As we reflect on the last few years and the changes, challenges, and adjustments, we can determine our path in 2023. It is important for us to think about what we have learned in the past and what things we can carry forward for a better year ahead.

We know what works

You are the folks who recognize how critical the early years of life are and how influential you are in establishing the foundation for all areas of children’s development. As we head to the new year, we must remain strong and committed to providing what we know is best for young children and their families. We talk about resilient children, but we must also be resilient educators. Staying on the course and remaining strong in our beliefs will lead to positive things happening because of our creative efforts.

Raise our voices

Now is the time for us to raise our voices, shine our light on our needs, and collaborate to demand that young children be nurtured and families supported. Together as a profession, we are stronger and have more influence. It has also become clear during Covid that Childcare and Early Childhood Programs are essential for families with young children so parents can work. To support our goals, I have decided to offer my assistance to you in a way we can explore new ways to work and collaborate together.

Light in 2023

Let us make 2023 the year that Early Childhood Educators and Parents join together to provide young children with quality programs, adequate support, and recognition for the critical work that early childhood educators provide. We are there in the beginning, shaping and supporting children’s development and nurturing the young thinkers who will impact our world.

My new and inspiring 2023 services will include opportunities for us to speak virtually (one-on-one or small group) and offer virtual presentations of your chosen topic. Stay tuned for these major changes, and I look forward to having inspiring conversations with you in the new year!

After two challenging years, it is time for each of us to move to a more encouraging view of the world and the people within our universe.

The following suggestions can help us uncover the moments and people who have shown us the way.

1. Identify the people who have mentored you as you developed into your true self. Find those people and let them know how they have shaped your life and how you appreciate their contributions. Sharing this moment with your meaningful person will make you both delighted.
2. Remember the actions that have brought you joy over the years. Reading a book to a small child, listening to a story of a family member, singing a favorite song, or walking in the forest. Do it again and often. Celebrate the returning joy you feel!
3. Search your space and find the objects, books, pictures or collectibles that make you smile. Pull them out, dust them off, revisit, and display these treasures so you will see them often. Reflect on the value of these gems and the accompanying memories.
4. Reconnect to those you have lost contact with during Covid. Search them out, contact them, and find a time to be together again. Reviving friendships will have a positive impact on both of you.
5. Remember funny stories, cartoons, or quotes that help us move beyond ourselves. If we laugh more often, we can begin to return to a more positive place. Some research on laughter indicates that the brain makes connections even if we are “faking” the laugh. More laughter leads to laughing more and encourages others to laugh along with you.

During our isolation we have learned that it is the special people in our lives that we miss the most. By rediscovering these treasured people, we find the joy and interactions that will help us return to our joyful world!

During this season of Thankfulness let us think of those who have shaped our thoughts and dreams. Sharing this appreciation with these influential people will bring joy to both of you.

I am thankful for you, your friendship, and support!

I just read an article that has identified new ways to describe the power of early childhood to others, Life Outcomes, Not Test Scores. These positive benefits that last a lifetime are so much more important than test scores for determining the benefits of programs for young children. We have known for years that test scores of young children are not good predictors of the benefits of quality programs for young children. Now the media and the public are beginning to recognize that the effects are far reaching.

Today, in the New York Times, a new important study was released on the importance of PreK and long-term effects. This research study done in Boston was conducted by University of Chicago, MIT, and University of California, Berkeley. The design of the study allowed the researchers to compare 4,571 young children who attended a quality PreK in Boston and a control group of 4215 young children who did not attend.

The findings are very important for early childhood educators and supporters of young children. In this very carefully conducted study, compared with a control group, the effects can be clearly understood.

Children who attend PreK in Boston, when compared to those who did not attend, were found to be:

• Less likely to be suspended
• Less likely to be incarcerated as juveniles
• More likely to graduate from high school (70%)
• More likely to enroll in college
• More likely to graduate from college

A Berkley economics researcher concluded that “large scale public preschool programs can improve education attainment for those who attend.”  It was further explained that the benefits were more encompassing than simple test scores. These long-term achievements were considered positive life outcomes which positively affect the educational level of society.

Share the news, sound the horn, and celebrate the findings from this important study.

We are concerned about “life outcomes, not test scores.” 

We are involved in important work, and your effort is valuable!

Leonhardt, D. (2021, May 10). Life outcomes, not test scores. The New York Times. https://messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/template/oakv2?uri=nyt://newsletter/f71bc80c-51b0-5a66-9de7-3a6826e9bb7d&productCode=NN&abVariantId=1&te=1&nl=the-morning&emc=edit_nn_20210510

Gray-Love, G., Pathak, P., & Walters, C. (2021, May) The Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool in Boston SEII Discussion Paper.

I wanted to let you to know the exciting news: all Four (4) “Home Spaces” have just been released. These are unique booklets that include all the information needed for setting up inviting spaces in your home. These spaces will actively engage young children in meaningful learning. They are specifically designed for families who have young children in their home during this pandemic.

My hope is that these spaces, with materials easily found in the home, will encourage families to nurture young children’s play. In these spaces the child(ren) can play and learn independently. They can follow their interest, shape the play in creative ways, and make decisions about their active participation.

Parents are so overwhelmed and stressed today they need to know that their child can learn actively in their home. It is not necessary for young children to spend so much time in front of a screen. Young Children are capable learners who can create their own play experiences if they have an inspiring environment available and includes open-ended materials.

Help me spread the word that these “Home Space” booklets are available and free. Pass it on.

All they need to do is go to drisbell.com/families and obtain the descriptive explanations, materials needed, and how to observe your young child learning. It is easy to do and appropriate for young children.

Together parents and teachers can nurture young minds, encourage thinkers, and problem solvers. These are the skills that are needed in the 21^st Century.

Stay safe and find time to play.

For the past few months, I have had a growing concern for families with young children in their home for long periods of time. I have watched as parents and caregivers have been spending more and more time sitting in front of screens and directing their child’s actions. Having been a working mother of two for most of my professional life, I feel for the difficulties that parents and caregivers are encountering and the stress they are feeling to do the right thing. All this is complicated by the pandemic and the changes this virus has caused to our home life and families.

How could I help, as an early childhood educator? After much brainstorming, I have decided to provide a free gift to families of young children. I have just completed the series of Home Spaces for Learning that families can provide for their young children in their home. The focus is on providing a place where their child or children can play and learn independently. These home spaces will allow the caregiver to do other essential tasks while their children are engaged in joyful learning.

To give you a taste of the new series that will include Four (4) Home Spaces for Young Children’s Learning, I have attached the introduction of the areas and a way to register to receive the Home Spaces series free – over a four-week period. My hope is that this will help your family as things are getting busier for the holidays.

Why are these learning spaces important?

Young children will be able to shape their play, actively engage in activities that interest them, make choices, and problem-solve. They will be learning in the way young children learn best… through meaningful play.

You can access the content starting Monday, Dec. 7, by signing up at drisbell.com/families. You will be receiving the introduction of the series and the first “gift” when you register. I will also be sending these resources to everyone who is already on my list as well.

I will also be available to speak with parents, and caregivers free via Facebook Live.

We will discuss, answer questions, and support your family during this difficult time. You can visit drisbell.com/families for the dates and times for the Facebook Live sessions.

Families, teachers, and caregivers: If we work together, we can create a great learning environment during these critical early years!

Together we are stronger,

Note to Early Childhood Teachers:

Share these free resources to your families and encourage them to let their children work independently!