Author: Monica Healer

Hey Reader! Have you ever thought about your “theology of disability”? I only recently heard this terminology in a conversation with Sandra Peoples at our Director’s Retreat. Basically, it just means “What do you think about God as it relates to disabilities”? Scripture clearly tells us that humans were created in God’s image – ALL humans. In multiple places in scripture, we see references to behaviors or actions that point to some form of disability in some of the people that God chose as…

Hey Reader! Do you consider yourself a professional? I don’t think I ever even thought about that when I was in the classroom! But…you are a PRO! Your daily attitudes, work ethic, and mindset matter to the children and families that you serve each day. As early childhood educators, we don’t just teach — we nurture, guide, and shape the hearts and minds of these young disciples in our care. I recently had a conversation with Dr. Cynthia Small who is a passionate champion of early educators and…

Hey Reader! We live in a world where screens are everywhere—TVs, tablets, phones, and video games are a constant presence in daily life. For young children, whose brains are still forming crucial neural connections, excessive screen time can have long-term effects on their ability to regulate emotions, focus, and think creatively. The Impact of Screens on the Developing Brain Every experience in early childhood shapes the brain, wiring it for how a child will engage with the world. When young…

Hey Reader! Did you know that movement for young children isn’t just fun (or annoying)—it’s actually essential for learning? When young children move, they strengthen brain connections, improve focus, and absorb new information more effectively. Involving the whole body actually cements the learning deeper in the brain than just rote memorization or sedentary learning. How Movement Supports Learning Boosts Brain Power – Increases oxygen flow, helping with focus and problem-solving. Builds…

Hey Reader! Music is a powerful tool in the early childhood classroom, and one of its benefits is helping children develop self-regulation skills. Specifically, today, let’s talk about the benefits of songs that instruct children to “pause” or “stop”. These tunes give your students a fun, engaging way to practice impulse control (a skill they’ll need for a lifetime)! Think about classics like “Freeze Dance.” As the music plays, children move freely, but when the music stops, they must freeze…

Hey Reader! I had the most inspiring conversation with a newer friend recently about how important our Christian weekday programs are for our communities. (If you haven’t listened to the podcast episode with Emilie Flaherty yet, HERE is your link.) Please hear me loud and clear – the work you are doing is ETERNALLY significant. You’re doing so much more than wiping a snotty nose (although there are a few of those right now!), or tying another shoe or opening another go-gurt or applesauce…

Hey Reader! Sensory play is more than just fun and messy (although, it usually IS messy!)—it’s an essential part of early brain development. When young children explore the world through their senses, they strengthen neural connections and develop critical skills in areas like problem-solving, language, and motor development. Even if you don’t like messy play too much, you can put supplies into smaller “personal” sensory tubs or figure out ways to minimize overflow and spills! Let’s look at a…

Hey Reader! Did you stop at a Stop Sign today? Maybe you looked for your favorite coffee shop or Sonic by looking for the sign? As adults, we benefit from visual cues throughout the day every day! Imagine if you had to listen for someone to say “Stop” before you stopped at an intersection! That would be chaos! LOL! And what if your favorite coffee shop had NO signs anywhere and you just had to use the address to find it? Would that be a little harder and maybe cause a little bit of…

Hey Reader! We talk about it regularly at ECCN. Independent play and exploration in your classroom are key to fostering young children’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills. When children feel empowered to choose their activities and engage deeply in play (hint: that takes time!), they develop confidence and a love for learning. Here are some practical tips for setting up your space to promote independent play: 1. Organize Materials for Easy Access Children are more likely…

Staying focused on our calling as educators helps to keep us spiritually energized to do our jobs well.