Inspired By Infants

We have only one class left in my spring RIE Foundations!
As we head into our last class, often the conversation of how do we share this work becomes more prevalent.
With so many early childhood professionals having taken my classes, these questions often emerge:

How do we respectfully share what we do and how we engage using this approach with others who might not yet understand? How might we as a program or team support one another in articulating our practice so that our intentions are not misunderstood?

I think these are important questions and I know there are many individuals that have great insights into this conversation. I’ve been thinking about hosting an online conversation together with those that are currently using the Educaring practice in a childcare setting. I’m wondering if there is an interest in this type of gathering and who might want to join me?

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know if you would want to take part in this conversation with me and other fellow Educarers!

Message me if you’re interested! Thanks for your help!

On their backs, ready for the adventures ahead!
Today in class, we talked about the natural unfolding of development.
Magda taught us that we do not need to teach children how to move and we do not need to solely focus on the big milestones. Instead, by offering opportunities and space to freely move starting on their backs, infants will instinctually move in the safest and best way for learning to unfold. In their own timing, they will reach those milestones.
Primary learning is through the movement our bodies.
It all starts here.

Today was day one of Foundations! It amazes me that no matter how many times I go through this content or watch the videos I never tired of these conversations.
While watching “Seeing Infants with new Eyes” I love how Magda talks of the impossible challenge of raising children for an unknown future and asks this question: “ are there certain qualities that will be good for this great unknown?”
I see this as an opportunity for grace. We cannot possibly know what the future will bring. God has that in His hands. Mistakes will probably be inevitable.
Perfection is not the goal. But we probably all know some great qualities that will be helpful no matter what the future brings.

As I share this practice with others, I frame it in this way; we have the opportunity to consider who we are being alongside children (or people generally). Putting respect into action in the ways that we engage and care for others is going to be valuable no matter what the future brings. We have the opportunity to impact the kind of humans we want to grow up in this world.

It is a privilege to be able to teach this class and engage with others that want to bring this work forward.💕

As I start a new Foundations class I refer frequently to learning & implementing Magda’s teachings as being a journey we will embark on. It is a practice -it’s OK to not always know everything yet and be open to trying these new skills to see improvement unfold.

I often think of how many students, as they learn a new perspective, share they’ve felt a small sense of sadness for how they approached care prior to learning this practice. But what if we started with grace? We cannot act using knowledge we did not have before.

As parents and educators, we typically try to enter situations with children from a place of knowing, an expertise. While this is good, giving room for humility and remaining open to learn something new is so helpful. In our journey with Educaring it’s valuable to also approach from a place of curiosity. With an open mind, it’s amazing what we can learn along the way and what even the youngest child can teach us.

This journey is built through relationships. Along the way we learn more about ourselves, our interactions with others, and we see how important partnering with even the smallest child can make such an impact to the care we offer. Best of all, we embark on this journey together. 💕

I’m looking forward to the next class starting Saturday May 2! Regardless, if you’re joining me or not, I hope you keep these suggestions in mind. As you embark on this journey, don’t leave behind grace, humility & remember the importance of relationships. Enjoy the journey ahead!

P.O.V. Packing my office as a RIE Associate. So many fun things in these boxes!

Choosing child care is a big decision, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

The Council on Early Learning and Care has created a helpful guide and tip sheet to support families in identifying the signs of a high-quality child care program. These resources highlight what meaningful inclusion, strong relationships, and supportive learning environments can look like in practice.

Whether you're starting your search or comparing options, this guide is a great place to begin.

Explore the resources through the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care at https://elccouncil.ca/quality

Sometimes we overcomplicate things but often it’s simplicity that’s best.

Join me this Spring for RIE Foundations where we’ll learn more about Magda Gerber’s Educaring practices! Learn how slowing down and intentionally integrating respect into our caregiving practices makes moments so much more enjoyable. 💕

If you want to learn more check out my page or my website www.inspiredbyinfants.ca Thanks for joining me!

No matter how big or small, every intentional step matters. We all have the desire to do our best as parents, educators, grandparents… but often it may not feel we’re making the progress we hope for. Yet, every journey starts with even the smallest step forward. That’s what I love about the Educaring practice; it’s an everyday, every moment opportunity to make a respectful and meaningful choice when caring for others. It’s an opportunity to reflect with grace and if necessary, take another step with slight adjustment.
If you’re wanting to learn more about how this can be done, and practice within a safe and supportive community, why not join me this Spring in RIE Foundations? This class walks you through those intentional steps forward within a small & supportive environment. It gives opportunity to connect with why you might do what you do as a caregiver and reflect on how you make changes or improve upon what you’re already practicing. This class dives deeply into Magda Gerber’s practical and well researched philosophy so that you can make important deposits for lifelong learning outcomes for the children in your care! Even better, as I’ve found too- you’ll see how though the focus is infant and toddler care/development, this practice can be implemented with amazing impact for relationships in any stage of life!
For more information please send me a message or check out my website! I hope to see you in class this Spring!

NEW ARTICLE

'Why I don't like... tummy time'
Written by Annette Rawstrone, with Christine Wilkinson
Published in Nursery World Magazine

"At The Early Years Nursery, rather than scheduling tummy time, they provide safe, open floor spaces where babies are allowed full freedom of movement and educators trust that their motor skills will unfold naturally. Babies are placed on their backs and given unhurried time to experiment, repeat movements and gradually find their way onto their fronts when they are developmentally ready."

Keep reading: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/features/why-i-dont-like-tummy-time

Ref: The Early Years Nursery - Kidlington

Join me this Spring for RIE®️Foundations™️!
I’m hosting this course online from Edmonton Alberta with the option of at least one in person class for those that can join us. Students can participate from anywhere in the world and learn about Magda Gerber’s amazing philosophy. This is one of my favourite courses to teach and I am so excited to have my next cohort joined me!

To register, contact me directly, and I can share all the details with you! I look forward to having you join me and if you know of other others that are interested, please share!