Welcome😊📋

Wow😁We did it! We’ve just come through what many center directors would agree is one of the most exciting and intense stretches of the year in early childhood education. Starting in April with the Week of the Young Child, we moved at full speed through Teacher Appreciation Week, Mother’s Day celebrations, child assessments, parent-teacher conferences, staff performance reviews, and finally, Pre-K graduation. It’s a whirlwind, full of joy, pride, and pressure.

We Made It! Now Let’s Refocus on Our Early Childhood Leadership Resilience…

Now, many early childhood leaders are shifting gears, transitioning from the school year into summer camp mode. This seasonal change brings a mix of emotions. It’s refreshing in many ways; offering new activities, a different daily rhythm, and the support of college students returning to help stabilize staffing. At the same time, it can be physically and emotionally draining as we navigate new routines and temporary teams.

As leaders, we are constantly focused on helping children and educators grow stronger, guiding them through change, teaching coping skills, and modeling calm in times of stress. But how often do we check in on our own resilience? How do we care for the leader within?

This week let's dive into the crucial topic of leadership resilience and explore its powerful impact on effective leadership.

What defines resiliency in an early childhood leader? It is the ability to bounce back from daily challenges, such as teacher call-offs, and adapt to new ideas from program owners or corporate management to improve the program. A resilient leader can persevere in the face of adversity, even when a well-planned day is turned upside down by children's challenging behaviors. Resiliency is not about avoiding stress or hardship; rather, it is about learning how to navigate these challenges in healthy and constructive ways.

Resilient leadership is not about having all the answers. It's about staying grounded during change, leading with empathy, and continually learning and growing. As we support those around us, let’s not forget to care for ourselves.

Here are a few ways to build your Early Childhood Leadership Resilience Skills:

1. Prioritize Your Own Well-Being🧘🏼

• Create boundaries: Set limits around work hours and availability when possible.

• Take breaks: Step outside, breathe deeply, or do something that brings you peace—even if it’s just for 5 minutes.

• Get enough sleep, nutrition, and movement—your physical health is your emotional foundation.

2. Lean Into Your Support System🫂

• Connect with peers: Talk to other ECE leaders who understand your world. (Join our Facebook page)

• Find a mentor or coach: A trusted guide can help you process challenges and stay focused.

• Delegate when needed: You don’t have to do it all alone.

3. Reflect and Reframe🖼️

• Keep a leadership journal: Write about daily wins, lessons learned, or moments that mattered.

• Reframe challenges as learning: Instead of “This is a mess,” try “This is a moment to grow.”

• Celebrate small victories: your progress counts.

4. Strengthen Emotional Intelligence🎭

• Practice empathy and self-awareness: Notice your emotional triggers and how you respond under stress.

• Model calmness and kindness: Your tone and presence set the emotional climate for your team.

• Develop active listening skills: It deepens trust and improves team communication.

5. Stay Anchored to Purpose⚓

• Reconnect with your “why”: Why did you choose this field? What impact are you proud of?

• Share success stories: Celebrate the difference you and your team are making in children’s lives.

• Visual reminders: Keep photos, notes from families, or drawings from children nearby for inspiration.

6. Build a Culture of Resilience🏗️

• Promote wellness across your team: Encourage breaks, laughter, and mutual support.

• Offer professional development on stress and resilience: Grow together.

• Foster psychological safety: Create a space where teachers feel heard, respected, and supported.

Remember: leadership isn’t only about supporting others, but also about investing in yourself. The stronger and more centered you are, the more effectively you can lead with compassion, clarity, and courage.

Let this be a summer of strengthening not just your program, but also you!

Revisit your purpose as an early childhood leader

Reclaim time for your personal growth and mental health

Recommit to resilience-building strategies that keep you grounded, balanced, and inspired

How will you build your resilience this summer?

Till Next Time,

Jen Sprafka🖍️

P.S. Want to talk more about building your leadership skills? Feel free to respond and we can connect! [email protected]

P.P.S Did you find this topic helpful?