Category Archives: Early Childhood

Interesting Elements to Add to our Environments for Children

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

Sometimes, we come upon a piece of equipment or an unlikely object that works so well in our programs for young children that we just have to pass the idea on. Such is the intent of this post. Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, John Hancock Child Care Center, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Training for Early Childhood Directors | Leave a comment

Spaces and Places – Thoughtfully Designed

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

“The aesthetic appeal is all about color, lighting, display, texture, nature, sounds, and smells; and the warm, home-like feel is about softness, real-life materials blended into the child’s world of things.” This is a thoughtful, intentional design for early childhood environments.
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Spaces and Places – The Basics of Designing Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Environments

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

Who will live in this space?
If we can thoughtfully and in great detail answer this one question, and, in essence, become these children, we will be well on our way to designing environments that meet both the developmental needs and interests of their inhabitants. Continue reading →

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Spaces and Places

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

Years ago, when we were getting ready to open the John Hancock Child Care Center in Boston, I had the privilege of working with Jim Greenman (author of Caring Spaces, Learning Places [Children’s Environments That Work] and Places for Childhoods: … Continue reading →

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The Partnership

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

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

Posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Training for Early Childhood Directors | 2 Comments

When Parents Have Concerns

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

Even in the most competently run early childhood programs, parents have concerns and sometimes complaints. And, they have a right and a responsibility to express their concerns, and, to receive thoughtful responses. There are some general strategies to use in these situations – strategies that will also help us continue to build positive relationships. Read on… Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Training for Early Childhood Directors | 2 Comments

Parents Can Teach Us About Their Children – If We Ask Some Good Questions

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

As early childhood educators, helping relationships develop naturally and authentically between parents, teachers, and children is what we do. Some of us do this with ease. Some of us need a little guidance. And some of us have used the strategy of building the parent relationship through the child with much success.
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Our Relationship With Parents

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Marcia Hebert

Parents – the third leg of the three-legged stool. When all three are in balance, so is the stool. The stool can be a metaphor for the classroom, the school, the organization. To the director of the early childhood program, there is nothing more important than balancing this stool! The relationship between the child, the teacher, and the parent is the foundation for everything that happens in the program. How to do this effectively and build a true partnership is the challenge and the objective. Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, John Hancock Child Care Center, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Training for Early Childhood Directors | 2 Comments

A Look Back …

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Marcia Hebert

This past year I have had the privilege of working with numerous directors of early childhood programs, as well as their teams of teachers. And what I experienced, time and time again, was their passion, their enthusiasm, and their strong commitment to quality. I also observed many magical moments, as I moved from program to program and watched masterful teachers in action. We are fortunate to have these people in our programs. As we know, the magic begins with a few, and then ripples throughout the organization. And, as we also know, it begins at the top. Continue reading →

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Let them be Little

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Marcia Hebert

The longer I live, the less I understand the “rushing,” the “hurriedness,” the “sense of urgency” that accompanies everything we do today. Why the fast lane? Where are we going? What are we racing to? Can’t we slow things down – for our children? Can’t we celebrate the ordinary moments – that, as we know, are anything but ordinary! Can’t we follow the children’s lead in this? And, can we let them be little? Continue reading →

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