Thriving Together, LLC

10/13/2026

You can care about someone AND draw a limit on the negativity you absorb. ❤️

Try this kind, clear exit the next time you’re stuck in a conversation that is stealing your joy!

10/09/2026

Toddler teachers deserve professional development designed specifically for them!

Finding toddler teachers is hard. Keeping them is, too. 💛

When educators have the right tools, understanding, and support, they’re better equipped to navigate challenges, build stronger relationships, and find more joy in their work.

That’s why we’re excited to partner with Head Start WEST to bring you Inspiring Terrific Toddlers—a practical, engaging professional learning series created specifically for Early Head Start toddler teams, educators, and family advocates.

Starting October 27, this research-informed series will help your team:

✨ Reduce frustration and prevent burnout
✨ Build confidence and strengthen teaching practices
✨ Develop stronger partnerships with families
✨ Rediscover the joy of working with toddlers

The series includes four virtual trainings and optional problem-solving sessions, giving your team practical strategies they can put to use right away.

A special perk for Thriving Together partners: Get discounted registration for your team with code ThrivingTogether.

Give your toddler team the support they deserve!
👉 Learn more and register: https://www.headstartwest.org/learning/training-west-events/terrific-toddlers-series/overview/

10/09/2026

When toddlers are valued contributors to the classroom, they behave better! They love to help - but, yes, often can get in the way!

I love this idea - set up the environment for these little helpers. Yay!!😁

At a conference recently, one of the educators in my inspiring toddlers class talked about how she worked with her son. She said she's been letting him help since he was one year old. I asked her what results this has had overtime. She said, "oh my gosh! So positive! He actually walks around now at almost 3, trying to help people in every way he can. He is so proud of himself!"

These little humans are capable of so much. Let's help build on their loving learning spirits!

Thriving Together, LLC

Independence requires access.
Sometimes before we ask, “Why aren’t they doing this themselves?” we need to ask, “Can they actually get everything they need without us?”
A small change in the environment can completely change what a toddler is capable of doing independently.

10/09/2026

If we’re going to learn about toddlers, we might as well have FUN doing it!! 🤣🎉

10/08/2026

We follow what we see (even when the words say something completely different)! 🤣

Imagine how confusing that can be for a two-year-old.

10/07/2026

When I support one toddler professional, that impact reaches every child and family they serve. That is why YOUR work matters so much!! ❤️

10/06/2026

A toddler’s brain is taking in EVERYTHING and finding wonder everywhere! ✨

Our job is to protect that curiosity and help it grow.

10/05/2026

Be a champion for toddlers!! They need us to be!

09/29/2026

Last Friday, I got to do my DREAM JOB. 💛

The job that fills me up like no other: a Finding Joy keynote with a magical, special, wonderful group of a few hundred infant and toddler professionals at the Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children’s 2026 Annual Conference.

And honestly? It was a 100% gift. The kind of day I would happily do every other day if I could! 😍

Here’s why:

✨ The conference team. Organized, thoughtful, enthusiastic, inclusive—and they gave me some of the best feedback yet! What a gift to work with people who care so deeply about creating a meaningful experience for early childhood professionals.
🧠 This group of early childhood BRAIN Builders! They laughed. They teared up. They supported one another. They SPREAD THE JOY. And they were ALL IN for 90 minutes straight! JOY-FULL learning for us all!! WOOOOT! 🎉
💛 My trainer friends. Some wonderful favorite humans from the past and some oh-so-fun new friends! We had dinner, hung out by the hotel fire, walked, talked, shared ideas, made recommendations, cheered each other on, and showed up for one another with 100% support, smiles, and energy.

This is not always the easiest job in the world. But when you surround yourself with a group of strong, smart, passionate women? Anything is possible! 🙌

🌟 And the whole conference experience! A beautiful town, great networking, delicious food, fun entertainment (hello, photo booth! 📸), and SO much connection, engagement, laughter, and joy. Nichole Day helped make all of the above rewarding and a bit more fun as well. So lucky to have friends I work with!

This conference—and every person who attended—deserves joy.

And we can continue to create more of it TOGETHER.

Keep connecting.
Keep supporting.
Keep learning.
Keep showing up.

And keep rallying behind amazing organizations like CTAEYC, who continue to advocate for and dedicate resources to this critical field.

THANK YOU. ❤️
Thank you for every hug.
For the TON of laughs.
For the kind words, testimonials, and gratitude.
And most of all, thank you for SHOWING UP.
WOOOOOHOOOOO! 🎉💛

Until next time, amazing fellow EC pros.

Keep taking care of your most important asset:
YOU.

Wonderful, spectacular YOU. ✨

CT Association for the Education of Young Children

09/23/2026

This is why understanding toddler development matters! It changes how we see the behavior and gives us practical ways to respond!