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 neighborhood. We even learned enough “social Greek” so we could communicate with cab drivers (we didn’t have a car for almost a year!) and purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers from the street vendors. From this experience, I came to love the Greek language and especially the words about love.
February is often seen as the month of love, but in early childhood education, love is at the heart of what we do all year long. The ancient Greeks defined love in different ways, and two of those—agape and phileo—are essential in our work with young children, families, and staff. Understanding these types of love can help us build stronger connections, foster a positive work environment, and create an atmosphere where both children and adults flourish.
Agape: Love in Action

Agape is selfless, unconditional love—the kind that gives without expecting anything in return. In early childhood education, this looks like:
- Showing patience when a child is struggling to regulate emotions.
- Offering support to a parent navigating challenges at home.
- Encouraging a teacher who is feeling overwhelmed.
Agape love reminds us that our work is more than just a job—it’s a calling to serve, nurture, and uplift others. This love creates the foundation of a caring, inclusive environment where children and adults alike feel valued and safe. It also means leading with empathy, understanding that every child and teacher comes with their own struggles, and responding with kindness rather than frustration. It means making the choice to lead with love.
Phileo: Love Through Connection
Phileo is love through friendship and camaraderie—a deep sense of connection and shared purpose. It strengthens relationships and makes the workplace feel like a community. You see phileo in action when:
- Teachers support and celebrate each other’s successes.
- Directors build trust with their team through open communication.
- Leaders encourage collaboration and create a culture of belonging.
A workplace filled with phileo love is one where people feel valued and supported. When directors and administrators foster this sense of connection, staff members are more likely to stay engaged, feel motivated, and bring their best selves to work each day. Encouraging mentorship, creating opportunities for staff bonding, and fostering a culture of appreciation all help build stronger professional relationships.
Love as Leadership
As leaders in early childhood, embracing agape and phileo love allows us to build environments where children, families, and staff thrive. Love is not just a feeling—it’s a practice. When we approach leadership with love, we create a space where educators feel empowered, children feel safe and supported, and families trust that they are part of a community that genuinely cares.
This February, let’s be intentional about leading with love, lifting each other up, and creating spaces where care and connection are at the heart of all we do. Consider small ways you can infuse more love into your leadership—whether it’s through an encouraging word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply taking the time to listen.
How do you show love in your leadership?