Meet Zephonia Avant: Local Lead Captain in South Central Arkansas
As part of Arkansas’s Early Childhood Local Leads, Zephonia Avant is helping shape the future of early learning in Calhoun, Columbia, Ouachita, and Union counties. Representing the South Central Service Cooperative, Zephonia brings deep local knowledge and a passion for supporting families and providers. Her work is vital to building strong community partnerships and ensuring every child has access to high-quality early childhood education.
Read on to learn more about Zephonia!
What brought you to work in the early childhood education field?
My passion for families. Early on, I knew that I had a deep value for families. I believe this was instilled in me from how my mother cared for and valued our family. I remember the challenges my mother experienced as a young mother in the workforce. Sadly, some of those same challenges still exist today for working families.
Who inspires you professionally or personally? And why?
I am inspired personally by my mother, who now lives in heaven. Inspiration also comes from my daughters. I strive to be to them what my mother was to me.
There have been many who have inspired me professionally throughout my career. I find that each stage of my career introduces me to new friends who inspire me. I continually find inspiration in my colleagues every day.
And, I can’t forgo mentioning Mr. Fred Rogers. His legacy of kindness and compassion have had a ripple effect throughout early childhood education and humanity, and continues to do so.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite things to do in your spare time?
I love to explore local flea markets and antique shops.
Do you have any dreams or aspirations you want to share?
I dream of communities that value children and families. Communities that intentionally strive to cultivate kindness, compassion, opportunity, and wonder for children and families.
What do you do to treat yourself?
There is always time for ice cream!
A day of exploration and guided curiosity for early educators at Camp Curiosity! Here educators examine how mathematical concepts such as algebraic thinking can be cultivated in young children through nature explorations. Educators also had opportunity to rethink art with an intentional focus, celebrating children as thinkers. The event was in partnership with SCSC Local Leads, AState Childhood Services, and the Museum of Natural Resources.
We are looking for all new principals for next year. While we wish we could accommodate all assistant principals we must ask that they not attend this training due to limited space. We do invite all assistants to join us for our monthly sessions that will be scheduled later.
Our next SCSC Wear it Wednesday is tomorrow! Show up in your vacation gear, and you will be eligible for our door prize. Let's see what fun and festive attire our educators can wear!
#weARsouthcentral #yourBESTsolution
Thank you to Central Elementary in Magnolia for hosting our Morphology workshop today. Autumn Dunn led teachers through strategies and lessons to help their students. #weARsouthcentral #yourBESTsolution
Ar Pep Year 1 Summer Academy is underway at SCSC. These participants dug into standards, TESS, and brain development. #weARsouthcentral #yourBESTsolution #ArPep
Thank you for your patience as we process professional development hours. Please allow up to two weeks for all hours to be entered and reflected in the system. We appreciate your understanding and support!
Get ready to energize your classroom! 💡 Join us for a day of hands-on learning, STEM innovation, and career-connected teaching. Register here: www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=562607
#LithiumLearns #SouthArkansasCareers
Join us for "WEAR IT WEDNESDAY" each week at the co-op this summer. Dress in the theme outfits, and you will be entered into the drawing for a door prize! Save the schedule, so you will be dressed in your best.
#weARsouthcentral
#yourBESTsolution
This is more than a workshop—it’s a career launchpad for your students.
Join us for a free professional development day packed with:
🔬 Industry presentations
🧪 Hands-on activities
🎯 Career-focused resources
🗓 July 22, 2025 | 9:00AM–3:00PM
📍 South Arkansas College | 🥗 Lunch included
Reserve your seat: www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=562607
South Central Service Cooperative is excited to be partnering with the other cooperatives in the state to develop and implement the Beginning Principal Mentoring program launching in July.
Our first SCSC "Wear Your Spirit Wednesday" was tons of fun. From our local schools to professional teams, our participants brought the spirit.
#weARsouthcentral
#yourBESTsolution
South Ark College provided SCSC CTE and Counselors with a great professional development today showcasing all the opportunities it offers to students. Thank you Ray Winiecki and all of South Ark for this wonderful opportunity. #weARsouthcentral #yourBESTsolution
🎯 WE WANT YOU! 🎯
Are you a First Year Principal or First Year Superintendent?
Make sure you’re officially on the radar — REGISTER WITH THE STATE TODAY!
Let’s make your first year a great one. 💼📚✨
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfU-rF48vq4ClGApZ1BQVXKKdO3T4abI7lpk2hD2WMC9I3Zg/viewform
Coming to SCSC this Wednesday, June 18th? It's WEAR YOUR SPIRIT WEDNESDAY! Wear your school spirit, and you are eligible to enter a drawing for a prize! Let's see who has the most school spirit! Share with your buddies!
#yourBESTsolution
#weARsouthcentral
Happy #FathersDay to the dads who lead with love, strength, and quiet wisdom. Today we celebrate your impact, your guidance, and all the ways you show up—every single day. 💙👔 —From all of us at South Central Service Cooperative. #ThankYouDad
The shop is closed today!
I’ll be back and processing orders on Monday.
If you need to reach me in the meantime, feel free to send an email—I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
caitlyn.mcdonald@scscoop.org
There has been tons of positive PD commotion in our SCSC ocean! Some of our "catches" this week have included Open Sci Ed, Canva, and Empowering Parents as Partners. #weARsouthcentral #yourBESTsolution
Do you have a heart for early childhood education?
We’re looking for a full-time P-4 Teacher for the Arkansas Better Chance Preschool in Hampton.
You’ll work in a supported environment with a paraprofessional and floater, under the leadership of a certified teacher.
🎓 Required: AA in Child Development or Early Childhood Ed
📅 190-day contract
Ready to make a lasting impact?
📩 Apply here: https://www.scscoop.org/page/scsc-employment-opportunities
📢 Heads up! The print shop will be closed June 12–13. Orders will resume processing on Monday, June 16. Thanks for understanding!
