The Institute for Education and Professional Development, Inc.

10/07/2026

🍂 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 — RELATIONSHIPS COME FIRST

Before children can fully engage in learning, they need to feel something even more fundamental:

❤️ I am safe.
❤️ I belong.
❤️ Someone notices me.

Warm, responsive relationships create the foundation for learning, exploration, communication, and social-emotional development.

Sometimes the most important teaching happens in the smallest moments—a warm greeting, getting down to a child’s level, responding to a baby's cues, listening to a toddler's story, or simply letting a child know, “I’m here.”

At IEPD, we believe meaningful learning begins with meaningful relationships.

💭 What is one small thing you do each day to help children know they belong?

Looking for professional development on building strong relationships with families and communities?

IEPD offers training, coaching, and consultation to help educators strengthen these essential connections. Explore our offerings at IEPD.ORG.

10/05/2026

Happy World Teachers' Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible educators who inspire, encourage, nurture, and make a difference in the lives of children every single day.

To our early childhood and out-of-school-time educators you are creating welcoming spaces, building meaningful relationships, supporting families, and laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. The work you do matters more than you may ever know.

At IEPD, we are proud to support you in your continued learning and professional growth.

Thank you for all that you do, today and every day!

09/30/2026

September Topic: It's All About Change

🍁 Week 5 — Carrying Growth Forward

As September comes to a close, we’ve been thinking about change, growth, connection, and support.

In early childhood education, growth rarely happens in a straight line. Children—and adults—learn through experiences, relationships, reflection, and opportunities to try again.

As we move into October, consider:

🍂 What is something you learned this month?
🌱 What is one small change that made a positive
difference?
💙 What would you like to carry forward?

For educators, reflection isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about noticing what’s working, remaining curious, and continuing to grow alongside the children and families we support.

A new month is another opportunity to notice, learn, and grow.

09/23/2026

September: It's All About Change

🍂 Week 4 — Notice the Growth

As September comes to a close, nature reminds us that change doesn't happen all at once. Neither does growth.

Children grow through thousands of small experiences—trying, practicing, connecting, wondering, and trying again. Educators grow in much the same way.

Before moving into another busy month, pause and notice something that has changed since the beginning of September.

🌱 A child who feels more comfortable.
🌱 A routine that's beginning to work.
🌱 A new connection with a family.
🌱 Something you've learned about yourself as an educator.

Growth deserves to be noticed—even when it happens one small step at a time.

09/16/2026

Interested in Pyramid Model Implementation? Check out this training opportunity -

09/16/2026

Week 3 - It's All About Change

💙 Week 3 — Educators Need Support, Too

Early childhood educators spend their days caring for, encouraging, teaching, and responding to others.
We realize thay educators need encouragement and support, too.

This week, take a moment to check in with a colleague. Share an idea. Offer encouragement. Celebrate something that went well.

Strong early childhood programs aren't built by individuals working alone—they grow through relationships, collaboration, and shared learning.

🍎 Who can you encourage this week?

09/10/2026

I was honored to present our newest training, Everyday Conversations, Growing Minds, on 9/9 for the wonderful educators at Triumph, Inc. We explored various ways to support language in all developmental areas and all aspects of the day:) What a great group of dedicated people who strive to learn, grow, and support children & families!!

09/09/2026

EEC Scholarship deadline is September 15th!

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Department of Higher Education (DHE) jointly offer this scholarship to help early educators increase their qualifications through a college degree.

09/09/2026

PROTECT Act Information Sessions from EEC: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/eec-programs-protect-act-resources. RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/3sy52sb4

Links to PROTECT Act resources related to EEC-licensed programs.

09/09/2026

September - It's All About Change

🌱 Week 2 — Growth Often Begins with Change

Children are constantly changing—trying something new, developing new skills, becoming more independent, and discovering who they are. As educators, we grow, too!

A new school year is a wonderful opportunity to notice what is working, reflect on what might need to change, and try one new idea.

You don't have to change everything at once. Choose one small thing that could make your day—or a child's day—a little better.

💭 What is one small change you'd like to try this fall?