RaChe' Step by Step ECE Consulting

Family Engagement Thursday 💛

What’s one small thing families do that makes a big difference in your classroom community?

I’d love to hear from teachers, directors, and families below. ⬇️

This post truly resonates with me because I was once that high school student.

I often think about how different my journey may have looked if I never enrolled in the early childhood course offered at my high school. That program gave me practical experience, exposed me to the field early, and helped me get hired at a NAEYC-accredited center when I was just 15 years old.

Now here I am 26 years later, still committed to early childhood education and still passionate about the impact this work has on children, families, and communities.

Programs like this matter.

Early exposure, mentorship, hands-on learning, and pathways into the profession can change lives and help strengthen the future of the early childhood workforce.

I would truly encourage more schools, programs, and communities to invest in opportunities like this for young people interested in education and care professions. 💛

Is your next lead teacher still in high school?

Dealing with staff shortages has prompted many Head Start programs to search for new opportunities to connect with and develop talent. One way to help fill the gap is to give future educators the tools they need to get started on their Head Start journey as early as possible – while they’re sitting in high school classrooms.

Pathway to Purpose is an easy way to put those students inside Head Start and Early Head Start programs before they ever graduate. With access to CDA coursework at no cost, high school students can prepare for a career in early childhood education.

Dr. Summer Shultz, superintendent of Brookings School District in South Dakota, has seen the potential firsthand:

“This program not only empowers our students with valuable skills, but it will strengthen our community by investing in our future educators and care providers. Let's support this pathway together.”

Nearly 400 students nationwide are already enrolled. Help your local high school students join them by introducing a school counselor, career director, or administrator near you to this program. (Need a hand? We’re here to help.)

Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q04j010R0

📅 June is almost here!

Here are important dates, observances, and opportunities that can inspire learning, connection, and community in early childhood.

Save this for planning and share it with your team. 💛

TODAY AT 12:00!
No advance registration is required.

For families who are navigating ABA services and seeking clarity around what high quality, meaningful support should look like for their child.

The BLEND Lab at UIC thoughtfully addresses many of the questions families have and offers practical guidance to support informed decision making.

The QR code and Zoom link on the flyer are used to join at the time of the session.

Wisdom Wednesday ✨

What’s one piece of wisdom an experienced educator shared with you that you still carry today?

💡 Quick Tip Tuesday

As summer approaches, learning does not have to become more complicated.

Meaningful learning can happen through:

🌿 Nature exploration
💧 Water investigation
🎵 Music and movement
📚 Story connections
🎨 Open-ended creativity
💛 Everyday moments

Simple can still be intentional.