At Mead, we believe that social and emotional development are as vital to children’s future success as their academic pursuits. Our commitment to teaching, challenging and nurturing the whole child is realized throughout our approach, but most uniquely through our Home Center Directors.

Each class has a Home Center that is led by a Home Center Director (HCD) — a teacher who is dedicated to the emotional and social development of each child. The role of the HCD is to continually assess each student’s academic, physical, social and emotional well-being and to guide students through challenges and opportunities as they arise.

Students gather in their Home Center every morning. During their time together, they discuss challenges or opportunities they are facing in the day or week ahead. The HCD serves as the common thread for the students and gives support and guidance as needed. HCDs connect with students on a personal level, cultivating open conversations and building trusting relationships. HCDs serve as the bridge between students, parents, and others in the educational process, ensuring that children’s specific needs are addressed.

HCDs give children the guidance and support they need to navigate challenges and identify opportunities for growth that are often outside the purview of the traditional academic process, so that children have the opportunity for deeper academic learning and more profound personal development.