Nurturing Classroom Heroes: Showing Appreciation for Professionals Who Shape Our Future

May 2, 2025

The month of May is a time of heartfelt gratitude and thoughtful reflection. Not only is it the month we honor mothers, but we also celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), Teacher Appreciation Day (May 6), and Provider Appreciation Day (May 9)—moments to recognize the tireless work of educators who inspire, nurture, and guide our youngest learners every single day. It’s also Mental Health Awareness Month, and within it, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 5–11)—a call to action to uplift the emotional well-being of children and those who support them.

These observances aren’t just aligned on the calendar; they are deeply interconnected in purpose. Our educators carry enormous responsibilities! Early childhood educators are not only helping children develop early literacy and numeracy skills, but they are also building the emotional foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and social connection. In doing so, early educators often shoulder the invisible weight of the emotional needs of children and families, while managing their own stress and mental health. So instead of sharing mere words of encouragement and celebration for teacher appreciation, we decided to offer guidance and resources for supporting early childhood educators, children, and families. Of course, this information can be useful for educators at all levels, along with the youth and families they serve.

The Hidden Struggles of Our Heroes in the Classroom

Educators are experiencing unprecedented levels of burnout, emotional fatigue, and stress. According to the American Federation of Teachers, more than 75% of educators report job-related stress, and over a quarter have symptoms consistent with clinical depression (AFT, 2022). In early childhood settings, burnout is compounded by low wages, the lack of job security, under-resourcing, staffing shortages, and the emotional demands of constantly seeking appropriate ways to alleviate the distress of young children and families. Further intensifying these issues, educators who work with young children prior to elementary school are often impacted by the lack of access to healthcare and medical benefits, which are not standard or consistent in early care and education programs.

While educators are suffering from emotional and health adversities brought on by the daily demands of their work, children’s mental health is also in crisis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that up to 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder each year, yet only about 20% receive care from a specialized mental health provider (CDC, 2023). Early childhood educators are often the first to notice signs of distress and are uniquely positioned to provide support—if they are supported themselves.

Supporting Educators: The Foundation for Thriving Children

When we care for educators, we create a ripple effect that benefits children, families, and entire communities. Consider employing at least one of these five recommendations to support early childhood professionals during the month of May and beyond:

Recognize and Celebrate Their Work

A simple thank-you note, or moment of recognition can go a long way. Consider organizing appreciation events, creating community recognition boards, or offering time for self-care during the workday. Offering your time as a volunteer to allow classroom teachers to enjoy an extended lunchbreak outside of the classroom and/or off the premises would be significantly appreciated.

Promote Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace

Provide access to mental health resources, stress reduction programs, and peer support networks. Normalize conversations about stress and burnout. Offering a segment for general reflections at the top or bottom of your staff or team meeting agendas can be a great starting point.

    • Mental Health and Wellness Resources:
      • The CDC offers an array of Mental Health Resources for adults and children, including specialized crisis hotlines, a natural disaster helpline, support groups, psychiatrists/mental health providers, and community health centers.
      • The Mental Health America (MHA) Workplace Wellness Resource Center helps employers to prioritize their workers. Check out the MHA Workplace Mental Health Toolkit.
Offer Training in Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Building Practices

Equipping educators with tools to support children’s emotional health benefits both students and teachers. Professional development topics may include identifying early signs of distress, mindfulness in the classroom, and building safe, predictable environments. Consider choosing one topic to focus on each month and provide staff/team time to discuss the selected topic during meetings.

Advocate for Policy Change and Sustainable Funding

Advocacy can happen at all levels—from school boards to state legislatures. Support policies that increase wages, reduce class sizes, fund mental health services in schools, and protect time for planning and self-care. Here at the Council, we’re expanding our government relations and advocacy efforts, offering intentional assets to keep you updated on policies that may impact early childhood education.

    • Policy Change and Sustainable Funding Resources:
      • Advocate alongside the Council to champion policies that impact the early childhood workforce. You can download our policy agenda and access an interactive map that tracks state legislation and regulations, offering real-time insights into key policy trends and opportunities on our Policy Pathways page.
      • Child Care Aware of America offers resources and guidance to advance high-quality, affordable childcare systems. Learn about their public policy initiatives.
Support Families Alongside Educators

Strong family-school partnerships enhance outcomes for children and create shared responsibility for mental wellness. Educators need tools and time to build trusting relationships with parents/caregivers. This is why Child Development Associate (CDA®) candidates are required to develop a Family Resource Guide as a part of the Resource Collection in their professional portfolio. In alignment with Competency Goal IV Functional Area 11 of the CDA® Competency Standards that is focused on families, candidates must include the contact information for a local agency that provides family counseling.

Moving Forward Together

This May, as we honor the educators who shape the hearts and minds of future generations, let’s make a commitment—not only to celebrate them but to care for them. Making mental health a priority is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for educators, for children, and for families.

Together, let’s build a culture of appreciation, advocacy, and action. Let’s ensure every teacher, every child, and every family is seen, heard, and supported.

Written in honor of all educators who show up with heart and hope, every day. We see you. We thank you. We stand with you!

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