Our Work
Early BYRD’s work is designed as a connected system that supports young people, educators, and communities. Each part of our programming plays a distinct role, with some elements actively piloting and others launching in future phases.
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This page offers an overview of how our work comes together and where each piece is in its development.
FLY: Foundations for Leading Youth
Prepares college students and early career professionals to serve as BYRD Flight Instructors. Participants engage in SEL, facilitation practice, and reflective learning. All participants develop a lesson plan aligned to the WINGS curriculum.
Career Readiness/ Workforce Development
WINGS: Wellness Initiative Nurturing Growth and Self-Awareness
Early BYRD’s SEL curriculum resources for elementary aged students. Lessons are delivered by trained BYRD Flight Instructors. Centers five learning themes:
• Creative Expression
• Mind-Body Connection
• Nature and Nurture
• Reflective Practices
• Sensory Experiences
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Standards Aligned Curriculum Resources
NEST: Nurturing Emotional Skills Together
Early BYRD’s local school and district partners, where WINGS is implemented. BYRD Flight Instructors are paired with a classroom for a 10-week cycle.
Programming is shaped in collaboration with educators to reflect classroom context and school priorities.
Social-Emotional Learning/ Mental Health
ROOST: Responsive Opportunities for Ongoing Social-Emotional Teaching
Educator support through professional learning, reflection, and trauma-informed practice. This work strengthens the conditions needed for sustainable and responsive SEL.
Educator Professional Development
ROOTS: Reflecting On Our Togetherness and Strength
Empowering our family, caregiver, and community connections. This work creates opportunities for shared understanding, relationship building, and authentic learning within the communities served.
Caregiver and Community Engagement
ALIGN: Assessment for Learning, Integration, and Growth Network
Supports partnership coordination and network building across Early BYRD’s ecosystem. This offers a point of connection and support for schools, educators, and organizations implementing SEL.
Also, an entry point into Early BYRD for new partners seeking alignment and collaboration.
Capacity and Network Building
Growing with Intention
Early BYRD’s work begins with partnership. We take time to understand the needs of our learning community.​
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This pilot phase is a deliberate starting point. It will allow us to learn, reflect, and grow alongside our partners as we build toward deeper impact over time.