Cadence Education, Inc.

 The two should not be separated. There is a powerful connection between caring and teaching.  The custodial acts of activities such as supervising, keeping children calm, diapering, etc. are all opportunities for teaching and learning!  When we offer high quality, responsive and intellectually stimulating programs, we are both caring for and educating the children in our care.

Relationships are at the heart of quality early education. We form those relationships with our children by caring for them. It is through caring that children come to trust us and believe in their own capacity for learning! We support our parents by developing sincere relationships. Teacher

What does caring look like for you in your classrooms? What are we teaching the children by the way we care? Are the classrooms set up with environments that promote self-care and self-regulation where children have time to make real choices and truly learn to “do it themselves?” Do we truly value the importance of play and communicate that importance well to our parents?

 Every conversation and custodial act (diaper changing, wiping a nose, zipping a coat) is an opportunity to connect and engage with that child.  We do not rush through tasks that are perceived as custodial and instead, sing, talk and listen to children while we are performing these tasks.

 We value the importance of play.  We understand the reasons behind creating a “home-like” environment for our children.

 Sitting with children at meal time and not treating meals like a chore.  Sitting on the floor with children and speaking in tones that guide the child.  Not speaking to or calling out instructions to children from across the room.  Being familiar with and practicing Early Learning Standards.  Implementing a Kind Child culture.  Observing, listening and following a child’s lead.  Developing and refining our skills as leaders and early childhood educators.  Greeting children at arrival and departure.

 Conduct the “Sell Your Job” Activity.  Break into small groups and answer the question: What other core competencies or behaviors/attributes would you add to: “How Do We Care for Our Children?”  What competencies will you work with your staff on for continued improvement?

 One of the best ways to care for our children and families is to deliver on our brand promise!  What areas of the Brand Promise do we need to improve on?  What areas do you need additional support for?

1. Rethinking Early Education And Why It Matters by Kimberlee Kiehl 2. What Does it Mean to Care? Carol Garboden Murray, Exchange Magazine 3-15