Because even the best leaders talk to themselves first. There was a little boy who came to our program who had already been expelled from a few others. When he arrived, he carried a notebook from his teacher that was filled with difficult notes — lists of behaviors, warnings, and frustration. It was hard to …
Author Archives: Christina Fecio, Educational Consultant
Embracing Risky Play in Early Childhood Programs: Why It Matters
Contributed by DAL Advisory Committee member, Jill Boeck In an age of helicopter parenting and heightened safety concerns, the concept of risky play in early childhood can raise eyebrows. But increasing research and real-world observations show that taking measured risks in play is not only natural but essential to healthy child development. Rather than eliminating risk, high-quality …
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Keeping Life in Perspective
We’re happy to share this perspective from Career Advisor at the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (and DAL committee member), Charla Smith. In the years since COVID, I’ve often had to remind myself to keep life in “perspective.” It might sound a bit cliché, but how often do we truly think about our …
What is Leadership?
We’re happy to share this perspective on leadership from educational consultant (and DAL committee member), Christina Fecio. “What is leadership?” When I ask that question in a group, at least one person is always compelled to google it and/or someone answers it with an inspirational quote. As a self-admitted “word nerd” I do love a …
Quick Tips: Managing Clearances
Directors in WNY have shared questions regarding the recent regulatory changes. Our first tip, of course, is to suggest open, honest communication with your licensor — don’t be afraid to call him/her with your questions. Separately, we’d like to suggest checking out this informational video from OCFS, if you haven’t seen it yet: Comprehensive Background …
Quick Tip: Connect with Every Team Member, Every Day
Engaging in warm, positive, 1:1 daily interactions with children is recommended as a key strategy for building relationships with young children — but did you know it’s equally essential for adults? Whether you’re commenting on something that you observed (“Hey, I appreciated that engagement you had with Dion”) or offering a simple, sincere “thank you” …
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Quick Tip: Make a Short List
When you have a loooooooong to-do list that is interrupted by bathroom breaks, phone calls, and other things that reliably pop up, it’s easy to be busy all day long and still wrap up the day feeling like you didn’t accomplish anything. A short list can help you stay focused and productive — and it’s …
Quick Tip: Treats for Your Team
A new school year, like every season of change, is busy and can feel overwhelming to children and adults alike. To help teachers manage the transition, add a little pick-me-up to your staff lounge. Show them you care with a “de-stress basket” that contains various teas, coffees, snacks, a stress ball and/or adult coloring pages, …
Quick Tip: Think Positively!
In a world where we’re bombarded with negative information — social media, news, advertisements, and more — it can help your mindset (and your productivity) to focus on the positive. Consider posting a few positive, inspirational quotes around your office and in shared spaces. Whether you jot them on sticky notes or create a fancy …
Quick Tip: Don’t Skimp on Onboarding
When you have ratios that need to be met and a task list that seems to get longer each day, it can be tempting to take some shortcuts with new employees’ orientation. Today’s pro tip? Don’t skimp! The time (and effort) that you put into orientation has a direct impact on employee retention. …and if …
Directors As Leaders 