Starting Early

08/10/2026

🌟 WE’RE HIRING! 🌟
Are you passionate about children, early learning, and making a difference in the lives of young learners? 💕📚✨

We have THREE exciting opportunities available with two wonderful early childhood programs in the Kansas City area!

🏫 Islamic School of Greater Kansas City – Crescent Childcare Program is looking for:

👩‍🏫 Pre-K Assistant Teacher
🌟 Preschool Lead Teacher

And…

🏫 Rise Above Early Learning Center is looking for:

🧸 Two-Year-Old Teacher

If you are caring, dependable, energetic, creative, and passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive, we’d LOVE to connect with you! ❤️

✨ Whether you’re an experienced early childhood educator or someone who has a heart for working with children and is ready for a new opportunity, this could be the perfect next step for you!

📣 INTERESTED?
Simply LEAVE A COMMENT below with the position you’re interested in, and we will privately message you with more information!

Tag a friend who would be AMAZING in one of these positions! 👇❤️

07/21/2026

06/22/2026

🌱 Growing Stronger Early Learning Environments Through Personalized Training! 🌱

At Starting Early, we believe professional development should be more than just a workshop — it should be a meaningful experience designed around the unique needs, goals, and vision of each early years program.

Through our free personalized trainings, we partner with early childhood programs to help educators strengthen their practice, reflect on their environments, and create intentional learning experiences that support children’s growth and development.

Recently, we had the opportunity to work with the amazing educators at Rise Above Early Learning Center in Lenexa, Kansas during our training, “The Outdoor Classroom.” 🌿

During this hands-on training, educators explored how outdoor spaces can become powerful extensions of the classroom. Staff worked within their age groups to:
✨ Reflect on their current outdoor learning environments
✨ Identify opportunities to increase hands-on exploration and discovery
✨ Redesign playground areas to better support children’s developmental needs
✨ Create intentional outdoor learning experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, movement, and connection with nature

The educators collaborated to transform their outdoor spaces into environments where children can investigate, create, imagine, and learn through play.

We are excited to see how these ideas grow and come to life as Rise Above continues creating meaningful outdoor experiences for the children they serve! 🌱💚

Interested in bringing a free personalized training to your early learning program? Starting Early is here to support educators in building stronger classrooms, stronger environments, and stronger futures for young children.

06/04/2026

🌟 Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Early Childhood Career? 🌟

Starting Early is excited to launch our Family Child Care CDA Cohort designed specifically for family child care providers who are ready to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential!

📚 Gain the knowledge, support, and confidence needed to complete your CDA while connecting with other dedicated early childhood professionals.

✨ What You'll Receive:
✅ Monthly cohort sessions
✅ Individualized coaching and guidance
✅ Support completing CDA requirements
✅ Professional networking and community
✅ Resources to strengthen your family child care program

📅 Second Saturday of Each Month
🗓️ Beginning August 8, 2026
📍 West Wyandotte Library, Kansas City, KS
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Whether you're just getting started or ready to complete your CDA journey, we're here to support you every step of the way.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register today!

Invest in yourself. Strengthen your program. Advance the early childhood profession.

03/18/2026

🎓✨ Celebrating Excellence in Early Childhood Education! ✨🎓

Starting Early is proud to celebrate our incredible CDA Graduating Class! This group of dedicated professionals has completed the rigorous Child Development Associate (CDA) credential process — demonstrating their knowledge, skill, commitment, and heart for young children.

Earning a CDA is more than completing coursework. It requires:
✔️ Demonstrating competency across multiple functional areas
✔️ Building a professional portfolio
✔️ Completing family questionnaires
✔️ Participating in classroom observations
✔️ Successfully completing a verification visit and exam

This achievement represents growth, perseverance, and a deep commitment to quality early childhood education.

We were especially honored to hear from Rhonda Rose, who served as an outstanding participant speaker. Rhonda beautifully reflected on the journey, the challenges, and the transformation that comes with stepping fully into your professional identity. Her words reminded us that early childhood educators are leaders shaping the foundation of lifelong learning.

A heartfelt thank you to T’Kayla Callahan, our inspiring guest speaker for the evening. Her message encouraged our graduates to continue raising the standard, advocating for children, and recognizing the powerful impact they make every single day.

The completion of the CDA does more than elevate individual educators — it strengthens and professionalizes the entire early childhood field. When teachers pursue their CDA, they:
🌱 Increase their knowledge of child development
🌱 Strengthen family partnerships
🌱 Improve classroom quality
🌱 Model professionalism and leadership
🌱 Contribute to higher standards across programs

Professional credentials matter. They communicate to families, communities, and policymakers that early childhood education is not babysitting — it is a skilled, research-based profession that requires training, reflection, and dedication.

To our graduates: your work matters. Your growth matters. Your commitment to children matters.

We are so proud of you and excited to see the continued impact you will make in the lives of young learners.

Congratulations, Starting Early CDA Class! 🎉

03/18/2026

⏳ Still working on your CDA… and feeling stuck?
If it’s been over a year since you started your Child Development Associate (CDA) journey and you’re unsure what to do next — you are NOT alone, and it’s NOT too late! 💛
Join us for a supportive, judgment-free cohort where we’ll help you get back on track, answer your questions, and guide you step-by-step toward finishing what you started. You’ve come too far to stop now!
✨ Get clarity
✨ Get encouragement
✨ Get it DONE
Come out and let us help you cross the finish line. Your future classrooms are waiting! 🍎
📅 Don’t wait — take the next step today!

10/09/2025

Planting Seeds: Early Care & Education Reimagined Summit

Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 8:00 AM – Noon
📍 Francis Institute, Metropolitan Community College (3201 SW Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64111)

Are you a retiree, second-career seeker, or civic-minded community member looking for meaningful ways to make an impact?
Join us for a morning of connection, inspiration, and possibility as we explore new pathways into early care and education (ECE) — a field where your wisdom and lived experience can help shape the next generation.

✅ Enjoy breakfast and door prizes
✅ Meet ECE professionals
✅ Ask questions and learn how to get started

Together, we’re nurturing community-driven solutions and planting the seeds for lasting change in the lives of children and families across our region.

📞 For more info: 913-484-2546
📧 [email protected]
🔗 Register here: https://member.marc.org/ap/Events/Register/nvFDRXxtECNCZ

09/01/2025

Today, we honor the hardworking individuals who make our communities stronger, especially those dedicated to shaping the future through early childhood education. 💼📚

At Starting Early, we’re proud to support the early education workforce through training, professional development, and advocacy, ensuring every child has access to the quality care and learning they deserve and every educator has the tools and respect they need to thrive.

Thank you to our teachers, caregivers, trainers, advocates, and partners. Your work matters. 💪❤️

08/29/2025

🎉 Support Early Educators Today! 🍎
They shape the future—let’s show up for them.
👉 Share this and tag an early educator you appreciate!

08/27/2025

1. Design Learning Centers 🎨📚
Create clear zones like a reading nook, art station, sensory table, and dramatic play corner to support hands-on exploration.

2. Use Child-Sized Furniture 🪑
Everything should be within reach for little hands—tables, chairs, shelves—to build confidence and independence.

3. Label with Pictures & Words 🖼️🔤
Use both images and words on bins and shelves to support early literacy and make cleanup a breeze!

4. Keep It Soft & Inviting 🌈🧸
Use rugs, cushions, and warm lighting to create a cozy, calming environment that feels like a second home.

5. Make It Safe & Navigable 🚸
Leave plenty of room to move and play. Keep walkways clear and materials organized for smooth transitions.