Educating Young Children Volume 1 – Spring 2025 | Page 15

work in the same room as you. Learn from their experiences, and show that you value working with them. Regularly scheduled meetings can provide a space for everyone to share observations, make future plans, address necessary changes, and [ CS: IS THERE BRANDING FOR WOYC THAT SHOULD exchange ideas. ACCOMPANY THIS BLURB?]

4. Invite [ TITLE feedback

] Week.

of the Young Child ® Is Here! Constructive feedback is valuable. Listening to children, working Join us for NAEYC’ s 2025 Week of the Young Child ® celebration with a coach, and inviting a trusted colleague or administrator April 5 – 11! Our annual event, started in 1971, celebrates early into your setting are just a few ways to learn what’ s working and learning, young children, their teachers, and families. Learn what may need your attention. It’ s not always easy to receive more about WOYC activities, proclamations, and daily themes feedback— even if you’ ve invited it— but it can help to remember that positive feedback is valuable too. Take time to reflect on what you’ re doing well, so you can build on those effective practices. When reflecting on how to improve, focus on strengthening one aspect of your practice at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

5. Boost your involvement in your professional community.

To develop your knowledge and skills outside of your setting, tap into a professional community. You can start out locally, such as an in-person gathering in your county or a NAEYC Affiliate conference. You can participate in virtual groups and events to widen your circle, including NAEYC’ s Interest Forums and HELLO online forum. Explore different opportunities to learn from others, build valuable relationships, and advocate for early childhood education policies and funding. By regularly connecting with others in the field, you’ ll find that you’ re part of a community that draws innovative, capable, and passionate professionals.

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