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 good quote — but when I’m asking you a question, I’m more interested in your own response, in your own words. Your words give me insight about how you think and that insight is important to me.

So I’ve changed my approach a little and now I ask this:

Whose leadership has positively impacted your life? Think about that influential teacher, or coach, or supervisor who immediately comes to mind when you think “leader” and when you can see that face in your mind, ask yourself: “What did that person consistently do well?”

My next question is usually, “… and how did that make you feel?” That focus on feelings makes many people feel uncomfortable; vulnerability is uncomfortable. Yet, when we wait through the awkward pause and one brave soul speaks up? That’s where the magic happens.

When that first response makes it okay (for most people) to be vulnerable, we hear some powerful responses. We hear words like valued, appreciated, seen, and empowered. We hear words like happy, loved, respected, and joyful.

In those moments, we find an authentic answer to that very first question, “What is leadership?” — because we’re ready to focus on our potential to inspire those same feelings in others.

This post was originally published at https://christinafecio.com/2020/01/27/what-is-leadership/

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 Checks (15 minutes)

Last but not least, check out this summary created by Cheri and consider posting it in your office for easy reference.

If you need a visual cue, this “what to fax to your licensor” pic from Jessica might be helpful to you, too.

PS: Cheri and Jessica, both members of the DAL advisory committee, are open to your calls or emails if you want to chat about how they are managing these changes at their centers.

• Email Cheri at nowickic (at) skiesthelimitllc (dot) com
• Email Jessica at jessica (at) bloomcreativearts (dot) com

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” at the end of a shift, make it a point to connect with every team member, every day.

Your personal attention says, “I see you” — and being noticed helps team members feel valued and appreciated.

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Many thanks to Julie Pelletier for sharing today’s Quick Tip.

Julie is the Vice President of Business Development for Inspire! Care 360.

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 as easy as it sounds. At the beginning of each day, make a short list of your top priorities; the short list becomes your to-do list…and it’s magical because it’s manageable!

Need a specific strategy? Try the 1-3-5 rule, explained in this article; 1 big thing + 3 medium things + 5 small things = a super satisfying to-do list!

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Many thanks to Jessica Tollar for sharing today’s Quick Tip. A valued member of the DAL advisory committee, Jessica is the Director of Early Childhood Development and Curriculum for Care-a-Lot Child Care Centers and Bloom Creative Arts.

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, and most importantly, chocolate.

Lots of chocolate.

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Many thanks to Kathy Kiblin for sharing today’s Quick Tip. Kathy is the Leadership Chairperson for the WNY Chapter of NYAEYC and an education specialist for Child Care Resource Network.

Kathy (right) pictured with Lisa Murphy (left) is a huge fan of the Ooey Gooey Lady — in fact, her second Quick Tip is that you should follow Lisa on social media!

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