SELF-CARE CORNER

Recognizing One Thing You Did Well (August 2026)

As teachers, we often celebrate children's efforts while holding ourselves to impossible standards. This week, notice how you speak to yourself after a challenging moment. What would change if you offered yourself the same encouragement you give a child learning a new skill? Progress, not perfection, deserves to be celebrated.

What's one thing you did well today, even if no one else noticed?

Celebrating Small Wins (June 2026)

Not every win has to be big to matter. Sometimes the victory is staying patient

during a hard moment, making a child laugh, trying something new, or simply

making it through a long day. Progress is built in those small, everyday moments.

This month, give yourself credit for the good you are already doing. Perfection is

not the goal—showing up, growing, and continuing to care is more than enough.

Pause and Reset (May 2026)

When things start to feel overwhelming in your care context, allow yourself to pause and reset your own brain. Taking some slow, mindful breaths, a sip of water, a calming stretch, or stepping outside for a moment can help you return to your own regulated state of being. Being able to model a well-regulated nervous system is part of supporting children’s brain development. 

Engaging with Nature (April 2026)

We invite you to think about what happens in your body when you step outside into nature. As you explore, think about the different times and spaces you interact with nature whether that is personal or professional.

What are your favorite ways that you like to engage with nature? Walks, Hikes, Runs, Bike Rides, Gardening, visiting flower or fruit stands, Picnics, Patios, Requesting outside tables at restaurants, walking barefoot in the grass.

Finding Joy (March 2026)

What brings you joy in your life outside of being an early childhood educator? This month, we invite you to intentionally make space for one small thing that feels like you. Read a chapter. Tend your plants. Take a walk in nature. Bake just because. Create without needing it to be productive.

Giving You a Hand (February 2026)

The combination of our dry Colorado winter climate and frequent handwashing can be a recipe for disaster for your hands! These are our tried and true recommendations for hand lotions to keep in the classroom:

• Taylor: Salt & Stone - Santal & Vetiver

• Ashley: ShiKai Borage - Therapy Hand Cream

• Hattie: Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream

• Heather: eos Shea Butter Hand Cream - Vanilla Cashmere

Leaning into Your Breath (January 2026)

Be kind to yourself. Recognize what feelings are present. Lean into your breath. Remember to acknowledge the small steps.

Before your next transition, whether it is preparing for your day in the classroom, shifting from activity to activity, or transitioning home later today - take a moment to breathe and notice how you are feeling in these moments. What did you do to take care of yourself today?

Center Yourself (November 2025)

Before you engage in your observation and documentation practice, take a moment to take a couple of deep breaths, center yourself in the present moment, and feel a sense of calm.

Modeling Healthy Habits (October 2025)

Caring for children is a partnership with families - and it begins with caring for ourselves. A quick pause for breathing, stretching, or a positive affirmation helps us stay calm and responsive, modeling healthy habits for both children and families.

Setting Intentions (September 2025)

Why reflect? Reflection helps us slow down, learn from our experiences, and grow as educators. It turns everyday moments into opportunities to strengthen our practice and better support the children in our care.

Think of a recent moment when a child was having a hard time. How did you respond? Did you lead with connection, or jump to correction? What might you try differently next time to connect first?

What did you notice in your body during that moment? A racing heart? A deep breath? Tension in your shoulders?

Take a moment to jot down your thoughts - or even talk it through with a colleague. Building strong relationships starts one interaction at a time.

Self-Care: Set an intention to do three things you love every day, both in and out of the classroom.