What I’ve Learned After 30 Years in Early Childhood
In the world of early childhood, we often talk about reflective practice as if it’s a nice add-on, something we do when we have time. The truth is: reflective practice is hard work. It means slowing down, being vulnerable, and asking tough questions of ourselves and each other. And yet, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to change outcomes for babies, families, and the systems that support them.
Across more than 30 years in education, Medicaid, mental health, and child welfare, I’ve learned that how we show up matters just as much as the choices we make. When we pause, breathe, and respond with intention, not reaction, we’re modeling the culture we want to build.
At Safe Babies, reflective practice has helped teams create psychological safety. It encourages curiosity over judgment and leads to better decisions, rooted in compassion and context. Families feel the difference. So do staff.
It’s made me a better leader. It’s not easy to hold space for reflection in fast-paced, high-pressure systems. But when we commit to it, even in small ways, we show our teams and the families we serve that reflection isn’t a pause from the work. It is the work.
Sincerely,
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lekarz psychiatra, MD,
2wCongratulations on your experience and conclusions.
ECE, SPEC, educator with a medical background consultant with Christian training
3wParenting begins at home, prior to a couple conceiving a child and that child entering the school system. 1. Planning and preparation for the baby. 2. Doctors visits, prenatal care and pre-birth preparation classes. 3. The baby is delivered and then vaccinations and immunizations for the child are given based on the recommended doctors chart, prior to the start of school. 4. Nurturing and teaching the child at home prior to the start of school. 5. Reading daily to the child and assigning basic age appropriate chores to prepare them for school. 5. Cooperation and sharing and involvement(volunteering) in the child school is an essential component of a student success rate.
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3wThis really resonates with me! Reflective practice is actually one of the things I teach when working with early childhood teams on staff well-being — it’s part of what I call the 6 Pillars of Teacher Wellbeing. Having regular space to reflect, connect, and share insights with each other is such a game changer. It’s how we build trust, belonging, and real professional growth — not just surface-level check-ins. When teachers have that kind of support, it doesn’t just improve their day-to-day… it strengthens the entire culture of the program. Love seeing this kind of conversation being centered. 👏🏼
Psychotherapist, Educator, Consultant
3wGreat reminder on the importance of reflective practice. Thanks for sharing.
ECE, SPEC, educator with a medical background consultant with Christian training
1moSame fight, different era and a completely different set of children. It is all about the funding!!! Head start was federally funded and then was part federal and part district or state funded. Now, the states have the opportunity and the say so to elect and or choose what specific programs fit their states need for the population of children that they serve. Universal Pre-Kindergarten was introduced for all economic levels to experience the Pre-Kgn schooling experience. Tax payers foot the bills for public and private schools. Children, at the age of 3 can now attend school for a full day of instruction.