Open to opportunities

Lauren Hardgraves

@laurenhardgraves

Message

I build early childhood programs and parent support to expand education access.

Zimbabwe

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead early childhood and community learning programs that blend storytelling, data-informed operations, and parent coaching to strengthen families—especially where education access and retention need support.

I’m a writer, educator, and parent coach expanding access to education and community learning. I design early childhood programs and family advocacy resources that strengthen opportunities for children and families, connecting storytelling, education, and program development to expand opportunity and strengthen communities.

Most recently, as Program Manager at THE COMMON GOOD, I developed and launched a free community preschool serving children five and under, expanding early learning access for families facing financial barriers. I also co-authored research on educator stress (Mental Health Journal, 2019), and I’ve founded Hardgraves Early Education to support families through parent coaching, emotional regulation support, and Afrocentric SEL programming.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Educational Consultant & Parent Coach

Hardgraves Early Education

Jan 2017 - Jan 2025 (8 years)

Provided educational consulting and parent coaching, including co-authoring research on educator stress (Mental Health Journal, 2019). Founded Hardgraves Early Education to support families and expand early learning through community programs, parent coaching, caregiver advocacy materials, and a free community preschool.

Educational Consulting Child Development Emotional Regulation Mental Health AfrocEntric SEL Program Development

Academic Support Advisor

Adtalem Global Education

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Supported onboarding and academic lifecycle services for 1,000+ adult learners. Led cross-functional action groups focused on retention disparities across student identities including disability status, race, sexuality, and age.

Academic Advising Onboarding Academic Lifecycle Support Retention Equity & Inclusion

Family Advocacy & Parent Education Lead

KIPP Public Schools & Third Future Schools

Jan 2020 - Jan 2023 (3 years)

Led family advocacy and parent education through community learning models and implemented a Ron Clark Academy House System curriculum adapted to reflect Afrocentric identity. Managed leadership development and program operations to strengthen school culture and improve performance against state standards, using data-informed improvement and policy/regulatory compliance.

Parent Education House System Curriculum Afrocentric Identity Adaptation Student Retention & Equity Staff Training Program Operations Policy Compliance

Assistant Community Director

University of North Texas

Jan 2015 - Jan 2018 (3 years)

Supervised 300+ student leaders and managed residential operations with heightened safety protocols for minors. Mentored staff and led leadership and community programs supporting student life in residence halls.

Residential Operations Community Programming

Program Manager

The Common Good

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Developed and launched a free community preschool serving children five and under, expanding early learning access for families facing financial barriers. Designed staffing models, classroom environments, and operational systems aligned with early childhood development research and state licensing standards.

Program Management Community Preschool Launch Classroom Environment Design Operational Systems Family engagement