Category Archives: Early Childhood Curriculum

When we design our early childhood classrooms, we essentially become the director of a Broadway production. We have an empty stage—filled with possibility. We build the set (walls, flooring, doors, windows). We paint the backdrop scenery. We add the furniture … Continue reading →

Building a community between children, parents, and teachers is the #1 goal of an early childhood program. So, how do we cultivate a climate where parents feel welcome and relevant in our child care centers? Continue reading →

The partnership between parent and teacher cannot be underestimated. When it is built on mutual trust and respect, everything else falls into place – everything! Read on … Continue reading →

To continue the conversation from the previous post about giving feedback, I want to talk a bit about receiving feedback – from the parents in our programs. Continue reading →

If you are the director or supervisor of an early childhood center, school, program or organization, undoubtedly you have had to address performance issues within your team. This is one of the most stressful parts of the job, and I hope what I’ve learned will be helpful to you. Read on… Continue reading →

If you are the Director of an Early Childhood Program, much of your work centers around finding and hiring your team – and then working together effectively. Building and growing your team will take time. But if you know some of the indicators of success, you can look for these traits in the people you interview. One of these indicators is having a high degree of Emotional Intelligence. Continue reading →

Once you accept the position as Director, you will need to think long and hard about what kind of director you will be for your team, for the parents, and for the children in your program. I think this is your first, and most important task – before you begin your new job. Read on to gather some thoughts from an experienced director. And then create your vision of you. Continue reading →

So, how do we directors begin? With the end in mind. We visualize what our programs will be like when they are running the way we would like them to run – in as much detail as we can dream up. We really see the end result of our work. We sketch, write – whatever gets our creativity going. We take our time and think about everything that matters in the course of a day, week, month, year. For example …. Continue reading →

With the publication and release of my early childhood leadership book, “Beginning to End” – the life cycle of a child care center, these next posts will share a bit more information, tips, strategies … beyond the book. Continue reading →