Since you asked…
Community Child Care Association’s blog for early childhood educators
Question: I’m the educational leader, but am struggling to mentor and support our educators because they just see me as ‘checking up on them’ and get defensive.
Answer: Set yourself up for success by setting long term goals
The role of educational leader can be tricky. Being assigned the role is no guarantee that you’ll feel empowered,…
Question: Is it wrong to ask children to line up? Some educators say there’s no need for children to wait in line before meals, outdoor play or on excursions, while others feel it’s important for safety and school readiness…
Answer: It’s not wrong or right, but it’s also not necessary
I’ve observed many programs where children are left waiting in lines for other children to join them. Is this what’s…
Question: Should educators go shoe-free in our babies room?
Answer: Explore the idea with your team
This is a question that I often reflected on during my time as a centre director and – to be honest I never quite…
Question: How should we go about caring for babies whose parents request that they are left to cry in the cot without comfort (cry it out) or similar sleep training methods for sleep times?
Answer: Work in partnership with the family
Spend some time showing the family the sleep space and routine. You may need to explain the limitations of sleeping…
Question: How can we ensure our QIP is a living document, which allows all educators to regularly contribute and stay up to date with our overall goals?
Answer: Switch up your approach
Focus less on people working directly with the document and more on how they engage with the process.
Having…
Question: What can I do to support a very tired team? I’ve only just taken up the educational leader role and it’s going to be an uphill climb for everyone as morale is extremely low.
Answer: Focus on meaningful relationships
During these tricky times, support for your team is crucial, and the best way to do this is by building meaningful…
Question: Help! The children in my 2–3s room don’t listen to me. How can I be firmer with them?
Answer: Promote a calmer environment and reflect on the needs behind children’s behaviour
We hear you! Whilst 2 to 3-year-olds are a delightful and exuberant age group, we can often feel like their…
Question: Are progressive meal times a good idea? How do we know if it’s right for our service?
Answer: Start small to see if it works for you
Whatever your service type, progressive meals are a wonderful way for children to have more choice and freedom in…