Early Learning
Principal's Academy
Introducing the Principal’s Academy
Fresno Unified’s Early Learning Department is proud to present the Principal’s Academy – a professional learning hub designed to empower district leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to champion early childhood education with their site leaders. Grounded in research and rooted in equity, the Academy Learning supports administrators in fostering high-quality early learning environments that set the stage for lifelong success.
Principals have a critical role in student & teacher outcomes
The Academy:
By Session
Modules and resources for your training sessions
Professional Learning Snapshot
Session 1
Understanding young learners begins with the guiding principles of child development and learning. By applying developmentally appropriate practices and recognizing key “look fors” in high-quality early learning classrooms, leaders can support classroom environments that nurture growth, curiosity, and readiness.
Resources
A Day in the Life of a PS Classroom Daily Schedule.pdf
A Day in the Life of a TK Classroom.pdf
Article_ Is play a privilege or a right_.pdf
Early Learning By the Numbers.docx
Developing Effective Principals Report
Early Learning Resources Padlet.docx
LiteracyWalkthroughTemplate.pdf
The Essentials of Early Literacy Instruction - Additional Resource.pdf
Session 2
Supporting young learners means creating a caring, equitable community where every child is engaged and supported through a multi-tiered system of support, strengthened by powerful interactions, and nurtured within a thoughtfully designed physical environment that promotes safety, exploration, and learning.
Session 3
Teaching young learners involves a deep understanding of the California Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction that supports the diverse learning needs of young children.
Session 4
Assessing young learners involves using meaningful assessments to inform, support, and align instruction. In both Preschool (PS) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK), assessment practices help educators understand developmental progress and tailor learning experiences that meet the needs of every child.
REAL PRINCIPALS, REAL EXPERIENCES
Our program helps elementary school sites evolve to meet the needs of their early learners
Principal Profiles
Real experiences in the
Principal’s Academy
Kevin Her, Norseman Elementary
Supporting Teachers
Judith Sanchez, Leavenworth Elementary
Partnering With Families for Student Success
Jahmaal Sawyer, Hamilton Elementary
Clarity: Knowing What Early Learning Classrooms Should Look Like
Lauren Ailanjian-Trzeciak, Ayer Elementary
Leadership Growth Through Collaboration
The Power of the Practice Walk
Modules and resources for your training sessions
This video models how school leaders and instructional teams can use an Instructional Practice Walk to strengthen teaching and learning. By observing classrooms with a shared lens, teams can identify effective strategies, gather real-time insights, and reflect together on ways to enhance instruction. The goal isn’t evaluation—it’s collaboration: building a culture of continuous improvement that supports both teachers and students in achieving their highest potential.
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE WALK (IPW)
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Principal's Academy
Program Manager
Early Learning Department
1001 S. Chestnut Ave.
Fresno, CA 93702 559-457-3618
