Lovingly Known as "P.J."
Short for Precious Jewel
An Educator - Yarbrough received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education from Southern Arkansas University. Her professional career spans over twenty years within the education field, with children at the heart of her work. She is intentional about striving for effectiveness, empathy, and equality for all children and her colleagues. Yarbrough initially worked in an elementary classroom but has served in many early education roles including curriculum-focused work, technical assistance, training facilitator, Arkansas Better Beginnings, and a certified and reliable assessor of the Program Administration and the Early Childhood Environment rating scales.
Currently, she is a training advisor with the University of Arkansas Early Care and Education Projects (ECEP) where She assists in researching and writing professional development curricula within the early childhood field, presenting and teaching ECEP courses to participants, and coaching early childhood professionals across Arkansas.
A Community Leader & Volunteer – A champion for children, one of Yarbrough’s most rewarding and refreshing endeavors was to serve in the foster care community as the executive director and administrator at the Agape House Children’s Home. Her heart for the community is evident as she frequents civic events and has been awarded numerous community-focused awards. Volunteer involvement includes past service as the vice president of the El Dorado School District and membership on multiple boards. Currently, she is a member of ForwARd Arkansas and serves as president-elect of the Arkansas Early Childhood Association (AECA). She will lead AECA beginning January 2022. Yarbrough is also actively involved in her church, Changing Lives Ministries (CLM) Church, serving as an ordained minister and the Director of Ministries.
A Wife & Mother– “P.J.” has been married to her husband, Larry D., Sr., Pastor of Changing Lives Ministries Church, since 2000. They reside in El Dorado, Arkansas, and are the blessed parents of two sons, Larry D. Jr., (L.J.) ,and Lance. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, writing, and thrift shopping for vintage clothing.