Since you asked…
Community Child Care Association’s blog for early childhood educators

Question: How often should we document children’s learning? How much is an acceptable amount?
Answer: Adjust your mindset. Quality is best
When it comes to documentation, there is no minimum number of observations. And, there’s no one ‘right way’ to…

Question: Is it wrong for educators to have their mobile phones with them while educating and caring for children?
Answer: It all depends on the ‘why’
We live in a world where technology rules, and we’re used to relying on it 24/7, especially phones. Most people will…

Question: Is it wrong for two educators to speak their own language to each other in the room?
Answer: No
Let’s take a moment to reflect. If a child speaks their native language with another educator or child, do you stop…

Question: Parents are complaining about a few children with challenging behaviour. How can we encourage them to be inclusive of other families’ children?
Answer: Stay empathetic and respectful
Nothing is trickier than addressing a family’s concerns about another child’s behaviour in your program. It can be…

Question: Coordinators, what qualities are you looking for when you’re hiring? How can I put my best foot forward?
Answer: Showcase your emotional intelligence
When I’m hiring educators I look for emotional intelligence – a balance of self-awareness, self-regulation,…

Question: How do I highlight children’s voices authentically in my documentation?
Answer: Talk with and observe the children
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Do we listen to the children?
- How do we support…

Question: What is the difference between critical reflection and reflective practice? Do you have to do both, or just one? Every day, every week?
Answer: Both are thinking skills to be used depending on the situation
Critical reflection means ‘closely examining all aspects of events and experiences from different perspectives’ (…

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,…