.
- Positive Problem Solving and Growth Mindset: Encouraging a positive approach to problem-solving and fostering a growth mindset among students and staff.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching and Inclusion: Ensuring that teaching methods are inclusive and reflective of the diverse cultural backgrounds of all students.
Join Christiana Frank Consulting in Transforming Education
Join us at Christiana Frank Consulting, where we integrate the latest in educational research and practice with holistic strategies designed for real-world application. Our team, which includes SEL specialists, psychologists, social workers, family therapists, and more, is ready to assist your school or district in implementing these transformative practices.
Whether you are interested in virtual or in-person services, our team is equipped to provide the expertise and support needed to foster a thriving educational community. Contact us to learn how we can help you transform your educational environment into a holistic, supportive, and inclusive community.
8 thoughts on “Empowering Whole-Child Education”
As a school leader, I firmly believe in the importance of Whole Child Learning. This approach recognizes that a child’s academic success is deeply intertwined with their overall well-being, including their physical and mental health, social-emotional development, and sense of safety and belonging. To truly support the whole child, we must create a nurturing school environment that prioritizes not just academic rigor, but also the development of the whole person. This means cultivating a culture of care, respect, and inclusivity where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Whole Child Learning demands a shift in our approach to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. We must move beyond rote memorization and standardized testing, and instead provide rich, engaging learning experiences that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration – skills that will serve students well in life beyond the classroom.
By embracing Whole Child Learning, we can create a school environment that nurtures the entire child, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Andi,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful comment. I completely agree that Whole Child Learning is essential for fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. Your emphasis on creating a nurturing school environment that prioritizes the development of the whole person resonates deeply with our mission at Christiana Frank Consulting (CFC).
At CFC, we are committed to supporting educators and school leaders in this transformative journey. By providing rich, engaging learning experiences that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, we aim to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in life beyond the classroom. Your insights on moving beyond rote memorization and standardized testing to embrace a more holistic approach are spot on.
We believe that by fostering a culture of care, respect, and inclusivity, we can create an educational environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered. Thank you for your valuable feedback and for sharing your beliefs about Whole Child Learning.
With joy,
Christiana Frank
Once again, mind blowing and desperately needed ideas and programs from CFC! The possibilities and potential here are endless and world changing for our kids!
CFC’s program is really something special. They’re all about giving students the best shot at success. From extra learning time to getting families and communities involved, they’re covering all the bases. And they don’t stop there – they’re also making sure teachers have the support they need to keep growing. It’s the kind of program that’s setting the bar high for what education can be. If you’re looking for a way to make a real difference in schools and communities, this is it.
I have had the pleasure of connecting with Christiana numerous times, love the passion that she has in building people up. Her way of leading people to achieve the highest version of themselves is so valuable and priceless. Christiana is a connector and servant at heart
Schools are shifting in their very nature as we collectively approach new challenges and opportunities. My experience in public and private schools over the past forty-five years and working with the department of education has informed my perspective. The kind of work that Christiana is offering is essential for schools to thrive.
The transformative power of our holistic, whole-child approach drives Christiana Frank Consulting (CFC). Integrating social health into academics and fostering community engagement creates vibrant, supportive spaces that inspire positive mindsets and collaborative learning, transforming educational environments into beacons of hope and progress.
She believes in the power of Whole Child Education, a proven approach where every student is nurtured to develop self-agency, life skills, and social skills. Integrated Student Supports blend seamlessly into existing curriculums, creating environments where students learn and love to learn. This approach has been shown to enhance academic performance, improve student well-being, and foster a love for learning. They’re encouraged to express joy, share peace, and thrive as well-rounded individuals prepared for their futures.
Recognizing the crucial role of time in education, CFC champions Expanded and Enriched Learning Time initiatives. These programs extend learning opportunities beyond traditional school hours and during intersessions, helping students reach their full potential through enriched educational experiences.
At the heart of our methodology is deep community and parental engagement. Equipping educators with strategies such as regular community meetings, home visits, and cultural events to forge and sustain strong connections between schools and their communities. These efforts foster collaboration and enhance family well-being through culturally responsive partnerships.
The methodology’s core is the belief in collaborative leadership and practices. She elevates educational leadership by emphasizing evidence-based and experiential methodologies like Self-Advocacy and Cognitive Learning. These programs empower educators and administrators, making them feel valued and integral to transforming school cultures and supporting holistic student development.
Christiana’s love of our children is so apparent and it is beautiful to watch.
Her innate desire to bring the Whole Child Education to every school and every home is a dream she truly believes in!