Welcome to Child Champions Hub
Welcome to Child Champions Hub
At Child Champions Hub, we are building a movement—a vibrant and growing community of individuals and organizations committed to putting children first. We believe every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to thrive, belong, and reach their full potential. Our mission is to level the playing field so that young people everywhere—in schools, communities, and organizations—experience the support and encouragement they need to succeed.
At Child Champions Hub, we are building a movement—a vibrant and growing community of individuals and organizations committed to putting children first. We believe every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to thrive, belong, and reach their full potential. Our mission is to level the playing field so that young people everywhere—in schools, communities, and organizations—experience the support and encouragement they need to succeed.
A Community Where Every Child Matters
A Community Where Every Child Matters
We are more than just a network; we are a village of child champions. From educators and youth development professionals to family members, community leaders, and volunteers, we welcome all who are dedicated to being positive role models and mentors for children and youth. Whether you are a Pre-K-12 educator, a local or national youth-serving organization, or an individual passionate about shaping the future, Child Champions Hub is here to support you.
We are more than just a network; we are a village of child champions. From educators and youth development professionals to family members, community leaders, and volunteers, we welcome all who are dedicated to being positive role models and mentors for children and youth. Whether you are a Pre-K-12 educator, a local or national youth-serving organization, or an individual passionate about shaping the future, Child Champions Hub is here to support you.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Brett "Coach Z" Zandes
Brett Zandes, founder and CEO of The Child Champions Hub, began his educational journey in 1991 as a middle school teacher, working with special education students before transitioning to physical education. A seasoned coach, he led winning middle and high school teams while also serving as an after-school Program Site Coordinator. His leadership extended beyond the classroom when he became Project Director of After-School and Program Manager of AmeriCorps, overseeing more than 200 employees and impacting over 10,000 students annually.
Brett played a crucial role in developing the Foundation for SUCCESS program, a statewide network dedicated to supporting expanded learning. As a consultant, he has provided expert training and coaching to after-school programs throughout California. His direct, insightful approach has made him a sought-after leader in working with both students and professionals in expanded learning environments.
An entrepreneur at heart, Brett's business acumen emerged early—managing three paper routes at just eight years old. Today, as the CEO of multiple companies, he focuses on education, personal growth, and finance. He is the architect of a comprehensive, results-driven system designed to help organizations, companies, and individuals streamline operations, enhance accountability, and achieve sustainable success.
Brett’s expertise spans leadership, organizational systems, performance coaching, and quality programming. Whether mentoring emerging leaders or strengthening operational structures, his work continues to shape the future of education, leadership, and personal excellence.
A Lifetime of Leadership, Innovation, and Impact
Dr. CynDee Zandes’
Dr. CynDee Zandes’ career spans five decades of transformative work in K-8 education. She has taught every elementary and middle school grade level, served as a visual and performing arts resource for teachers, developed curriculum, led as a principal, and operated district-wide expanded learning programs. Her deep expertise and commitment to student success have made her an invaluable leader in education.
A highly regarded trainer and presenter, Dr. Zandes has shared her knowledge at prestigious venues such as Yale University’s School of the 21st Century Summer Institute, the national 21st Century Community Learning Center Conference in Washington, D.C., and numerous statewide forums. Her ability to engage and inspire educators has positioned her as a trusted consultant, supporting schools and afterschool programs across California and the nation.
Dr. Zandes’ doctoral research, Where Are The Children?, was a groundbreaking Delphi Study that identified critical challenges in afterschool programs striving for high-quality outcomes. Leading experts in the field unanimously cited staff development as one of the most pressing needs—an insight that has fueled CynDee’s dedication to training and professional growth for educators.
Through her unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and equity, Dr. CynDee Zandes continues to elevate the field of education, ensuring that students and educators alike have the resources and support they need to thrive.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Brett "Coach Z" Zandes
Brett Zandes, founder and CEO of The Child Champions Hub, began his educational journey in 1991 as a middle school teacher, working with special education students before transitioning to physical education. A seasoned coach, he led winning middle and high school teams while also serving as an after-school Program Site Coordinator. His leadership extended beyond the classroom when he became Project Director of After-School and Program Manager of AmeriCorps, overseeing more than 200 employees and impacting over 10,000 students annually.
Brett played a crucial role in developing the Foundation for SUCCESS program, a statewide network dedicated to supporting expanded learning. As a consultant, he has provided expert training and coaching to after-school programs throughout California. His direct, insightful approach has made him a sought-after leader in working with both students and professionals in expanded learning environments.
An entrepreneur at heart, Brett's business acumen emerged early—managing three paper routes at just eight years old. Today, as the CEO of multiple companies, he focuses on education, personal growth, and finance. He is the architect of a comprehensive, results-driven system designed to help organizations, companies, and individuals streamline operations, enhance accountability, and achieve sustainable success.
Brett’s expertise spans leadership, organizational systems, performance coaching, and quality programming. Whether mentoring emerging leaders or strengthening operational structures, his work continues to shape the future of education, leadership, and personal excellence.
A Lifetime of Leadership, Innovation, and Impact
Dr. CynDee Zandes’
Dr. CynDee Zandes’ career spans five decades of transformative work in K-8 education. She has taught every elementary and middle school grade level, served as a visual and performing arts resource for teachers, developed curriculum, led as a principal, and operated district-wide expanded learning programs. Her deep expertise and commitment to student success have made her an invaluable leader in education.
A highly regarded trainer and presenter, Dr. Zandes has shared her knowledge at prestigious venues such as Yale University’s School of the 21st Century Summer Institute, the national 21st Century Community Learning Center Conference in Washington, D.C., and numerous statewide forums. Her ability to engage and inspire educators has positioned her as a trusted consultant, supporting schools and afterschool programs across California and the nation.
Dr. Zandes’ doctoral research, Where Are The Children?, was a groundbreaking Delphi Study that identified critical challenges in afterschool programs striving for high-quality outcomes. Leading experts in the field unanimously cited staff development as one of the most pressing needs—an insight that has fueled CynDee’s dedication to training and professional growth for educators.
Through her unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and equity, Dr. CynDee Zandes continues to elevate the field of education, ensuring that students and educators alike have the resources and support they need to thrive.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Brett "Coach Z" Zandes
Brett Zandes, founder and CEO of The Child Champions Hub, began his educational journey in 1991 as a middle school teacher, working with special education students before transitioning to physical education. A seasoned coach, he led winning middle and high school teams while also serving as an after-school Program Site Coordinator. His leadership extended beyond the classroom when he became Project Director of After-School and Program Manager of AmeriCorps, overseeing more than 200 employees and impacting over 10,000 students annually.
Brett played a crucial role in developing the Foundation for SUCCESS program, a statewide network dedicated to supporting expanded learning. As a consultant, he has provided expert training and coaching to after-school programs throughout California. His direct, insightful approach has made him a sought-after leader in working with both students and professionals in expanded learning environments.
An entrepreneur at heart, Brett's business acumen emerged early—managing three paper routes at just eight years old. Today, as the CEO of multiple companies, he focuses on education, personal growth, and finance. He is the architect of a comprehensive, results-driven system designed to help organizations, companies, and individuals streamline operations, enhance accountability, and achieve sustainable success.
Brett’s expertise spans leadership, organizational systems, performance coaching, and quality programming. Whether mentoring emerging leaders or strengthening operational structures, his work continues to shape the future of education, leadership, and personal excellence.
A Lifetime of Leadership, Innovation, and Impact
Dr. CynDee Zandes’
Dr. CynDee Zandes’ career spans five decades of transformative work in K-8 education. She has taught every elementary and middle school grade level, served as a visual and performing arts resource for teachers, developed curriculum, led as a principal, and operated district-wide expanded learning programs. Her deep expertise and commitment to student success have made her an invaluable leader in education.
A highly regarded trainer and presenter, Dr. Zandes has shared her knowledge at prestigious venues such as Yale University’s School of the 21st Century Summer Institute, the national 21st Century Community Learning Center Conference in Washington, D.C., and numerous statewide forums. Her ability to engage and inspire educators has positioned her as a trusted consultant, supporting schools and afterschool programs across California and the nation.
Dr. Zandes’ doctoral research, Where Are The Children?, was a groundbreaking Delphi Study that identified critical challenges in afterschool programs striving for high-quality outcomes. Leading experts in the field unanimously cited staff development as one of the most pressing needs—an insight that has fueled CynDee’s dedication to training and professional growth for educators.
Through her unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and equity, Dr. CynDee Zandes continues to elevate the field of education, ensuring that students and educators alike have the resources and support they need to thrive.
The Foundation of Our Village
The Foundation of Our Village
At the heart of Child Champions Hub are three powerful entities that share a deep commitment to youth development:
At the heart of Child Champions Hub are three powerful entities that share a deep commitment to youth development:
Consult 4 Kids
Provides training and resources for school-day and expanded learning professionals, ensuring that educators and afterschool staff have the tools to guide and inspire youth.
Consult 4 Kids
Provides training and resources for school-day and expanded learning professionals, ensuring that educators and afterschool staff have the tools to guide and inspire youth.
Consult 4 Kids
Provides training and resources for school-day and expanded learning professionals, ensuring that educators and afterschool staff have the tools to guide and inspire youth.
Entrusted Legacy
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers direct services for young people and professional development for adults, with a focus on supporting other youth-serving organizations.
Entrusted Legacy
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers direct services for young people and professional development for adults, with a focus on supporting other youth-serving organizations.
Entrusted Legacy
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers direct services for young people and professional development for adults, with a focus on supporting other youth-serving organizations.
Out-of-School-Time Essentials
Serves all other individuals and groups who work with youth—volunteer coaches, dedicated parents and grandparents, youth pastors, and community service leaders—anyone who plays a role in nurturing and empowering young people.
Out-of-School-Time Essentials
Serves all other individuals and groups who work with youth—volunteer coaches, dedicated parents and grandparents, youth pastors, and community service leaders—anyone who plays a role in nurturing and empowering young people.
Out-of-School-Time Essentials
Serves all other individuals and groups who work with youth—volunteer coaches, dedicated parents and grandparents, youth pastors, and community service leaders—anyone who plays a role in nurturing and empowering young people.
By bringing together these three entities, Child Champions Hub makes it easier for those who serve youth to access the resources, training, and community support they need.
We invite you to join us in this movement. Together, we can create a culture where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to dream big. Be a Child Champion—because when we invest in our youth, we invest in a better future for all.
By bringing together these three entities, Child Champions Hub makes it easier for those who serve youth to access the resources, training, and community support they need.
We invite you to join us in this movement. Together, we can create a culture where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to dream big. Be a Child Champion—because when we invest in our youth, we invest in a better future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Child Champions Hub?
Child Champions Hub is a community dedicated to putting children first. We bring together individuals, small groups, and youth-serving organizations to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. By working collaboratively, we create a supportive environment where young people feel a sense of belonging and can reach their full potential.
Why is building a community around youth development important?
Who can be part of the Child Champions Hub?
What is meant by “leveling the playing field” for youth?
What kinds of support does the Hub provide?
How is the Child Champions Hub structured?
What types of youth programs does the Hub support?
What is the Child Champions Hub?
Child Champions Hub is a community dedicated to putting children first. We bring together individuals, small groups, and youth-serving organizations to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. By working collaboratively, we create a supportive environment where young people feel a sense of belonging and can reach their full potential.
Why is building a community around youth development important?
Who can be part of the Child Champions Hub?
What is meant by “leveling the playing field” for youth?
What kinds of support does the Hub provide?
How is the Child Champions Hub structured?
What types of youth programs does the Hub support?
Who have you worked in the past?
How can I get involved?
How does the Hub help educators and youth-serving professionals?
What does Child Champions Hub offer to parents and families?
What makes Child Champions Hub different from other youth-serving networks?
How does the Hub support volunteers and community members who work with youth?
Can organizations partner with Child Champions Hub?
Who have you worked in the past?
How can I get involved?
How does the Hub help educators and youth-serving professionals?
What does Child Champions Hub offer to parents and families?
What makes Child Champions Hub different from other youth-serving networks?
How does the Hub support volunteers and community members who work with youth?
Can organizations partner with Child Champions Hub?
Ready to become a champion?
Ready to become a champion?