Before a child learns to speak, their brain is forming. That intricate inner wiring is shaped by interaction, care, and connection. For DJ Lebo, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia, this foundational truth guides her work every day.
“We’re really trying to change that mindset,” she says. “So many people think education starts at kindergarten. But learning clearly starts at birth.”
The Coalition’s mission is simple in language but vast in reach: help families from the very beginning. They provide childcare assistance, developmental screenings, and a mobile classroom—grounded in the belief that early investment shapes long-term success for children and families alike.
The Science of Interaction
By the time a child enters kindergarten, up to 90 percent of their brain has developed. This growth isn’t fueled by curriculum, but by relationships. A warm gaze, a shared book, a conversation—these moments strengthen neural pathways and lay the foundation for all future learning.
“It really is critical for families, for grandparents, for anyone to realize that a child’s brain is built strictly through interactions with care and adults,” Lebo explains. “And if we don’t do our job, it’s much harder for them as they grow up.”
The Coalition supports this through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which mails free, age-appropriate books to children each month. The goal isn’t just to build a bookshelf—it’s to build a bond and a love of learning that lasts.
“We want them to share the book,” says Lebo. What matters is the interaction—pointing at pictures, telling stories, and responding to curiosity.
Even storytime becomes brain-building through “serve and return,” a back-and-forth where adult and child trade sounds and words. This rhythm supports language, attention, and emotional growth.
Imagination in Motion
The Learning Mobile, a colorful RV turned classroom, travels throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. It visits parks, community centers, and neighborhoods, bringing hands-on learning and screenings directly to families who need them most.
“We’ll also do the Storybook Villages where we’re trying to really raise awareness for the importance of literacy,” says Lebo.
Storybook Village is one of the Coalition’s most beloved events. It features characters, themed activities, and valuable resources—offering fun while raising funds for early literacy programs and community support efforts.
Creativity and Curiosity
The Coalition supports providers who focus on play, outdoor learning, and discovery. The goal is to nurture curiosity, not enforce scripts.
“Young children learn through play,” Lebo says. “They learn through creativity. And they learn through just that imagination.”
Imaginative kids are often seen as unusual, she adds, when they’ve simply kept the wonder we all had.
In classrooms, educators follow curiosity—not just a checklist. The result is deeper learning and joyful exploration.
Love as a Guiding Principle
In a world full of parenting pressure, the Coalition stays rooted in love. Children thrive when they feel safe and supported. That starts early and requires consistent care.
“So I think the first thing is: kids love their parents,” Lebo says. “Almost anything else you can figure out.”
From toddler meltdowns to family crises, the Coalition meets families where they are. “We work with Easterseals, the domestic violence shelter, DCF, all of those folks,” she says.
Their programs offer more than services. They build trust and resilience. When families feel supported, they show up with patience, confidence, and love.
The first five years don’t just shape a child. They shape the future.
"People think education starts at kindergarten. But learning clearly starts at birth.”