Click here to share this video from YouTube. You can read the full transcript below.
Happy June, friends. June always feels like a shift, doesn’t it? In early childhood programs, the rhythm changes. Some programs slow down, some even close for a bit, but some are bursting at the seams as school-age children arrive.
And in the middle of all that change, leadership matters more than ever. Some may feel less structured, but it’s actually a powerful opportunity to be intentional. In the way we welcome children into our spaces, the way leaders support staff through changing routines, and the way that we stay present even when things feel a little unpredictable.
Summer can be joyful, but it’s also tiring. I want to encourage you to take care of yourself in some simple, realistic ways. Step outside for a breath of fresh air. Enjoy a big, healthy salad on your lunch break. Add some berries or lemon to your water bottle, and listen to your favorite song on the way home. All those small resets mean more than you know.
All across our field, the season of change is showing up in different ways. Our family providers are gathering together for their annual conference. Our early childhood training partners are closing out the year and planning what’s next. Even our higher ed partners are going through their own transitions as well. So even though it may look different, we’re all moving through a season of adjustment and preparation.
This month brings moments of meaning well beyond the classroom. As we celebrate Father’s Day, it’s a chance to recognize and honor the fathers and father figures who play such an important role in children’s lives. I’d love to hear how you’re acknowledging Father’s Day.
Whether your program is in a quiet season or a busier one, it’s a great time to lead yourself with intention. Because even though there’s a different rhythm, your work still matters deeply. Take a moment this month. Lean into the opportunities that summer brings.
And as always, I’m cheering you on.
Julie Yarberry
President of AECA
Connect with me at president@arkansasearlychildhood.org
Recent Comments