Preparing for the New School Year
SPONSORED BLOG Excitement. Jitters. Uncertainty. The new school year comes with a multitude of emotions and challenges — but thankfully there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare and ensure it’s the...
In early childhood education (ECE) the phrase “back-to-school” can have different meanings. Certain ECE programs are ongoing throughout the year, such as those for infants and toddlers, however, when it comes to preschool, these classrooms experience more of the back-to-school feel, as they have the potential to have new students as the year begins, which typically takes place during August/September.
For early childhood educators, getting ready for back-to-school requires completing certain tasks, including the setup of classrooms, ensuring all materials are in stock and in place, and cleaning up and organizing. Sure, those are basic physical requirements, but what about mental preparation as an educator? This is an important aspect of teaching that should take precedent over other routine tasks, because having a positive mindset as you get ready for the new school year will impact the success of the young children and their development milestones whether they are returning or new children in your classroom. Your mindset also impacts job performance, professional goal achievement, and your relationships with families.
Kimberly Cephas, manager for the Council’s Strategic Alliances department, ECE expert and former infant, toddler, and preschool educator, explains the importance of getting ready for the new school year through a mental, personal, and in-depth preparation, which can assist educators with their goals.
“The time before school begins is a transition for early educators, as they prepare for the upcoming year. Educators need to take the time to reflect and assess themselves, and to gain social and emotional mindfulness of how they will set the classroom environment for the coming year,” she explains. Here are some recommendations Cephas, who is also a doctoral candidate, thinks will help educators be mentally prepared for the new school year:
Most educators already know how to get ready for the coming school year when it comes to preparing a classroom and thinking about their students. But as this article shows, it’s important to take a step back and really think about you own goals and how they may align with the children under your care. By achieving a balance – mentally and professionally – educators, like you, will be ready to take on the new school year, every day, week and year!
SPONSORED BLOG Excitement. Jitters. Uncertainty. The new school year comes with a multitude of emotions and challenges — but thankfully there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare and ensure it’s the...
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Chief Operations Officer
Andrew Davis serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Council. In this role, Andrew oversees the Programs Division, which includes the following operational functions: credentialing, growth and business development, marketing and communications, public policy and advocacy, research, innovation, and customer relations.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in the early care and education field. Most recently, Andrew served as Senior Vice President of Partnership and Engagement with Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning, where he led the expansion of state and community-based partnerships to produce more equitable systems of service delivery, improved programmatic quality, and greater outcomes for communities, children and families. Prior to that, he served as Director of Early Learning at Follett School Solutions.
Andrew earned his MBA from the University of Baltimore and Towson University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland – University College.
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Jan has more than 30 years in accounting and finance experience, including public accounting, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has held management-level positions with BDO Seidman, Kiplinger Washington Editors, Pew Center for Global Climate Change, Communities In Schools, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and American Humane. Since 2003, Jan has worked exclusively in the non-profit sector where she has been a passionate advocate in improving business operations in order to further the mission of her employers.
Jan holds a CPA from the State of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College. She resides in Alexandria VA with her husband and dog.
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