Working in the early childhood field is important and rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. The long hours and high demands of the job can be tiring, and, without intervention, can even lead to burnout. By using supportive and intentional leadership practices to prioritize the wellbeing of their staff members, ECE directors can help combat some of these negative effects. In this article we share three research-backed approaches to help you support your staff as they do the vital work of caring for and educating young children.
The wellbeing of ECE staff members is a critically important issue, not only because we care about our colleagues, but because we know that the wellbeing of early childhood educators contributes to learning and healthy development for the children in their care. The research report, It Matters: Early Childhood Mental Health, Educator Stress, and Burnout, explains that “ECE [Early childhood educator] wellbeing is connected to several important outcomes, ranging from children’s social-emotional gains to the quality of teacher student relationships, classroom environment, teacher perceptions of children’s behavior, and the stability and retention of the ECE workforce. Furthermore, positive ECE and child relationships are associated with ECEs’ workplace perceptions, and emotional wellbeing by ECEs who are emotionally and mentally prepared.”
One of the most impactful ways to support the wellbeing of staff members is to spend time in the classroom alongside them. This communicates to your team that they are supported and cared for.
Being available to offer a second set of hands can be especially helpful when a child is experiencing big feelings or demonstrating challenging behaviors. A Child Care & Early Education Research Connections report on ECE teacher wellbeing points to behavioral problems as a major stressor and source of emotional exhaustion for early learning educators and care providers. Your support during these difficult moments provides relief by letting staff members know they are not alone.
Many of us feel a sense of pride and fulfillment when we have an opportunity to use our skills to work on something important to us. To support the wellbeing and happiness of your staff members, invite them to utilize their strengths and talents for a project in your community.
For example, you might invite a staff member who is artistically creative to make flyers for an upcoming school event, or, if someone plays a musical instrument, you can ask them to play a few songs during music time. These activities offer staff members a break from their typical day-to-day responsibilities to do something they find rewarding. And, your acknowledgement of staff members’ interests and talents is a way to let them know that they are seen and appreciated as individuals.
The mood of ECE leaders and directors is contagious, with the potential to impact the mood of everyone in the school community. Leaders who maintain positivity in their ECE programs can help their staff members to feel positive as well and promote a sense of wellbeing throughout the workplace. An article from Edutopia adds that “positive leadership makes a difference in productivity, satisfaction, and happiness at work. Leading with positivity also helps to build trust among colleagues, and it becomes safer to open up to change.”
Smiles and an upbeat attitude contribute to a healthy work environment. You can be a source of light in your school by building confidence among the educators on your team and calling out the good things that are happening in your program. This will create an uplifting environment that has a positive impact on the wellbeing of your staff, and of the children in your care!
