Nancy Sylvester founded Global Connection Learning Center in Jackson, Mississippi, with a mission to support teenage mothers by providing free child care, allowing them to continue their education. Her center, which has achieved a 100% graduation rate among participants, is a lifeline for young families, empowering mothers to stay on track and build a better future.
In this interview, Nancy shares her inspiring journey, the impact her nonprofit organization has had on young mothers and their families, and the difference in running her child care program now that she has the support of Wonderschool's substitute teaching pool and lead teacher recruitment technology, EarlyDay.
Chris Bennett: Hi please tell us your name and little bit about your child care program.
Nancy Sylvester: My name is Nancy Sylvester, and I worked with Jackson Public Schools for 35 years as a counselor and director of counselors. During that time, I was responsible for attendance personnel and often saw young girls who had to drop out of school to care for their babies. These girls couldn’t attend school without proper childcare. When I retired, I started a childcare center specifically for teenage mothers in middle and high school. We provide free childcare, but the girls must stay in school, maintain good grades and behavior, attend after-school parenting sessions, and avoid repeat pregnancies. We've been operating for 15 years, and I’m proud to say we have a 100% graduation rate.
Chris Bennett: How many children are currently enrolled in your program?
Nancy Sylvester: We currently have 62 children in our care. It’s a full and busy environment!
Chris Bennett: How do you fund your program? Do you receive regular support or rely on grants?
Nancy Sylvester: We don’t have regular funders right now, but we continuously write and search for grants. Once our young mothers graduate high school, we help them secure childcare certificates and vouchers if they continue their education. Our support is limited to high school, but we assist with childcare beyond that if they enroll in college. We also prepare the children for advanced schooling and run after-school programs to ensure they succeed.
Chris Bennett: How has your program influenced the entire family beyond just the teenage mothers?
Nancy Sylvester: We’ve seen positive changes in whole families, especially when they attend our parenting sessions. Many of these young mothers live with their mothers or even grandmothers. Through our influence, some grandparents have returned to school or found employment, benefiting the entire household. It’s incredible to see the ripple effect our program has on multiple generations.
Chris Bennett: Can you share your experience with Wonderschool and how it has helped your organization?
Nancy Sylvester: I learned about Wonderschool through information from the Mississippi Department of Human Services and the health department. The most helpful aspect has been the substitute pool. After the pandemic and my cancer diagnosis, we were extremely short-staffed. Wonderschool provided us with amazing substitutes who needed minimal supervision. Of course, not every sub is perfect, but the majority have been fantastic. Having dependable subs has been a lifesaver, especially for our teenage mothers' children, who need strong discipline and care.
Chris Bennett: What was your experience like before using Wonderschool for substitutes and hiring?
Nancy Sylvester: Before Wonderschool, it was nearly impossible to find substitutes. We’re a nonprofit, and I had to rely on retired board members and family who were fingerprinted to fill in. After the pandemic, it became even harder, and we often had to split classes or find creative solutions to cover the gaps. Wonderschool alleviated a lot of that stress by providing reliable subs, and it’s been a huge relief.
Chris Bennett: How do you handle paying substitutes, and do you find the system efficient?
Nancy Sylvester: I make sure to pay substitutes on their last day of work, whether they’ve worked one day or an entire week. This immediate payment method has been well-received and appreciated by our subs. The reimbursement process with Wonderschool has also been seamless.
Chris Bennett: What are your thoughts on Early Day, and how has it worked for you?
Nancy Sylvester: Early Day has been helpful, too. I hired a great employee through it. Although we’re a small organization and can’t afford ongoing monthly fees for hiring, the free trials have been beneficial. I would love to see more flexible pricing options for small nonprofits like ours.
Chris Bennett: Do you think there are additional technology tools that could help teachers or your organization?
Nancy Sylvester: As of now, I can’t think of specific tools, but training for subs who aren't computer literate would be useful. The current systems for requesting subs and managing hours work well. Since our budget is tight, free or very low-cost options are essential for us.
Chris Bennett: Thank you for sharing your powerful story and the incredible work you do for young mothers and their children. Your resilience and dedication to your community are truly inspiring.
Operating a center with 62 children and limited funding, Nancy has faced significant workforce challenges, especially after the pandemic. Wonderschool stepped in to help, introducing tools like the substitute pool and Early Day recruitment service, allowing Nancy to find reliable staff even on short notice. This access to substitutes and new hires has been transformative, reducing stress and allowing Nancy to provide consistent, high-quality care.
One particular substitute, hired through Wonderschool’s platform, has worked with Nancy for over two months, providing stability for the children and easing workforce pressures on the center.
Nancy’s work at Global Connection Learning Center doesn’t just benefit young mothers; it creates generational change. With many families having multiple generations in a single household, the center’s impact motivates both young mothers and their extended families to pursue education and employment. Wonderschool’s support in meeting Nancy’s workforce needs allows her center to remain a stable resource, creating long-term benefits for the Jackson community.
For more on Nancy Sylvester’s work and the community impact of Global Connection Learning Center, explore how Wonderschool’s workforce solutions empower her program to support young families and drive positive change in Jackson, Mississippi.
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