Purposeful Connections: How Relationships Nurture Professional Growth in the Infant-Toddler Teacher Network

The Infant-Toddler Teacher Network is more than a professional development community; it’s a vital source of support built on the power of relationships. For teachers working with children from birth to 36 months, participation in the Infant-Toddler Teacher Network offers a chance to learn and share experiences with fellow educators. As Tracy Royer, a dedicated Network Lead Teacher, puts it, “Empathy and relationships are essential and shape how we participate in the network. Relationships are number one. Without them, you don’t have a base to go off of.”

This focus on relationships extends beyond traditional mentor-mentee roles. Tracy emphasizes that she learns as much from her colleagues as they do from her. “I might be called a mentor, but it doesn’t mean I can’t learn from you. We’re growing and learning together.”

Through reflective practices and shared experiences, the Infant-Toddler Teacher Network fosters a supportive environment where educators deepen their expertise. “You need to be present and empathetic. It’s about understanding where each educator is in their journey,” Tracy explains.
Join the Infant-Toddler Teacher Network and be part of a community where relationships with colleagues and collaborative knowledge fuel professional growth. If you’re passionate about supporting early childhood development, now is the time to connect with us.

Building Bright Futures: Empowering Childcare Center Directors

Dale Cooperman, M.A., Ed. Spec., Director of the Congregation Albert Early Childhood Center and Lead Mentor in Early Childhood Director Network   

Dale’s philosophy on mentoring childcare center directors is rooted in her commitment to sustaining quality, fostering trust, and embracing continuous learning. As a seasoned early childhood educator with over 42 years of experience, Dale understands the key to effective mentorship lies in valuing every mentee’s unique talents, experiences, and perspectives.

“Mentorship is not just about providing answers; it’s about being a good listener and creating an environment where everyone feels respected and valued,” Dale explains. By modeling this approach, she encourages mentees to trust their instincts, reflect on their practices, and continually seek improvement. This philosophy extends to her belief that no one has all the answers and that an open mind is essential for growth.

“My most important mentorship practice is to step back and reflect on my approach and actions. You can’t be an effective mentor without mentoring yourself. It’s crucial to allow your mentee to provide a perspective that helps you step back and say, ‘I haven’t thought about it that way before.'”

Dale’s holistic mentorship approach integrates both professional and personal development, encouraging directors to trust their abilities, seek needed help, and reflect on their actions. This reflective practice is crucial, allowing directors to learn from their experiences and continuously improve. She frequently collaborates with fellow directors to share insights, strategies, and solutions to common challenges. These efforts help elevate early childhood education professionals and promote initiatives like the Head Start Pay Parity Program, strengthening individual leadership and advancing the early childhood workforce.

The impact of Dale’s mentorship is evident in the growth and increased confidence of the directors she mentors. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, she helps them navigate the complexities of their roles, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children and families. Dale’s dedication to mentoring ensures that the values of trust, respect, and curiosity are woven into the fabric of early childhood education, benefiting the entire community.

Learn more about the Director Network!

Nurturing Dreams: Liliana’s Experience as a Home Care Provider

Liliana Vázquez Díaz, A.A., Director of La Casa De Lily Learning Center and Lead Mentor in the Home-Based Provider Network 

Home-based child care professionals play an essential role in nurturing children and supporting families. Home care provider Liliana Vázquez Díaz, is driven by a passion for helping families. Her experiences overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened her resolve to provide quality care and education.

She emphasizes the importance of recognizing home-based providers as educators: “The biggest challenge is to get people to acknowledge that we are educators, not babysitters. If we don’t value our own work, nobody else will.”

Her commitment to professional growth is unwavering. “When somebody implies I’m a babysitter, I educate them about my role in education and early childhood development, because I do so much more than that. I graduated with my associate’s degree, and I’m always pushing people to reach for their dreams.”

Liliana also highlights the importance of personalized solutions for each child and family. “I always tell my friends, you have to find the one thing that’s going to work for that child and family. If you have problems with behavior or participation, find a way. There’s always a way.”

Join the Early Childhood Home-Based Provider Network, a community dedicated to the growth and success of home-based programs like Liliana’s. Offering professional development hours, monthly meetings led by fellow providers, and a stipend for online meeting attendance, this network supports the unique challenges and opportunities of home-based providers.