Category Archives: Managing Early Childhood Programs

Spaces and Places for Young Children—Thoughtfully Designed

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

I love creating aesthetically pleasing environments for children! I love the possibilities within each space! I love moving furniture to get just the right placement! I love finding the perfect container for our nature walk treasures! I love adding unique materials to the shelves! And, I love to watch the children discover all that is waiting to be discovered! Continue reading →

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What’s the Hurry …

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

More than twenty-five years ago, I had the privilege of speaking with a professor from Tufts University. He had written a book, and was at our AEYC meeting. Little did I know then that my work with young children would be shaped by this chance discussion with David Elkind, author of “The Hurried Child”. Continue reading →

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“Read the Air …”

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

We, in early childhood education, can also tap into this practice. “Reading the air” easily applies to the way we enter a classroom of young children; how we join a group of preschoolers already at play; and how we enter a conversation between colleagues. Do we enter quietly, respectfully, and take in all that is happening within the space? Do we observe and listen first? And then, do we enter in a way that “fits” with what is already happening? Do we “read the air?” Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, For Early Childhood Directors, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Performance Management Skills, Training for Early Childhood Directors | 1 Comment

Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

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 says, “change the world one page at a time.” Continue reading →

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Helping Children Make Friends

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

A preschool classroom isn’t a community unless every child has at least one friend.
We have found that children need three types of skills to make and keep friends. They must be able to establish contact with another child; they must be able to maintain a positive relationship; and they must be able to negotiate when a conflict arises.
And, this is where we teachers come in. By coaching and teaching, we can help children practice the skills they need to make friends.
Continue reading →

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Make Time to Talk with Children

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

Talking with children makes a difference! “The more that adults intentionally make time for talking and sharing experiences, the more support there is for children’s language development and later reading comprehension success.” from the National Institute for Literacy
Are you making time to talk? Continue reading →

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Let them be Little…

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

The longer I live, the less I understand the rationale behind 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? Continue reading →

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

The 20th Reunion at the John Hancock Child Care Center

Posted on February 15, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

It has been eight years since our John Hancock Child Care Center in Boston closed. As we were all saddened by the corporate decision, we were determined to make our last months memorable. The following is from my journal entry of June, 2010.
“On a recent summer afternoon—a Saturday—when so many other events are planned, they came to ours! Hundreds of people attended. Unbelievable! The line to the front door stretched down the block! The perfect celebration for our 20 years as the John Hancock Child Care Center. And, it was quite the party! Continue reading →

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

A Look Back …

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Marcia Hebert

As Director of an early childhood program, are you creating a environment for magic? Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, For Early Childhood Directors, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Performance Management Skills, Training for Early Childhood Directors | 3 Comments

The Image of a Child

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Marcia Hebert

In Reggio Emilia there is much discussion around the principle – The Image of the Child. For it is the point from which all teaching and learning begin. How much time have we spent thinking about our image of the child? And, do our early childhood settings reflect the image we hold? Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Teachers, For Early Childhood Directors, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Performance Management Skills, Training for Early Childhood Directors | 2 Comments