Category Archives: Managing Early Childhood Programs

I am a huge proponent of the primary caregiver system – because it works!
It works for children; it works for parents; it works for teachers; and it works for directors. It is the glue that holds teachers responsible and accountable for providing consistent, appropriate care and learning experiences for each child. Continue reading →

On this eve of the New Year, I tend to reflect on all of the things that really mattered this past year. In my work with you – as consultant, coach, mentor, and teacher – what got my passions fueled? Who inspired me each day? What motivated me? Where did I find the answers? How did I ask the questions? Most importantly, did I make a positive difference?

On this eve of the New Year I have, for you, two gifts. Continue reading →

From my vantage point as teacher, then director, and now consultant to many many early childhood programs, I often wonder why we celebrate holidays in our programs with very young children. Continue reading →

A new day! A new start! A new school year! As the Director of an Early Childhood program, I’ve always loved beginnings. They’ve given me the opportunity to start over again every single year – to set the tone, to set the expectations, to set the goals, and to set the roadmap. Continue reading →

This month of August, as we begin the designing, the planning, and the purchasing for our classrooms, I ask you to think about a “different perspective.” Will you make the shift in your head from what you are doing to what the children are receiving? It’s a subtle shift, but it is transformational! Will you become the child and walk in his shoes?
Will you let go of some of your “comfortable” habits and routine ways of planning activities for the children; designing space for the children; creating routines and schedules for the children? Will you try something a bit different?
Will you look through a new lens as you begin this school year? Will you focus your energy first on the children, and their individual and collective experiences with you? And then, on your planning, designing, and implementing phases?
I believe that if we can use all of our senses, as our children do, we can more fully understand their experiences in our classrooms. And, in the process, together create an extraordinary child-focused, child-centered program. Continue reading →

Planting this particular garden of “p”s, “squash,” “let us,” and “turn up” might just be the thing to do as you reflect on the coming school year. Enjoy! Continue reading →

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive,
not the most intelligent,
but the one most responsive to change.” (Charles Darwin)
Today, we live in an age of instability; so, to think more proactively, and plan for the inevitable or, to actually make the changes needed, is a matter of survival, not choice. Continue reading →

When we begin to take a closer look at how we spend our time, we can begin to control it, and become more productive in the process. This is the essence of effective management. Continue reading →

In a world that seems to be moving ever faster, finding the delicate balance between our work and our personal lives is a goal to attain for many. Strategies, tips, short-cuts, realistic expectations, setting priorities, managing stress, and cutting ourselves some slack in the process of living and working help greatly. And so, I have included some resources we have found helpful. My hope is that you will find them helpful as well. Continue reading →

Reading aloud to children before they start school is a win/win situation for all concerned. The research is in. There are huge gains to be made – for children and adults alike. I’ll spend the next few minutes hopefully inspiring you to read, read, read aloud to the young children in your life and, as Mem Fox, author, professor, and respected literacy expert, says, “change the world one page at a time.”
Continue reading →