Welcome to my Early Childhood Leadership Web site!
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” – Lao Tzu
This quote best sums up my life, for I am a teacher—first, last, and always.
From my earliest recollection, I played school with my dolls and stuffed animals. Within my family, I was the one drawn to the children (and they to me). And, of course, I always came to family gatherings armed with materials and supplies for unique projects. I still do.
When teaching is in your heart, it is there to stay.
I hold a master of education degree in Educational Leadership and Management, and I’ve spent the better part of my professional life in the field of early childhood education, as teacher of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners; as supervisor of teachers and student interns; as director of four child care centers—the last program, at John Hancock Financial Services in Boston, was my largest program with two hundred children, and a staff of sixty-five. I have been an education specialist for the Head Start program; director of education for the multi-site Mulberry Child Care business, originally based in Boston; coordinator for many New England early childhood conferences with the Green Acres Foundation; advisory board member for several early childhood initiatives; National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference speaker and presenter; validator for NAEYC Accreditation of Early Learning Programs; teacher of adults; consultant, mentor and coach to directors and leaders; and co-author of a book for preschool teachers, Curriculum Planner—Fitting the Pieces Together.
I have “lived” your life!
I am passionate about child care and early education for the youngest of our children, and, over the years, have met and worked with many, many, many other equally passionate people as I moved from one position to the next.
My education leadership consulting business gave me the opportunity to work with the leaders of child care centers and early childhood programs across Massachusetts, because these are the people who hold the key to quality early education and care. These are the decision-makers. These are the people who will create the vision, the philosophy for their programs. These are the people who will make the positive differences in the lives of our youngest children. These are the people who will create the learning environments and the experiences within them. These are the people who will hire their staffs and train them well. And these are the people who will support, motivate, mentor, and inspire.
As directors, leaders, and teachers of programs, you give of yourselves every minute of your workday—and you, too, need to be replenished, restored, supported, and yes, cheered on from time to time.
Teaching and caring for young children is an honorable profession. It is also an awesome responsibility, a humbling experience, and life-changing work. And, it demands the very best we have to give.
What I have learned during my career as early childhood teacher, supervisor, director, and leader, I am pleased to share with you.
On the pages of this website, you will see the many programs and services I have developed. My consulting, mentoring, coaching, workshops and training come straight from my experiences, supported by my reading, learning, and education. I share what I have learned with sensitivity, humor, empathy, and sincere enthusiasm. I hope to inspire!
Marcia – Knowing you as long as I have, I can’t wait to share in the next exciting adventure!
You’re going to be fabulous, whatever avenue you chose to persue.
hugs,
Penny
Penny, Thank you for your love, support, and friendship all these many years. What a ride, huh?!?
Marcia,
I love this site and it perfectly illustrates the quality, passion, and insights that I observed for years in your work at John Hancock.
Stephen – Thank you! Thank you!
Hi Marcia,
I think you might be getting a call soon from my supervisor, I hope it comes together!
It was wonderful meeting with you yesterday! We very much enjoyed our discussions and our plans for your upcoming workshop! Thank you so much for taking your own personal time to venture out this way to meet us! It was great to see that our philosophies are so very similiar and we look forward to working with you on many of our new endeavors!
It was my pleasure, Lisa. I look forward to our working together as well. When like-minded people find one another, the magic begins!
You completely stated within your introduction the passion that I also feel for teaching young children. I am currently pursuing my teaching degree and hope to finish my associates degree in June. Sometimes it feels like I will never get there but I press on ( : I aspire to be as passionate in my field as you are in yours!
My best to you, Jineth! We continue to need passionate teachers who aspire to quality in their chosen field. And, congratulations, for choosing one of the most noble professions! You have the ability to change lives – awesome!!!
I’ve popped over here from a post on Jennie Fitzkee’s blog. She is an inspirational teacher. It is obvious that you are too. It’s wonderful to meet you. I also find it true that if teaching is in your blood, there’s no way of watering it down, no transfusion that can dilute it. All we can do is enjoy.
Happy to meet you as well, Norah! I suspect we are kindred early childhood spirits:) Much in common!