ORLANDO, Fla. – (July 26, 2025) – United Arts of Central Florida (United Arts) successfully piloted an Early Learning through the Arts professional development workshop for early childhood educators, made possible through a $5,000 gift from KPMG. The half-day Wolf Trap–based workshop supported educators serving children and families in the 32805 community, strengthening early learning outcomes through arts-integrated teaching strategies.
Held at the Holden Heights Community Center, the workshop brought together educators from early learning centers in the West Lakes community, located within Lift Orlando’s service area. The training was led by Jessica DiLorenzo McHugh, a Wolf Trap–trained teaching artist, arts integration specialist, and early childhood education professional, who guided participants through hands-on, creative approaches to teaching young learners.
The workshop was grounded in the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts model, a nationally recognized, research-backed approach that uses music, movement, drama, and imaginative play to support school readiness. Educators practiced strategies designed to strengthen language development, social-emotional learning, self-regulation, motor skills, and early literacy—four of the five key indicators of kindergarten readiness.
KPMG’s $5,000 investment supported the full cost of the workshop, including the teaching artist, support staff, travel expenses, and all instructional materials required for the event. West Lakes Early Learning Center, operated by AdventHealth, helped coordinate participation and logistics, reinforcing the strong collaboration among community, healthcare, and corporate partners committed to early childhood success.
In addition to building practical classroom skills, the workshop created space for participating educators to connect with one another, share best practices, and collaborate in a supportive learning environment. This peer exchange is a critical component of the Early Learning through the Arts model, strengthening educator confidence and long-term impact in the classroom.
“Arts-integrated learning is a powerful tool in early childhood education,” said Jennifer Evins, President & CEO of United Arts of Central Florida. “Through partnerships like this one with KPMG and our early learning and community partners, we are equipping educators with joyful, effective strategies that help young children build the foundation they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.”
United Arts extends its sincere gratitude to KPMG, West Lakes Early Learning Center, AdventHealth, and community partners for their collaboration and support. This pilot workshop represents an important step toward expanding Early Learning through the Arts opportunities for educators and young learners across Central Florida, reinforcing the role of creativity as a cornerstone of lifelong learning.
