If you or your program has developed a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) or worked with the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC), you have likely spent some time focused on goal-setting. Setting a goal for yourself or your program is an important part of the quality improvement process. But the process involves more … Read more
This is the time of year when everything starts to feel a little bit dreary. The holidays are over, the weather is colder, and it gets dark earlier. It can be easy to fall into a slump. Self-care becomes more important than ever during this time! Working as an early childhood educator makes for busy … Read more
It’s no secret that the majority of the early childhood education workforce is made up of women. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women accounted for 94.3% of “childcare workers” in 2022. The percentage of men in education increases moving into elementary and secondary education. Going back to the roots of humanity, women … Read more
Every year the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) provides an opportunity to reflect on the magic that is early childhood. Created by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), WOYC has been celebrated by early childhood education programs since 1971. Following the themes set by NAEYC, DIEEC put together activity guides … Read more
Music and the arts have been viewed in many different ways throughout the history of education. Many times when schools experience budget cuts, the fine and performing arts programs are the first to be cut. This could lead folks to believe that music and the arts are not essential, but this could not be further … Read more
What do you think of when the concept of “legacy” comes to mind? Take a minute. Now that you have taken time to gather your thoughts on this concept, have you ever considered your own legacy? Deep question, right? But it’s actually simpler than it seems! First, let’s explore the term “legacy”. Some people may … Read more
Change is something that is inevitable in the human experience. Some of us thrive on change and others dread it. Both are completely normal reactions! For many of us, learning to embrace change takes time and practice. Think of all we have experienced throughout the past two years while dealing with COVID-19. Both adults and … Read more
Every year in April, the early childhood education community celebrates the Week of the Young Child (WOYC). This is a time to truly appreciate the magic of young children and advocate for their care and education. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) established the first WOTYC in 1971. Since then NAEYC … Read more
If you keep up with trends in early childhood education and what is considered best practice, you have likely heard of play-based learning. It is a term that is mentioned often when discussing how children learn. But what exactly does play-based learning mean? Play-based learning consists of child-led activities with the teacher supporting the play … Read more
For many people, the month of December tends to be a time of reflection. The current year is ending, a new year is about to begin, and the holidays can bring about lots of emotions. This can lead to thinking of the past and feelings of nostalgia. One of the ways we connect with the … Read more
DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR
EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
