Even though we live in an era of childcare centers almost everywhere and most of us work or have worked in at least one type of care setting, we don’t often think of the women who actually began this phenomenon in our country. Read along for some of the earliest efforts to care for young […]
The Beginnings of Child Care in the United States Read More »
One of our family’s military assignments was in Athens, Greece. The base there was small and there was no housing for families so we lived “on the economy” in an apartment that overlooked the Aegean Sea. We had Greek neighbors (who thankfully spoke English!), we shopped at Greek markets, we attended church in a Greek
Leading with Love: Action and Connection in Early Childhood Read More »
As a child care center director or leader, the start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and realign with your personal and professional goals. While managing a center often feels like balancing on a tightrope, committing to intentional habits can make 2025 your most successful and fulfilling year yet. Here
Begin the New Year as Your Best Self Read More »
As the days grow shorter and the pace of the season picks up, it’s easy for the weight of winter to settle in. But light—both literal and figurative—has the power to transform our environments, our moods, and even our mental health. In early childhood centers, where the tone set by directors and staff ripples through
Let There Be Light: Illuminating Your Childcare Center Read More »
As we approach the end of another year, there’s no better time to reflect on what we’ve built, the systems that help us operate, and the potential waiting to be unlocked. In child care, each day is a testament to our dedication, filled with small but powerful moments of growth, connection, and discovery. November brings
Reflecting with Gratitude in Our Practices, Processes, and Potential Read More »
As we shift from summer to fall, many of us in childcare leadership find ourselves juggling a variety of changes—from the weather to the curriculum, to staff energy levels (yes, I’m talking about that post-summer slump!). The seasonal transition offers both opportunities and challenges, so it’s essential to have a game plan that keeps our
Preparing for Seasonal Transitions in Childcare Read More »
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a crucial skill that supports a child’s ability to navigate social interactions, manage emotions, and develop empathy. In early childhood education, fostering EQ is essential for creating a supportive and nurturing environment where children can thrive. By helping children understand and express their emotions, educators can lay the groundwork for better
Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood Education Read More »
Who doesn’t want to do their best everyday? We all want to be effective in our daily work and still have energy to enjoy time with family and friends after that work is done. We often wish for more time in the day or more hours to accomplish the things on our list. Often doing
As the end of the year approaches, early care and learning center directors are faced with the challenge of ensuring that their centers finish the year on a high note. This period is crucial for reflecting on achievements, addressing any remaining challenges, and setting the stage for a successful transition into the summer or the
Finish Strong: Strategies for Early Care and Learning Center Directors Read More »
While it may not be true everywhere this newsletter appears, it is often true in central Texas where the newsletter is written! April is a RAINY month! The phrase “April Showers” can actually be traced back to an English poet in the 1500’s! Wet weather in England inspired Thomas Tusser to write “sweet April showers
April Showers Bring More Than Flowers Read More »
