Weekly Journal Prompt: Week #5
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Hello and Welcome!
Welcome to week 5! Thank you for subscribing to self-reflection and personal growth! Grab your favourite writing utensil, paper/notebook/or keyboard and find some space to write whatever comes to mind.
Welcome to all new members this week!
I'm so glad you all are here!
Here's your journal prompt for this week:
How important is networking with other ECE, Educators, and/or Caregivers to you? What ways can you stay in contact, engage in conversations with, learn from others that are not available to you at your current or past places of employment?
My Story
I have always found the ECE world quite segregated from other Educators, as often programs are small and limited in the number of staff. Large ECE conferences seem to be available a few times throughout the year where we can connect to others in person or virtually. Social media changed networking and connecting, but there are so many choices and educators can be across the world - with ECE related issues that may not pertain to our local area.
I began the Facebook group Early Childhood Educators in BC - Support, Educate & Advocate Together in 2015. I wanted to grow my sub list for my In-Home Multi-Age child care program. That was my first thoughts around forming a group. Over the last decade it as grown to 10K members, who get to ask questions, share knowledge, connect to others, and share all things Early Years related. If you are not currently a member, come on over and join the community! We'd love to have you: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14FFrKzmoJd/
Then I also began, in late 2024, my professional development workshops website and FB group (link here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19TFyv3kGd/) to share knowledge and help others grow. I hope to make this a community of educators just as the Facebook group. If you are not currently a member, again, I'd love to have you there!
When I had my first baby - I did not have a village. I could not rely on family to support me the way I needed to as a new mom, and I did a lot of work in therapy around that. I came to realize my internal instinct to have community was important to me and my growth. Since I did not have my "village" I have been always keen to growing one for ECE. In therapy I learned that often what we needed most is what we wish to give to others. That's my drive behind the Facebook groups and now the pro-d workshops website. I hope these areas can be places where you feel safe, included, informed, and part of a network of educators.
I am always open to ideas of inclusion. Share any ideas that make it work for you, or others anytime.
How about you? What is your story this week? Feel free to share with me: michelle@atplayprofessionaldevelopment.com
My Workshops!
I have 10 SELF-PACED workshops now available for ECE and those that work with children or in ECE management:
Values in ECE - 1 hour
Fundamentals of Being an Early Childhood Educator - 2 hours
Importance of Block Play - 1 hour
Positive vs Toxic ECE Work Culture - 1 hour
Creating a Good ECE Team - 1 hour
The 8 Senses - 1 hour
Fostering Connections in ECE - 1 hour
Challenging Behaviours in the Early Years - 4 hours
Burnout in ECE and Education: Self-Care in a Caring Profession - 3 hours
Transforming Early Years (ECE) Management Challenges to Successes - 2.5 hours
You can find them here: Register today! Take them anytime, night or day.
I have bundled 4 workshops (Values in ECE, Positive vs Toxic ECE Work Culture, Creating a Good ECE Team and Transforming Early Years (ECE) Management Challenges to Successes) - 5.5 Hours of Pro-D for only $35.00 - a 30% discount if you were to take them separately. These are great for current or upcoming management, supervisor roles, or any leadership role as well.
Check them out here:
Leadership and Management Bundle:
The Burnout in ECE Education: Self-Care in a Caring Profession - a 3 hour workshop - is still 50% off. Use Promo Code: BURNOUT2025 in the checkout!
Grab this one while the deal is still on! (See link above.)
I hope this helps us create goals and boundaries towards our own Self Care. As ECE we struggle with over caring and working long hours. I developed this workshop, as a Compassion Fatigue Coach, and as an ECE who struggled with burnout herself, with hopes to help others find their joy.
About Me
I am an ECE/IT/SN educator for 25 years, with a diploma as an Education Assistant and a degree in Child and Youth Care, and a minor in counseling. I wish to make pro-d for educators by an educator who understands the career journey, the struggles, the successes, the burnout, the love of child development, and so much more.
Your Call to Action
This week I challenge you to reach out to Educators outside your workplace for networking and building connection. To do this ECE and caregiving role does take a village. We are here where and when you need. Don't feel you are alone.
Best Wishes Educators!
Michelle Bergen Proctor of At Play Professional Development
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