This page is titled “Level Up, Grow & Glow.” I believe in Maya Angelou’s wisdom: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Here, we learn better and do better together!
10 Ways You Can Level Up, Grow & Glow Today!
- Educational YouTube & TED Talks:
- Follow YouTube channels like NAEYC.
- Watch TED Talks related to education, child psychology, and development, such as “The Importance of Play” by Dr. Stuart Brown.
- Podcasts:
- Listen to podcasts like “Preschool and Beyond,” “The Early Childhood Research Podcast,” and “The Preschool Podcast” for insights and updates in early childhood education.
- Local Government Resources & Associations:
- Utilize free resources, courses, and workshops offered by local government agencies or public health departments focused on early childhood education and care.
- Professional Association Resources:
- Tap into free resources from associations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which offers articles, research papers, and toolkits.
- Check with your state’s childcare association for additional resources.
- Your Local Licensing Agency:
- Most licensed childcare providers have access to a plethora of continuing education resources through their licensing agency.
- Educational Apps:
- Use free educational apps designed for teachers and childcare providers, such as ClassDojo, Khan Academy Kids, and Sesame Street in Communities.
- Professional Journals and Publications:
- Read free articles and research papers from open-access journals like the Early Childhood Education Journal or the International Journal of Early Childhood.
- Peer Mentoring and Collaboration:
- Join a local childcare association if available, or partner with other providers for peer mentoring. Share knowledge, conduct joint activities, and learn from each other’s experiences.
- Public Broadcasting Services (PBS):
- Take advantage of free educational resources and professional development programs offered by PBS LearningMedia, which provides materials specifically for early childhood educators.
- Library Resources:
- Use your local library’s online resources. Many libraries offer free access to educational materials, eBooks, audiobooks, and online courses through platforms like Hoopla and OverDrive.
- Pinterest Board:
- Explore endless inspiration and practical ideas for planning engaging and educational activities. Here’s a link to my Pinterest board to get you started: My Pinterest Board. Disclaimer: It’s a personal collection, not professionally organized, but it might spark some ideas.
- Access Play’s Cool Digital Course:
- We’re developing a digital course to support you, providing a roadmap from where you are to where you want to be. Let us know what you’d like to see included by filling out our survey here. By participating, you’ll receive a code for 50% off when we launch Play’s Cool!
Building a strong foundation and continuously improving can transform your childcare program, bringing more joy and less burnout into your work. Let’s grow and glow together!