On Saturday, August 21, 2021, we were joined by seven amazing early childhood education speakers in HiMama’s first-ever Early Learning Summit! Connections were made, professional development was happening and tons of prizes were awarded to our attendees! In case you weren’t able to attend, we’ve rounded up the top 10 key takeaways from our speakers during their sessions. Check it out below and watch the recordings!
10. Look for the signs of burnout.
Burnout signals can be identified as disengagement, emotionally blunted, helplessness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation which can lead to detachment and depression.
9. Movement and language arts play essential roles in life.
These involve rhythm and are forms of communication. All essential for development!
8. Focus on where you need to be.
As a director/owner you need to focus on high-value areas. Consider using your staff to invest their time and energy on the floor and on the front lines. As a director it’s important to be involved with your staff, children, families, and classrooms but, consider where you’re putting your energy and ensure it’s in your best interest to use your time this way.
7. Re-define supporting your people.
As a director/owner you can’t make yourself available all the time. As a business owner, it’s important to remember what you’re responsible for and not take on too many responsibilities.
6. Actively address the issues when it comes to burnout.
Make an appointment with yourself and your supervisor to determine the problems.
5. If you’re on the fence about tech, it means you should probably do it.
Ryan Eickmeir, CEO of Helping Hands Daycare, shared in our Using Technology for Parent Engagement panel that it’s important to connect with others in your network and get advice from them. If you start now you’re not going to get left behind. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to get left behind.
HiMama has changed EVERYTHING for me. Communication went way up and even involves family members on the other side of the country who couldn’t normally see the children in their lives.
Elizabeth Sandouga, HiMama Customer
4. When it comes to using tech in the classroom you need to jump in.
It’s not a tip-toe thing. Have the faith and go all in. If you’re hesitating, that is going to be felt by your employees and parents. Be excited about the platform and get your team and families on board.
3. Always work on engaging parents.
Increasing parent engagement in your center can lead to easier interactions overall with your families, feeling valued as an educator, and overall feeling more connected to your families.
Your value does not vary based on someone else’s inability to see your worth.
From Beth Cannon’s Breaking Burnout Session
2. Families are your partners.
When it comes to parent engagement, share power and decision-making with families. People who feel empowered are generally less critical and demanding they can become mutual advocates.
1. Make time for yourself.
Dream, disconnect, reflect, decide on downtime. This is so important to avoid burnout!
Watch the Recordings
The Early Learning Summit took place on Saturday, August 21st, and was a conference for early childhood educators on Making This Your Best Back-to-School Yet. The live event may have ended, but you can still watch all the great expert sessions from the day right here! Want to join the fun for our next summit? Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know!
I attended the August 21 and I wish to receive my certification. When can I get it?