Early Childhood

Our Early Childhood team is dedicated to supporting educators who serve our youngest learners. Through high-quality coaching, dynamic professional development, and collaborative networking opportunities, we help early childhood professionals build strong, developmentally appropriate instructional practices. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge, connect with peers, or strengthen your impact in the classroom, we're here to partner with you every step of the way.

Early Childhood Department Offerings



Tippi Cooper-Foley
Tippi Cooper-Foley
Director of Early Childhood & Workforce Development Consultant
2019 to present
Master’s Degree in Educational Administration  

Tippi Foley is the Director of Early Childhood & Workforce Development Consultant for the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio. She is a proven leader with 30 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, coach, and has served as President and Vice President of the Perry Local Board of Education since 2016. Prior to her work at the ESC, Tippi spent 11 years as the Director of Early Childhood for the Lake County ESC and previously with Auburn Career Center where she held positions as a Teacher, Career Pathways Counselor, and Enrollment Specialist serving 11 school districts throughout Lake and Geauga Counties. Tippi also has experience as an instructor for the Dr. James H. Porter Center for Science and Mathematics. 

She received her bachelor's degree from Kent State University in 1992 with a major in Psychology, her teaching license from Lake Erie College, and Master's in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University in 2007. Tippi and her husband have three adult children and live in Perry, Ohio on Lake Erie where they enjoy spending time on the lake with their family and friends.
Melissa Adipietro
Melissa Adipietro
Early Childhood Education Specialist
2021 to present
B.A., Child Development
M.S., Education-Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy

Melissa Adipietro is an Early Childhood Education Specialist at the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio, bringing 22 years of experience in the field of education. Melissa's work at the ESC supports the Resident Educator Program through educator mentoring and program facilitation. Melissa also serves on the ESC's Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC) as co-chair and supports grant work between the ESC and partner districts. 

In her previous work, Melissa supported a team of Early Childhood Education professionals while running a program focused on serving children birth-preschool. Melissa is passionate about the field of education and will bring her unique experience and expertise while partnering with educators and institutions to assist in educator development for the benefit of the students served.






Early Childhood PLC 2025-2026:
Monday, September 15 (11:30–1:30, Luncheon)
Monday, November 10 (8:30–11:00, Breakfast)
Monday, January 12 (11:30–1:30, Luncheon)
Monday, March 9 (8:30–11:00, Breakfast)

Data-Driven Teaching: Best Practices for Informed Instruction
10/10/2025 (8:30–10:30 AM)

Empowering Early Learners Through MTSS: A Literacy-Focused Approach
10/17/2025 (8:30–10:30 AM)

READ, TALK, PLAY: Research-Based Tier 1 Literacy Strategies
12/5/2025 (8:30–10:30 AM)

MTSS/Emergent Literacy 3-Part Series
2/13/26 (8:30–3:30)
Empowering Early Learners Through MTSS: A Literacy-Focused Approach
READ, TALK, PLAY: Research-Based Tier 1 Literacy Strategies
READ, TALK, PLAY: Tier 2 & Tier 3 Literacy Strategies for Differentiated Instruction