Author: Monica Healer

Hey Reader! It starts with a tiny kick on a blanket. A baby on her back stretches her legs toward a hanging toy. A few months later, that same baby is rolling with determination across the room. Soon she’s pulling up. Then cruising. Then running straight into your arms. Gross motor development doesn’t just “happen.” It unfolds through intentional space, repeated practice, and responsive adults who cheer every wobble. When we support large muscle development in the early years, we’re not just…

Hey Reader! Working with young children is not a “get rich quick (or at all)” career move! For many of us, we’ve heard (or even used) the word “just” as we describe what we do – “I’m just a preschool teacher.” “You just work with little kids.” At ECCN, we KNOW that our reward is not financial, but we KNOW that our reward is eternal. While our neighbors may not fully understand and value what we do, we know God counts caring for children as one of His highest priorities! (See Mark 10:13-16)…

Hey Reader! It’s drop-off time and you see one of your moms practically dragging her son to your door. “It’s been a rough morning” she says, and lets out an exasperated sigh. Jaden is crying, holding his half-eaten waffle in one hand while he’s trying to pull free from his mama’s tight grip. Many of the parents in our programs are struggling. They feel tremendous pressure to create the perfect childhood for their children. And they often feel as though they are failing. But your 30-second…

Hey Reader! You’re telling the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people. You hold up the little basket.You lower your voice for effect.You pause at the miracle. And then you look out at your class of three-year-olds. One is wiggling.One is playing with their shoe.One is loudly announcing that they had goldfish crackers for breakfast. You really want them to connect with this story. Not just hear it — but feel it. So you decide this week won’t be just storytelling. It will be hands-on. Interactive….

Hey Reader! What’s your favorite part of being an early childhood educator? Is it the music and movement? The smiles and hugs from the children in your care? Or maybe… changing diapers, wiping noses, tying shoes, and snapping pants? Most of us probably wouldn’t list physical care as our favorite part of the day. But here’s an important truth to remember: intentional, loving physical care is essential—and also deeply spiritual. When you patiently care for a child’s physical needs, you are…

Hey Reader! It was snack time. Everyone was sitting at the table. Crackers were opened. Cups were poured. And then it happened. Pfffft. A child spit.Right on the table. The teacher froze. Her stomach tightened.Her heart raced.Her brain said, “Absolutely not.” Spitting is one of those behaviors.It’s gross.Copy Cats tend to take notice!And it can push even the calmest teacher right to the edge. But instead of reacting, she did something different. She paused. And that pause changed everything….

Hey Reader! I want to challenge you with something today. At some point during your day, stand up and take 60 seconds to just look around your classroom. Use some of your senses and think intentionally about what you observe. What do you SEE? A tall block tower, a child with a snotty nose, a dripping painting at the art easel… What do you HEAR? Excitement as that block tower gets taller and starts to wobble, laughter, maybe some frustration, some negotiating, singing… What do you SMELL?…

Hey Reader! Many of us live in a state of constant exhaustion and overwhelm. Society tells us we need to hustle more and accomplish more and post more and learn more and watch more and know more and do more. Oh, and also…all of that “more” should probably be “better” too, because Sassy Sally over there is doing it better! And Jesus says “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart,…

Hey Reader! Bodies develop from the center out. That means one of the last things that children have really good control over is their fine-motor muscles – fingers, hands and wrists are part of this! Today, we’re giving you a few easy ideas to practice fine motor control with fun and low stress! Remember…this is not something any of the children in our care will master while they’re with us, but we can definitely get them on their way to being fabulous writers and maybe a few seamstresses or…

Hey Reader! Nearly one-third of young children in the U.S. are growing up with more than one language! Have you had these learning and language-development concerns (or maybe heard them from parents): Will this confuse them? Cause delays? Slow down English? The research is clear—and reassuring: bilingualism is a strength. (checkout a couple of articles linked at the bottom for sources and more info) Let’s Clear Up a Few Common Myths Myth: Learning two languages causes confusion or speech…