To every early childhood teacher showing up with patience, passion, and purpose—keep going. 

Some days feel like finger paint and glitter magic…, and others like spilled milk and endless questions. But through it all, you persevere. You plant seeds of confidence, kindness, and curiosity in little hearts that will bloom forever, shaping the future of these young minds.

Even when the work is hard, your impact is deep.

 Even when you’re tired, your presence matters.

 Even when progress feels slow, you are building brilliance.

Remember: small hands need steady hearts—and your perseverance shapes the future.

To all the amazing early childhood teachers and families of primary-age children, this is your gentle reminder that YOU are doing incredible work. 

Guiding young minds is joyful and meaningful, but it can also be overwhelming at times. In the midst of shaping bright futures, it’s easy to forget that YOU deserve care, too.

Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about being able to bend without breaking. And that strength comes from small, daily choices to look after yourself.

Here are a few simple ways to foster resilience and self-care:

1. Pause and Breathe: A few deep breaths can reset your mind and calm your heart.

2. Talk It Out: Sharing your day — the highs and lows — builds connection and releases stress.

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond has spent her career advocating for policies that ensure all children—especially Black and Brown students—have access to high-quality teachers and schools. Her research and leadership have shaped education policies impacting classrooms today.

✊🏾 Call to Action: Get involved in local school boards and policy discussions to push for equitable education for all children. Our voices matter! #EducationIsPower #EquityInEducation

Just like the flowers and trees that begin to bloom in spring, our talented and beautiful black children go through incredible growth and development. During the early years, their minds are flourishing, just as nature awakens in the springtime.

What’s happening during this growth season?

• Curiosity blooms: Children’s natural curiosity is like new shoots reaching for the sun! They ask questions, explore, and discover new things every day.

• Social skills sprout: As they interact with others, they begin forming friendships and learning empathy, like branches stretching out to connect with others.

• Emotional growth: Just as plants need sunlight to thrive, kids need love and support to grow emotionally, learning how to express and understand their feelings.

• Physical development: From running and jumping to fine motor skills like writing or drawing, their physical abilities are growing quickly, just like plants reaching toward the sky.
  

Black children deserve to see themselves as heroes, leaders, and dreamers in the books they read! This Black Children’s Book Week, let’s fill our classrooms with stories that empower, inspire, and reflect the brilliance of Black children.

✅ Read Aloud – Choose books with Black protagonists that spark joy and imagination.

✅ Author Spotlights – Highlight Black children's book authors and illustrators.

✅ Creative Activities – Let students write their own stories or create artwork inspired by their favorite books.

✅ Representation Matters – Build an inclusive classroom library that reflects ALL students.

Tag your favorite Black children's book authors below and share how you’re celebrating! Let’s make sure every child sees themselves in the pages of a book. 📖💛

During Black History Month, let's nurture self-love and pride in our young black children by connecting them to the rich legacy of black excellence. 💫 By teaching them to love themselves, we’re helping them build a foundation of confidence and strength that will carry them throughout their lives. Here are 3 classroom activities to inspire self-love and cultural pride:

1. Black History Heroes Collage: Have students create a collage of Black heroes—past and present—that inspires them. They can cut out images from magazines or draw their heroes and write a short sentence about why they admire them.

2. Affirmation Circle: Start each day with a circle where students share positive affirmations about themselves. "I am smart, I am strong, I am proud of who I am"—helping them build confidence and connect self-love to their heritage.

3. Self-Portrait with a Legacy: Ask students to draw a self-portrait and incorporate symbols of…

Winter months can be challenging, but YOU have the power to shine through the cold! Here are some ways to keep your spirits high and energy flowing in and out of the classroom:

💡 Brighten Your Space: Add warm lighting, colorful décor, or student artwork to create a cozy, uplifting environment. A cheerful space can boost your mood and your students, too!

🚶‍♀️ Move Your Body: Take quick movement breaks during the day. Whether it's stretching, a brisk walk, or a 5-minute dance party with your students, staying active can work wonders for your energy.

📝 Practice Gratitude: Start a daily or weekly gratitude journal. Reflecting on small wins and joyful moments can shift your focus to positivity.

🎨 Engage in Creativity: Incorporate fun, hands-on activities into your lessons to bring excitement into your classroom and break up the routine.