The Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality, sponsored by the Department of Human Services Office of Child Development and Early Learning, is a quality improvement program in which all early learning programs and practitioners are encouraged and supported to improve child outcomes.
Mental Health: Where We Are and How to Move the Conversation Forward
Shocking Statistics and Two Mindset Shifts You Can Embrace Today
Written By: Christy S. Renjilian
Mental health doesn’t just show up in your life. Mental health is your life. In the same way, physical health is your life.
Walking through struggles and facing challenges is part of the human experience. And unfortunately, so is trauma.
Research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that children who have Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to have chronic health problems, mental illness, substance abuse problems, and difficulties in school.
Often, the more numerous and severe the adverse experiences a child has, the greater the long-term negative impact on their physical and mental health. Evidence also suggests that adversity and stress can influence brain development in infancy and early childhood and can even have intergenerational effects.
And we have seen, personally and professionally, the effects of trauma on mental health each day. From persons impacted by child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and community violence, to the struggle with depression, bipolar, and other mental health issues that impact wellbeing.
A Snapshot of Where We Are Now:
We know mental health challenges are prevalent in today’s world. But just how prevalent is it?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
You know these statistics are true. Chances are good you have someone in your life, right now, working hard to improve her mental health.
She’s stuck in a rut, as they say. And you are doing your best to reach out to her, to encourage her. Or if that someone is you, you might be actively talking to a professional. Because so often it’s more than you and your community of support can cope with.
This past year, especially, you’ve been trying your best to practice radical self-care and wellness. It’s been a struggle. And you want to do more. You want to model a life of engagement, a life full of living and love. And you want to help the next generation cope in a healthier, more aligned way.
Because the numbers are staggering. And behind these numbers are real-life people like you and me.
Two things you can do to move the mental health conversation and movement forward:
Support Mental Health as You Do Physical Health
It’s time to admit that mental health and wellness affect everyone. It’s time to support co-workers, friends, and family members who are facing mental health issues as we would those experiencing physical health issues.
In fact, the two are often intertwined and influence each other. During the past 18 months, as a society, as an employer, and as individuals, we have all experienced times of struggle in our ability to cope with COVID and the impacts it had on our ‘normal life.’
It brought to light that everyone can suffer from mental health issues, and there is no need to be ashamed or to avoid getting support from friends, family members, and professionals.
Dr. Ken Duckworth, chief medical officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said “the rate of mental health conditions and substance use conditions essentially doubled during the pandemic from one in five to two and five. At the same time, I think mental health went from becoming a ‘they’ thing to a ‘we’ thing.
“People have recognized that mental health is, in fact, a part of health. And most of us know somebody or have had a personal experience of somebody who struggled with their mental health through the pandemic.”
In fact, just last month a friend and mentor shared with me that her husband was in the midst of a mental health crisis. And as a mother and business owner, it greatly affected her mental health, too. So she turned to a professional for help.
These crises are happening in homes across our community, our nation, our world. And so, too, are conversations.
So go on, be a part of a conversation. Support a friend’s journey toward wholeness as you would his going through a physical health challenge.
Be a positive influence on their healing, their recovery. It can be as simple as making a meal and dropping it off, going on a long walk together, writing a note of encouragement, or making open, judgment-free space for him to express himself during your next phone call.
You can make a real difference.
When Talking About Mental Health, Use Strength Language
Just as you wouldn’t judge someone for breaking a leg or having cancer, you shouldn’t judge someone coping with anxiety and depression. In fact, you may even use strength language to talk about people who are living with depression, childhood trauma, or PTSD.
“Words like suffering and illness have negative connotations associated with them. Thus, I choose to use healthier phrases such as ‘I’m living/thriving with mental wellness issues’ because I continue to push forward on a daily basis, with the language that I choose to use playing a critical role in that process. My wellness issues will not stop my ability to thrive, but if I look at it as an illness, it may. The mind is very powerful.”
– Phillip J. Roundtree
What seems like simple shifts, challenge instead of problem, seeking professional help instead of having a crisis, make a big difference.
In the same way you talk about preventative strategies and wellness for physical health, be open to talking about wellness in terms of your mental health. Mindfulness, resilience, and things that feed your mental and emotional health are to be practiced.
Encourage those around you to take time for their mental health, in whatever form that takes for them. Some like to meditate, practice yoga or go for a walk. For others it’s a hobby, good movie or concert. Some seek out human connection. Others like to be alone. The important thing is to be aware and honor yourself, to be okay with taking time, stepping back, and breathing deeply. To rest and restore your emotional and mental health.
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
– Dr. Brené Brown
Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and shame has resonated and captivated the nation and the world. It has shifted the lens of how we think about vulnerability from one of weakness to one of great strength.
Takeaways
Mental health, physical health, and emotional health are all of the same importance. They all make up this very human experience you’re living day in and day out.
It’s time to support them equally. And to do it from a place of strength.
Along the way, be kind to others and to yourself. Often, it’s the most challenging time of our life. Extend grace and kindness to yourself. And to others.
“Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle”
Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC) is a nonprofit centered in the heart of Pennsylvania. They serve childcare providers and low-income families ‒ the ones that have been impacted the most by the pandemic.
For you and your business, CCC helps keep childcare options open for your employees ‒ saving missed work hours and lowering on-the-job stress levels. They work with early childhood education programs and home-based providers to improve the quality of care, ensuring that all children enter school ready to be successful.
Christy Renjilian serves as its Executive Director. To learn more, visit childcareconsultants.org.
Three Things You Can Do to Start a Conversation in Your Home
Written By: Christy S. Renjilian
You believe all families and individuals are worthy of our respect. Everyone should have the ability and opportunity to feel good about themselves.
So being inclusive and welcoming is essential to you. And creating a space where you, your family, friends, colleagues, and those around you can see themselves and be themselves, you’re all about it.
And you know your child wants this, too. He’s naturally inclusive. And curious. And you want to nurture those traits.
If we all did that, it sure would make for a more inclusive community. A more inclusive world.
At Community Connections for Children, Inc., we work equally hard to ensure equal opportunities for all children so that they have the resources they need to grow up and be successful.
For me personally, inclusivity means that coworkers, clients, friends, and family members that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, see me as an ally. I’m committed to doing the hard work of listening and learning, to grow in my understanding of the issues they face and how I can be supportive.
And clearly, you are too.
If you’re ready to take the next step, to have meaningful conversations with your child about LGBTQ+ inclusion, here are three ways you can start.
Read Inclusive Books With and To Your Child
You know the importance of reading and the impact it has on early childhood development. So start there. Find a book that showcases that families come in all forms, and each person is to be valued and included.
“Diverse literature enables students to see themselves as the heroes of the story.”
– Lily Eskelsen García
Not sure which book to start with? You can always head to your local library. Your librarian will be happy to lead you to really great choices.
Or, if you’re looking to order online, here are some of my favorite inclusive children’s books:
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Families by Shelley Rotner
The Family Book by Todd Parr
Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
Create opportunities for sharing and teaching. Welcome your child’s questions and curiosity, and if you don’t know the answers to his many questions, seek out the answers together.
The best books spark new thoughts, new conversations, and new ways of thinking. So go on, read an inclusive book with your child.
Immerse Yourself in Communities that Include LGBTQ+ Members
Be a part of communities that include LGBTQ+ members and provide welcoming spaces for them and their families.
For you, it may be participating in a local, regional, or online workshop. Or volunteering your time with an impactful organization. Maybe it’s a celebration or parade. Or maybe it’s inviting a loved one or community member to have coffee with you.
If you’re interested in learning, immerse yourself. Become better informed. And do the work.
And when you’re ready, intentionally immerse your child in inclusive environments, if possible. Start by bringing her along to an inclusive environment. As a next step, maybe you work together to identify a summer camp, an extracurricular activity, a local community day, or another experience she’s interested in.
Look for opportunities. And have open conversations.
“The richness, beauty, and depths of love can only be fully experienced in a climate of complete openness, honesty, and vulnerability.”
– Anthony Venn Brown
Many nonprofits are a great place to start. They serve the needs of all the members of their community and are some of the most inclusive businesses in the region.
At Community Connections for Children, Inc. our mission is to ensure that all children succeed. So we are mindful of the challenges facing LGBTQ+ families and work to promote their well being.
As an organization, CCC staff have attended workshops sponsored by other community partners and state and national experts. These inclusive, immersive training events assist us in our support of early childhood education providers and community partners; and ultimately impact families here in our region.
It’s about learning and doing and engaging in the communities we serve.
Seek Out Trusted Resources to Expand Your Thinking
When we want to learn something new, to train our minds on a particular subject or topic, we often go to the worldwide web. And while it can prove helpful, at times, we can also get sucked into an endless vortex of knowledge and ideas and opinions.
Because you want to expand your thinking, your awareness, and really be that welcoming, safe place for young people in your life.
Let me point you in the right direction. Visit PFLAG, an organization of parents, families, allies, and others who support people who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. They are working toward a world where diversity is celebrated and people are respected, valued, and affirmed regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
PFLAG works to build on a foundation of love, helping families unite with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another. And to educate people and communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value, and affirm LGBTQ+ people.
They offer free resources, like their video blog series, membership, which comes with access to PFLAG Academy Online, and local and regional support.
If you’ve never visited their site, do so today.
Start Talking to Your Child Today
Look, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Chances are good, really good, that your parents didn’t talk to you about sexual orientation or inclusivity during your childhood. Or even as an adult.
But you, you can change that. The most important thing is to start learning, and to follow that up with conversations in your home. And then, together, work to build a more inclusive spirit and environment for our LGBTQ+ family and friends.
“We should keep calm in the face of difference and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity”
– George Takei
As you read a book together, with your child, turn to her to discuss what you just read. Ask her how she’s feeling and what she thinks about it. Share your thoughts, too.
Because you’re ready to wonder, to soak in the diversity of humanity, to not only know it in your heart and see it from a screen, but to really engage and live a full, meaningful, inclusive life.
Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC) is a nonprofit centered in the heart of Pennsylvania. They serve childcare providers and low-income families ‒ the ones that have been impacted the most by the pandemic.
For you and your business, CCC helps keep childcare options open for your employees ‒ saving missed work hours and lowering on-the-job stress levels. They work with early childhood education programs and home-based providers to improve the quality of care, ensuring that all children enter school ready to be successful.
Christy Renjilian serves as its Executive Director. To learn more, visit childcareconsultants.org.
Community Connections for Children (CCC) serves as an Early Learning Resource Center and is committed to helping children, families, and early childhood education programs be successful. As part of that commitment, we acknowledge the diversity that comes from within and outside of our organization. We envision a thriving, growing community where children embrace a culture of learning, stay in school, and excel. To achieve this goal, we strive to be inclusive regardless of ability, age, religion, politics, race, national origin, class, family status, sexual orientation, and gender. We believe that hatred, in any form, negatively impacts our community because all people are different, deserve to be respected, and have their humanity recognized. We provide tools for success and accommodations that contribute to an equitable environment, so all people receive what they need.
At CCC, we understand that individual needs will vary, and we strive to be fair and equitable across the board. As an organization, we are committed to advocating for social justice and intentionally including all our stakeholders. Through our many programs and roles in the community, we actively support and bring awareness to opportunities for marginalized voices and opinions at the local, state, and regional level. We believe in transparent communication, listening, volunteering, and creating a sense of belonging for all stakeholders. CCC values the rights and unique gifts of each individual. We are intentional about developing and maintaining relationships based upon respect, open and honest communication, acceptance, and inclusion so that each person we come in contact with has the best chance at success. CCC is committed to continual growth in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The entire education world, and beyond, was rocked in 2020. It was forced to evolve and change at lightning speed. While shedding decades of tradition, it tried to adapt to the demands of a global health crisis.
And yes, it was a struggle. And added to those educational challenges were the personal challenges of living through a pandemic. There was trauma, loss of loved ones, isolation, fear, and the emotional impact on the professionals working day in and day out. Those deemed essential employees.
But even amid the crisis, the struggle, there were glimpses of light. In education, that looked like options. Along with a deeper appreciation for the industry, overall, and its professionals – from school nurses to administrators, from teaching assistants to bus drivers. And teachers, those teaching babies, preschoolers, K-12, and beyond. Definitely the teachers. Deservedly so.
In the midst of unrest, tension, and a public health crisis the likes of which none of us had ever seen, the education community stepped up. And leaned in. Virtually. And in-person. Through a combination of approaches. Many family home-based child care providers never stopped providing care. Not for a single day. And centers applied for waivers and re-opened as quickly as they could. As always, child care provided a strong foundation for our economy, our families, our children.
And wow, there was a learning curve. For everyone. But there was grace. Our educators, those positioned to teach and guide and lecture, were in a storm.. But they adjusted. And pivoted. And learned a thing or two this past year. About their resilience, their profession, the impact they have on their students, their families, the community, and the greater economy.
So let’s take a look at where education is, where it’s going, and the long-term trends and innovations that are on the horizon.
Where is Education Going in 2021?
We are all so proud of our education partners, leaders, parents, and our students. They have adjusted their day-to-day and continue to do their best amidst global, rapid change.
And as we look to the 2021-22 school year, one of the things we found most positive for our students is going to stick around.
Choice.
In a recent conversation with Randi B. Payne, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent at Northeastern School District, she shared, “As we look toward next year and beyond, I think we are realizing a new arena of K-12 public education. Students and families have a great deal of choice within our public schools right now. For instance, students can attend fully in-person, fully online – synchronously, fully online – asynchronously, or a blended option of some in-person and some online. We have found that there’s a population of consumers for each of these models. To meet our families’ needs, we’ll need to maintain the options that they’ve come to appreciate.”
She continued on to say, “for teachers, some prefer teaching in person and some prefer online. Moving forward, teachers will be able to focus on their instructional strengths by teaching in the model that best matches their skills.”
An innovative approach to meet the needs of our students and teachers in the most effective way possible.
The Impact on the Teaching Profession
Early childhood teachers all the way through to post-secondary, teachers have been through it this year.
This past week and month, teachers across our region received their vaccine. And tears were shed. Tears of hope, tears of courage, tears for what they’ve walked through. For what was, and for what’s to come.
In this new age, their demands continue to grow. And grow.
As we move forward, our teachers need support to address the new and changing demands of the children and families they serve. They are going to need time and patience to address the gaps and challenges left in the wake of the pandemic. Along with additional training and peer groups to foster support for children with socio-emotional and behavioral issues.
Along with a rework of the current performance standards, so they can meet each student where they are and to adapt to the realities of the past year’s impact on children’s development.
In chatting with Ruby Martin, M.Ed., Chief Child and Youth Program Officer at YWCA York, she expressed her hopes, “that next school year will mean less stress and less exhaustion for our teachers.”
A sentiment we can all get behind.
Because the impact on our teachers has been staggering. In fact, a nationwide poll of educators conducted by the National Education Association found that 28 percent of teachers surveyed said the pandemic has made them more likely to retire early or leave the profession. That number includes a significant number of new or young teachers – one in five teachers with less than 10 years experience. It also includes 40 percent of teachers with 21 to 30 years experience, and 55 percent of those with more than 30 years.1
A challenge that could heighten the already desperate need for qualified teachers, leading to an even bigger shortage here in the U.S. In the early education sector, this issue is exacerbated by extremely low pay, long hours, and little support for the vital role they play in supporting children’s development.
We need to work to retain our educators, those who give so much to their students and their profession, and at the same time attract new educators.
Knowing what this next school year will bring is a start. As a community, we can use that knowledge to be proactive in creating policies and services that address the current challenges. We can craft a nurturing, more inclusive, more equitable approach to meet the needs of our students, our teachers, our support staff, and our economy.
Six Trends in Education in 2021 and Beyond
To craft that approach, we’ll need to set our collective sights on these six, high-priority trends and focus areas. A holistic view on the future of education.
The Mental Health of Students
Look, our children are struggling, struggling, with socio-emotional and mental health issues as a result of the stressors of this past year. And so are parents, guardians, and our educators, too.
And it’s up to us, the helping professions – the non-profit agencies, the education system, and the medical profession – to pay close attention to the overall wellness of children. And to proactively implement prevention and intervention programs to help the children and their families.
If you’re a caregiver, you can have an even greater impact for your children. Increase your awareness of the signs of mental health struggles in children, and seek help, if needed. Reach out to the support systems in place, be it your pediatrician, teacher, your school counselor or administrator, or a telehealth professional through your workplace health program.
From a school leader’s perspective, Randi B. Payne, Ed.D., said, “I think we all recognize the importance of mental health services, especially for our young people. The time with limited social interaction, athletics, and the arts has definitely taken its toll. We’ll need to focus our efforts on the social-emotional side of learning for some time as we move forward.”
Focusing on mental health is an absolute must.
Equity to Access and Learning
As you know, there is a big gap that exists in our region, in our country, and it’s the economic disparities between school districts. At the core of it is an archaic funding formula that reinforces the differences between communities with wealth and resources – and those without.
There’s an even bigger chasm between early childhood education and K-12 schools. The amount of public funding for early childhood education and child care is woefully short of the needs. And for middle class families, there is no support to help them with the cost of child care. This has been a problem for decades, and it’s time to solve the child care crisis.
It’s essential that we address it. And work together on viable and effective solutions.
And it’s linked to the diversity, equity, inclusion, and racism issues challenging our country, region, and school districts. Some school districts need more support, additional resources to ensure that each and every child has access to high-quality education.
And this additional support needs to start at the earliest of ages.
In Pennsylvania, there are over 475,000 low-income children aged 0-8. That’s 39% of all children in the State as reported by The National Center for Children in Poverty. In diving into their data, there are major percentile differences for children of color. The percentages for low-income children in the same age group are: 70% Non-Hispanic Black; 65% Hispanic/Latino; 30% Asian-American; and 27% Non-Hispanic White. 2
Differences Ruby Martin, M.Ed., is all too familiar with. “In York City, students really struggled with being connected at the end of 2019-20. And then staying engaged this school year. The disparity between our urban center and the surrounding districts has grown significantly this past year, and we may spend the next five years trying to recover from the additional disparities caused by Covid-19.”
Equity to access and learning is a top priority in our region.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Improving access is key. And so is changing the diversity, equity, and inclusion landscape of education and curriculum. The curriculum must include more content regarding underrepresented communities and be a reflection of all stories, not just some stories.
The curriculum changes should be accompanied by culture change. They work together. And it starts by fostering a more welcoming culture within our buildings, our hallways, our classrooms, and all virtual spaces in the education arena. For children of all ages. To provide opportunities for them to see and be seen.
Things like assigning and reading literature from a broad range of authors and sharing the history of all cultures will help. Encouraging and attracting a more diverse workforce in and around the education system will make for a more inclusive environment. This environment will provide a place for safe, productive conversations about pressing current events at all levels of education and within leadership.
And will give our students space to innovate, leading the culture shift.
And encourage our leaders, administrators, and board members to take best practices from the decades of inclusivity work corporations have been doing within their workplaces. And work on implementing them in a school setting.
Experiential, Individualized Learning
Another trend to embrace is a more individualized learning experience for students. We’ll start to see more student-led design groups, small-scale innovations, and peer-to-peer conversations focused on a common goal.
And as we do, we need to redefine what “mastery” means and the expectations we have for students. And how we measure success and adequate learning.
In ten or twenty years, education at all levels will occur both in-person and remotely. And if your school, your district doesn’t have a teacher certified in a particular specialty or enough students to make a class, then you can connect with another school or district.
In that same conversation with Ruby Martin, she shared her beliefs. “We will see elements of cyber and homeschool learning in public education. With a shift of curriculum, from large group instruction to a more focused, individualized instruction. A response to meet children where they are. This will allow students to feel more empowered to share their own goals for learning, to be assessed authentically, and be more active, valued participants in their own experiences.”
This past year has shined a light on what works really well for each student, for each family. And the education community has a real opportunity to take the best of each facet and adapt it in their own way to enhance the learning experience.
Innovative Classroom Design
Another area for improvement is classroom design. The traditional classroom, be it in public school, private school, in-home, has been relatively unchanged for decades.
In early childhood education programs, home and center based, there is much more emphasis on individualized, child centered learning through active engagement and play. Following the child’s interests and lead. The K-12 system has much to learn from the child care system.
Recently, we’ve seen a shift to a more open, flexible learning space where a teacher guides the experience, instead of teaching to the collective whole of the class about a specific subject or topic.
The pandemic has had a silver lining of further requiring schools to reconsider classroom design and the “when,” “where” and “how” of learning. To what extent and how quickly these lessons drive the formation of K-12’s next iteration is uncertain, but the table is set with significant opportunities for forward-thinking districts this year.3
As education evolves, classrooms will, too. Teachers will continue to use more and more technology in the classroom, resulting in more individualized instruction for each child. And the trend towards experiential learning – learning through play and active engagement and exploration of the world – will increase.
Change for Early Childhood Educators
Early childhood educators are the forgotten heroes of this past year. Working with far less pay, even when they have the same teaching certificate as their K-12 colleagues.
Government officials, business owners, and the public expected them to work during the height of the pandemic. And of course, they did. Very early on we rediscovered what the industry has known all along – early childhood educators are essential. Essential for the economy, yes. And essential for the mental health and well-being of children and their family unit, ensuring a safe, high-quality environment for play, growth, and development.
It is my hope that within five years early childhood education teachers are paid at the same rate as the K-12 system they feed into, and there is financial support for all families to help with child care costs. In the same way that all families are supported by the public K-12 system regardless of their income.
Creating a seamless opportunity for each whole child, each student, from birth to graduation. To ensure that all children are successful in school and life.
How Parents, Community Leaders, and Educators Can Work Together
We talked about where education is right now, and where it’s going. We covered choice, and how it’s here to stay. And we reviewed six trends in education: the mental health of students, equity to access and learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion, experiential/ individualized learning, innovative classroom design, and change for early childhood educators.
And that’s a lot. A lot.
But it may have left you wondering, how can I, as a parent, a guardian, a community leader, or an educator work to make this progress, these changes happen?
First of all, good for you for recognizing your role. Because you do have an active role.
You can continue to evolve your own holistic view of child development and rethink what “mastery” means. An example? A kindergartner. Let’s just say this particular kindergartner, as so many are, is “behind” what kindergarteners of years ago were doing. Instead of thinking, ‘wow, he’s behind’, adapt your thinking to meet him where he is, as a whole student. Accept and welcome her into this next year, slowly. Take time to celebrate what she knows and can do, what she accomplished over the last year.
Because there is harm in pushing children to acquire and retain certain knowledge and skills, especially this year. So be gentle. With your expectations, with your understanding, with your mental health and theirs.
And as you look at the whole student, look at the whole population, too. Acknowledge the disparities, work to understand the public and community’s role in creating them. And in the systems we created. Commit to not just studying them and talking about them, but to do the hard work of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be successful in a quality early childhood education program and school, so they can be successful in life.
Because all students matter. Each and every life.
“What we know matters but who we are matters more.”
– Brené Brown
Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC) is a nonprofit centered in the heart of Pennsylvania. They are the backbone of the economy, serving childcare providers and low-income families ‒ the ones that have been impacted the most by the pandemic.
For you and your business, CCC helps keep childcare options open for your employees ‒ saving missed work hours and lowering on-the-job stress levels. They work with early childhood education programs and home-based providers to improve the quality of care, ensuring that all children enter school ready to be successful.
Christy Renjilian serves as its Executive Director.
A Conversation About Respect, Compassion, Kindness, and Inclusion
Written By: Christy S. Renjilian
Diversity. Equity. And inclusion.
You’ve heard the words, and you may even be working hard to promote them in your community. In your circle.
You know it’s important work, essential work, both for yourself and for your organization.
And you know, to your core, that racism, discrimination, and intolerance are not acceptable.
In a year filled with hate and oppression, you could have taken the easy road, sitting back and staying quiet. But you’re focused on self-reflection and self-awareness. Because a change in your organization starts with you.
It’s about asking how can I and my organization be better? Better individually, and better collectively? How can we be sure that we’re being respectful, kind, and compassionate? How can we work to improve our understanding, our acceptance, and our approach?
Here are three things that Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC), a nonprofit organization serving a diverse region in south-central Pennsylvania, have embraced. And you can, too.
Acknowledge Your Implicit Bias
It’s essential you recognize implicit bias in yourself. And really acknowledge it. Talk about it. And explore it.
CCC partnered with Dr. Jessica Spradley, co-founder and lead consultant with Care Based Leadership, LLC, for a series of diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops. This was the first step in our three-year intensive work on diversity, equity, and inclusion; funded by the Donley Foundation.
And it starts with an understanding of bias, as shared by Dr. Spradley; its definition, a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone.
Dr. Spradley noted that all bias is not bad. It is most often implicit bias, or the things we don’t acknowledge we believe, that becomes harmful in our interactions with other people.
Consider your own life. Do you ever question why you made decisions?
Most often we just say it is intuition or comfort, but bias plays a huge part. It is easy to acknowledge bias when you feel it is inconsequential. The work begins when we move into the spaces that push us beyond our comfort zone.
The work gets hard when we reflect on what we were taught by our family, friends, teachers, faith communities, and other organizations we are a part of. It takes personal reflection and strength to change our beliefs, influence our organizations, and have a positive impact on our community.
It’s up to you, and me, to do the deep work of becoming aware of our biases – especially when we don’t think we have any – and work to eliminate them.
As a white person, I have privileges based solely on the color of my skin. And this is true even though I’m not a wealthy person and have faced other challenges in my life. White privilege doesn’t mean your life hasn’t been hard. It means your life hasn’t been made harder because of the color of your skin.
CCC is on a journey. We are committed to addressing all areas that can help us improve our capacity to ensure everyone is welcome here.
With a deeper awareness, what are you going to do to bring about a more accepting, inclusive, and respectful community?
Prioritize Appreciation, Acceptance, and Value
The team at CCC wants you to feel appreciated, welcomed, and valued – as a colleague, a client, a partner, a provider; as a human being. We started with a confidential culture and climate survey of our staff that we used to guide our diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
“Allow people to be people, to be human. Commit to caring for each other and your diverse clients at a deep level daily.”
– Dr. Jessica Spradley, Care Based Leadership, LLC
Something the team agreed to early in our diversity, equity, and inclusion work, was to be open, and to listen, really listen to the life experiences of those around us.
There’s power in understanding. You are on your own journey, moving at your own pace. Add to that your organization is on a journey, deciding collectively how to continue to grow, to improve, and to identify where it falls short.
Because everyone falls short. Individually and collectively. Each person, each human has intentionally or unintentionally said things that hurt others.
So we strive to do better. We know we can and will do better, for ourselves, for our clients, and the communities we serve. And you know it, too.
It’s about growth, individual growth, and growth as an agency.
It’s about appreciating each other, the struggles, the challenges, and the opportunities. And it’s about fostering a welcoming culture.
To continue our growth journey, and really do the work to strengthen our culture, CCC formed an Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Committee. It’s volunteer. And 20% of the staff participates.
The committee has written a mission, vision, and values statement to guide their work. And is crafting an organization position statement that will be adopted by CCC staff and Board of Directors. They’ll also review our workspace, documents, policies and procedures, everything we do, to ensure we are being respectful, equitable, and inclusive.
In years two and three of our work, we will share the lessons we learned with early childhood education programs and community partners. We will provide workshops, community conversations, and opportunities for them to review and develop their own policies and procedures.
It’s important to us to be a catalyst for change. Because research shows that children of color, particularly Black boys, are more likely to be suspended or expelled from childcare programs. This is true regardless of the ethnicity or race of their teacher. These boys are statistically more likely to end up expelled in the K -12 system and end up in the juvenile justice or prison system.
And it can be traced back to how they are included – or not – in their early learning experiences. When I heard these stats, I knew I had to do something. And as the agency whose mission is to improve childcare programs, and ensure every child has high-quality care, so they can be successful in school and life, so did CCC. And to work on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within the childcare field, we had to do the internal work first.
We are committed. The goal is to ensure that every child, every family, every staff person served by our partners is valued and included.
Commit, and Recommit, to a Goal of Respect
Look, it’s not an expectation that we will all think the same, or have the same beliefs.
It’s about committing to a goal of respect, and having grace with each other as you reflect and grow in real-time.
Biases exist in many forms, from race, ethnicity, and sexual identities – LGBTQ+, to socio-economic differences, cultural differences, and regional differences.
And those biases are formed through a lens of the experiences, trauma, and influences you’ve had in your life.
You’ve seen some things. And experienced things that have shaped and molded who you are today. Some for the better and some, honestly, for the worse. But we can all grow, learn, and change.
This work is not about making you or me feel bad, it’s not about labels or politics – it’s about a commitment to yourself and each other.
A commitment to participate in the conversation, to be your authentic self, and to learn from others.
When I came to this community 20 years ago, with my husband and kids, we had a life-changing experience. Days after arriving, tucked in our newspaper we found hate literature inviting us to a KKK rally. A KKK rally. Two days later, my husband and I, along with our three-year-old daughter and five-year-old son, were in Continental Square – protesting.
We took a hard stand, and we continue to do so. Racism, discrimination, and intolerance are not acceptable. Not then. Not now. Not ever.
It is my hope, deep commitment, and sincere expectation that I and all of us do the hard work of personal reflection, checking our internal dialogue honestly. And that we commit and recommit, to the goals of respect, compassion, kindness, inclusion, equity, and antiracism.
Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC) is an inclusive nonprofit. Its mission is to ensure that all families have access to affordable, high-quality child care choices that lead to success in school and life. All families.
CCC strives to be an effective, authentic ally and advocate, providing opportunities for meaningful interactions and input from those we serve.
In 2020, CCC was awarded a three-year grant from the Donley Foundation to focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues, both internally and externally. CCC is committed to meaningful reflection and change. This grant is helping them live up to their aspirations of mutual respect, service to others, and compassion here in the central Pennsylvania region.
Christy Renjilian serves as its Executive Director.
Care Based Leadership, LLC supports organizations by providing inclusion and diversity training, cultural analysis, and other relevant talent development services.
Its co-founders, Jessica and Paul Spradley, are committed to caring for rather than caring about historically marginalized people.
Together, they work to increase the capacity of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a unique way for each of their clients and contribute to the growth of businesses, organizations, and educators all over the world. For more information, visit carebasedleadership.org.
Parents in South-Central Pennsylvania Express Gratitude
As you approach the one year mark of living in a global pandemic, you’re still feeling the intense weight of stress and anxiety it’s brought you and your neighbors.
Health concerns. Financial concerns. Emotional concerns. Social concerns.
And as a parent, a caregiver, you’re concerned about your child. Your children. And their learning and development.
No matter what stage you’re in… from first-time parents of school-aged children – yes, Kindergarten registration is underway – to the most seasoned caregivers, you have questions.
So. Many. Questions.
Questions like…
Is your child falling behind? Is she keeping up? Struggling? Learning and retaining information? How is he doing emotionally? How will missing out on major milestones and life events impact her?
What are the long-term effects? And if all students are “in the same boat,” what does “falling behind” even mean?
It’s been hard, impossible even, to find answers, good, quality answers, because this type of shutdown and major pandemic pivot is unprecedented in our modern system.
Yes, the school system, nationwide, is built on in-classroom learning. And this past year has been a struggle. One you see and feel daily as you lead your family through it.
You are living through what will be looked back on as a historical shift. In so many ways, but most notably, in education. Take solace, you’re not alone.
A Look at the Pandemic’s Impact on Education from a National Level
While many of your friends may have felt like this past year put a pause on life and on learning, current research says differently.
A recent study conducted by NWEA – with data from over 4 million students in third through eighth-graders – is helping to shape preliminary results on the state of education year over year.
A snapshot of their findings gives us a better idea as to how students in late elementary through middle school are doing, an opportunity for us all to better understand the challenges of this unprecedented disruption.
Here are the key findings…
Reading Advancements
Good news here. The report reads “In some ways, our findings show an optimistic picture: in reading, on average, the achievement percentiles of students this fall are similar to those of same grade students last year, and in almost all grades, most students made some learning gains since the COVID-19 pandemic started.”
It shows caregiver involvement, technology, and a forced but evolved response by the education community worked. Students made educational gains in learning, particularly in reading, during the pandemic.
Decades of research tell us the most important thing you can do to prepare young children for academic success is to read to them and promote reading as they enter the K-12 system.
Math Performance
Okay, so it’s not all positive. The study concluded, “Student achievement was 5 to 10 percentile points lower than the pre-COVID-19 performance by same-grade students last fall [2019], and students showed lower growth in math across grades 3 to 8 relative to peers in the previous, more typical year.”
Math performance has proved to be a challenging area for students with the barriers and hurdles experienced this past year. Not so surprising, given the circumstances. But something to pay attention to as a parent, a caregiver.
Varying Results
It’s what you probably figured. Each child, each grade level has varying levels of academic achievement and challenges.
The researchers share, “Our findings show that the impacts of COVID-19 disruptions on student achievement were not the blanket declines many expected, but were instead uneven across subjects and across grade levels.”
You see this in your own home, and as you talk to your peers and your friends. You’re experiencing the pandemic and its challenges uniquely, both independently and as a family.
But be reassured. The data is a sign of hope; and it’s a testament to the innovation of our educators, the strong will of our children, and how we all are rising to the occasion.
The Advancement of Education in South-Central Pennsylvania
A quick look at neighboring states tells quite a story. One of the biggest differences? The public education system. It’s come a long way in the past year and risen to the occasion, showing care and concern as well as flexibility.
And as a Pennsylvanian, I’m proud of our response as a community to this health crisis, and I’m proud of our youth, our educators, and our systems for showing up strong.
To better understand our public school system, and get to the heart of it, listen in on the perspective of an administrator and parents right here in our region.
A Leadership Perspective
Faced with what seemed like impossible decisions, Nathan Van Deusen, Ed.D., Superintendent of the South Eastern School District in York County, shared his approach.
He said, “Over the course of the pandemic, we worked to simplify a very complex problem by focusing on our just cause, our “why.” The following statement helped us moor decisions as a public school entity.
The SESD exists to INSPIRE and IMPACT learners. We do this by providing a comprehensive, innovative, and personalized educational experience that removes barriers.
As we began to make decisions on our reopening plan, we consistently went back to the question, ‘which teaching and learning frameworks will inspire, impact, and remove barriers for our students?’”
Even during unprecedented times, administrators and leaders in our region asked hard questions and were committed, really committed, to helping students succeed. One way they did that was by offering choice for students and families. In the case of South Eastern School District, they offered four options: full-time in-person, hybrid, virtual, and cyber.
A Parent’s Perspective
What are parents in your region saying? How are they encouraging their neighbors, their friends, and those first-time school-aged parents registering for Kindergarten as we speak?
Let’s take a look.
“I feel blessed that both my kids (3rd & 1st) are safe and learning in the classroom – social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands frequently. They are so adaptable and enjoy interacting with their classmates and teachers. And I’m still engaged in their learning, with apps like ClassDojo and Google Classroom. I appreciate all that the staff and teachers have provided during this challenging school year.”
– Nicole P.
“We were very apprehensive at first about sending our kids to in-person learning. However, we knew it was the right choice for them (9th, 1st, PreK). We have been pleasantly surprised with everything so far. Within the first couple of weeks, it was amazing to see how well they were adjusting and how resilient they truly are. The teachers and staff have been absolutely wonderful and so understanding. We are truly grateful.”
– Mary J.
“Motherhood is a journey of learning to let go (4th, 2nd, PreK). And honestly, as I prepare to send my youngest to Kindergarten this year my heart aches. That said, I am choosing to focus on the joy and light that my little girl is going to bring to the world and this is the next step.”
– Eleanor L.
Wisdom from parents, caregivers, and leaders here in our community. Snippets of conversations being had all over the Susquehanna Valley, and beyond. And a behind-the-scenes look at how one district is making decisions for students and staff.
Encouragement to Help Your Student Thrive
It has been a year. And wow, you are strong. And reliable. And caring. You’ve helped your child, your student, weather the storm, in the most challenging of circumstances.
So take stock and pause for a minute. And breathe. You are doing the best you can. And so is your child.
To take some of the pressure off and give you a bit of encouragement, here are three ideas to consider in your own home; for yourself and for your children. Whether they are gearing up to enter Kindergarten in the Fall or are graduating in a few months, these ideas might just give you (and them!) an extra boost to end the year strong.
Make One Small Change
It’s easy to get caught up in overwhelm and just freeze. Head in the sand. When thinking of your child’s education, his future, you may panic and hit the pause button.
“When making plans, think big. When making progress, think small.”
– James Clear
Instead, try thinking small. Focus on one small change.
Work together with your child to identify an area of progress. One specific area. Make it both doable and simple. Maybe a healthier breakfast will help them focus better; maybe a cleaner room or designated space for “school” will help them be more productive.
Set aside five minutes, together, and work on it. Listen, really listen.
Advocate for Your Child
Talk to your student. Check-in, regularly. Reach out to his teachers. If your child is behind, really, truly behind, and you’ve had conversations with her teacher, start thinking about strategies for additional support.
There are many options, and once again, it’s an opportunity to work together. What will help? Is it summer school? A tutor? Or after-school care? Maybe your neighbor loves to read and could be recruited to help on a weekly basis for extra reading support or math studies.
Consider your local library. They offer free, valuable resources and programs to support children of all ages.
Deborah Stipek, Ph.D., a professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, suggests asking, “How do we ensure that our children get the best possible opportunities to learn under these challenging circumstances?”
It’s an interesting question, with the change and challenge of the past year. And please understand, Dr. Stipek isn’t suggesting giving your student ‘perfect’ opportunities.
So go on, ask yourself how your child can get the best opportunities to learn under these challenging times.
And if you have concerns about your child’s mental health, reach out for support in the same way you would reach out if you had a concern about his physical health. Early childhood education programs and schools have access to mental health professionals. Many of these services are free. Advocate, ask for additional support for your family or child.
For each family, each student, the answer will be unique. Your answer is unique. And it’s okay.
Nurture a Growth Mindset
We all have either a fixed or a growth mindset. It’s the way we see ourselves, the way we see our abilities and our intelligence.
A fixed mindset is just that, fixed or unchanging. An example, say your son is struggling with a math concept. Instead of recognizing the struggle as something that is temporary, a fixed mindset would tell him, he’s terrible at math and that he’ll never figure it out.
A growth mindset is one where she believes in her potential, one where she understands she is developing her intelligence, her ability to learn and figure things out. So in the same example, a growth mindset would tell her it’s just a temporary struggle, one she can work through as she develops her math knowledge.
As a caregiver, nurture your child’s love of learning by focusing on the process of learning and not the end result – the grade, the report card, the GPA. Encourage play and exploration.
Give yourself and your child some space, some grace, and focus on what’s really important. Their socio-emotional health. Their mental health. Their sense of self-worth and esteem.
“Parents can understand what kids are going through, understand how hard it is to stay engaged. Put the focus on the learning and improvement. Get the kids to understand that there is a world out there that desperately needs their contributions in the future. Parents have an important role in helping their children stay in the learning game.”
– Carol Dweck
Remember, you are resilient. Your child is resilient.
You’re doing the best you can.Your child is doing the best she can.
Take it one day at a time. Focus on your child’s emotional and mental health, encourage active learning, and celebrate the small wins.
A centered, calm, well-informed you equals a more confident child. Love matters. The learning and growth will come.
Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC) is a nonprofit centered in the heart of Pennsylvania. They are the backbone of the economy, serving childcare providers and low-income families ‒ the ones that have been impacted the most by the pandemic.
For you and your business, CCC helps keep childcare options open for your employees ‒ saving missed work hours and lowering on-the-job stress levels. They work with early childhood education programs and home-based providers to improve the quality of care, ensuring that all children enter school ready to be successful.
Christy Renjilian serves as its Executive Director.
Did you know… February is Library Lovers Month? Now that’s a month we can all support. Check out all the wonderful things your local library is doing to stay safe while encouraging your love of reading.
Look Within to Cultivate Your Skills and Your Influence
You’ve seen a bad leader in action.
And felt it, too.
Maybe you worked for a horrible boss.
Or a subpar manager.
You remember the feeling. Your lack of energy at work, your poor attitude, the way you were just waiting for something to go wrong. For her to mess something up. Some days you took that bad energy home with you.
It really affected you. Maybe it’s affecting you right now.
We’ve all been there. Early in our careers, and sometimes throughout our careers, we see, feel, and sense what leadership isn’t.
So what is leadership? Solid leadership? Strong leadership?
What is Leadership in 2021?
Gone are the days where leadership is demonstrated by a fancy title, a position on an organizational chart, or a power suit at the head of a boardroom table.
One of my favorite definitions is by Nick Palumbo, assistant dean of students for leadership at my alma mater, The State University of New York at Geneseo.
Palumbo says, “Leadership is not position-based or trait-based, but relationship-based. Working together with people to get something done is leadership. You can lead from the front, or you can lead from behind. No matter which position or path you take, as long as you are part of a process that moves people toward a common goal, you are a leader.”
This year, more than ever, look within and cultivate your potential, your skills, and your influence. You are a leader.
“The world is desperate for braver leaders. It’s time for all of us to step up.”
– Brené Brown
A Shift in Leadership Styles
Remember old school leadership? Leading with an iron fist? Commanding from the front?
Yes, it may have served our forefathers well. But fast-forward to the 21st century, and, well, we’ve evolved. We want to connect with our work and those we are leading on a deeper level, in a more meaningful way.
And leaders have shifted their approach. Well, the good ones have.
“Leadership skills that have been traditionally identified with women like empathy, team building, and collaboration are now more needed than ever.”
– Arianna Huffington
In my thirty plus year professional career, the leaders I gravitated toward, the leaders I wanted to emulate were empathetic, collaborative, and curated a sense of team.
You value the feeling of being part of something, of belonging. And you want to be part of a team that’s in sync and working day in and day out for a common cause.
It’s been a welcomed shift, for most. More empathy. More collaboration. Even while working from home in socially distanced environments.
This evolved style of leadership has also been said to look like personal agility.
In a recent Forbes article outlining leadership trends in 2021, Maureen Metcalf, CEO of the Innovative Leadership Institute, shares “there is a need to increase personal agility in all facets of life. We, as leaders and people, need to continue to adapt to a broad range of changes in our personal and professional lives.”
Leaders embrace change, lean into discomfort, and show up for their team. You saw it firsthand in 2020, and it’s a skill (and a trend) that’s here to stay.
“It’s about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
– Sheryl Sanberg
And in this fast-paced world, one full of rapid change, effective communication between leaders and their team members is key.
How to Communicate Effectively
If you’re anything like me, at the beginning of the pandemic you were over communicating. Sharing information and all the reasons for it, showing up, a lot. Always on.
And, as things dragged on and on, as you found your rhythm, communication slowed. Sure, it may have been in month four or five, but gosh, you were tired.
It’s easy to see how communication can fall to the wayside in a short period of time, taking a back seat as you figure out new processes, workload, pivots, and ways of working.
You’re not alone. You’ve navigated a year of change, of transition, of upending, really. And it’s okay to recognize you have some work to do to improve your communication. We all do.
To find your voice and reconnect with your authentic style of communication, start by building your awareness. Take inventory of what’s working; and what isn’t. Is that mandatory Friday morning meeting draining you and your team? What was it about your last conversation that left you feeling energized and focused? How can you replicate it?
Next, reflect on past mentors, colleagues, or someone you admire. It could be a peer, your boss, an old boss, or even someone you look up to but have never even met. Identify what it is you like about her approach, what you want to emulate.
Finally, and this often is the easiest part, think of the characteristics or actions that you don’t like when it comes to leaders and communication. Particularly in times of change. What didn’t sit well with you? What did you experience that left you feeling unsupported or lost?
As you reflect, you’ll start to craft a better plan, one where you improve your communication style. And as you do, remember to keep it simple – please, don’t go scheduling a million meetings, a million zoom calls.
Make sure it’s sustainable, for you and your team.
“What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”
– Stephen Covey
The Importance of Authentic Conversations
In the past week, the past month, how many times have you heard the response “okay” when asking a colleague or friend the question, “how are you doing?”
My guess? At least hundreds of times. And often, we accept the surface response and move into the meat of a meeting, the purpose for gathering.
If that’s the case, I challenge you to make it your mission to truly connect with one person today. A team member. A colleague. A family member or friend.
Look him in the eyes. Ask how he is doing, how he’s really doing. And go deeper. Follow it up with “how can I encourage you?” And listen. Really listen. If it makes sense, follow up with the support he needs or would appreciate.
Leadership is recognizing where your team member is, where she really is, and reassuring her. It’s fully recognizing her as a person, as well as her contribution; and her ideas, reminding her she knows her job better than anyone.
“Time is the currency of leadership. Spend it wisely.”
– Matt Whiat
It’s finding five minutes, for true connection, deep conversation, without distractions or agendas or lists. And it will empower your people.
Your time, spent wisely, will encourage your team members to engage in real dialogue. And as you do, you’ll transfer that magic, that ability to connect, to those around you. It will create a more engaged community and culture, one with more authentic conversations. It’s a ripple effect.
Leaders Understand the Significance of Transitions
A secret many good leaders have, and many female leaders excel at: paying attention to and understanding the value of transitions.
Welcoming a new member of the senior management team? Moving back to an in-person work environment? Adding a new program? Trimming a key focus area to free up resources to invest elsewhere?
All transitions. And all scenarios you as a leader know are significant, requiring your special attention and energy to make successful.
And then there are personal transitions that happen within your team. Maybe a team member is welcoming a new addition to her family. Or maybe his kids are going back to school full-time. Or maybe she lost someone close to her during a hard, hard season.
All significant transitions. All opportunities for you to connect, authentically. To show compassion and genuine support.
Think back to March 2020. Remember the day your office closed down, the last day you worked in the same space with your colleagues? Maybe you packed up all your stuff, knowing you wouldn’t be back for a week or two. Ugh, bless your sweet, innocent self.
It was a hard transition. Especially when no one really knew how and when it would end and we’d be making the transition back. And for many of us, we are still working remotely, almost a year later. A year later.
In those early days and as the pandemic stretched on, you either gained a lot of respect for your boss and for the leader within. Or you didn’t. Either way, it influenced your work, your mood, your day-to-day.
If you’re looking to grow your leadership, your influence, look for the transitions. Big ones. Small ones. Think about how you can value and engage each team member.
“For your own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
As you do, remember… you are a leader. Your contributions are valued. And this world needs you at your best, at your bravest.
Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC) is a nonprofit centered in the heart of Pennsylvania. They are the backbone of the economy, serving childcare providers and low-income families ‒ the ones that have been impacted the most by the pandemic.
For you and your business, CCC helps keep childcare options open for your employees ‒ saving missed work hours and lowering on-the-job stress levels. They work with early childhood education programs and home-based providers to improve the quality of care, ensuring that all children enter school ready to be successful.
Christy Renjilian serves as its Executive Director.
A New Year. Full of potential, full of opportunity.
Maybe you, like so many of us, are looking at it as a much needed fresh start.
In year’s past, this time of year may have consisted of vision boards, picking a “word of the year” and envisioning all the good things you’d work toward.
But this year, it may look a little different.
Maybe you’re tired. Like bone tired. And fed up.
Or maybe you’ve lost someone close. Or had a health scare.
Chances are good that you’re approaching 2021 a bit, well, apprehensively.
And as you do, maybe you’re not planning a single thing.
Not a single thing.
A stark contrast to January of 2020.
Guess what?
That’s okay.
You’re okay.
Or maybe you’re one of the lucky ones, and you’re gathering up the magazines, the art supplies and scissors to make your vision board with as much excitement as last year.
That’s okay, too.
No matter how you’re entering 2021, you’ve dealt with a lot. A LOT.
There’s no getting around it.
And so have our kids.
They deserve some attention, too.
And a redefining of ‘success.’
I can’t tell you how many times, over the last nine months, I’ve heard parents and caretakers say…
“My son just can’t learn online. He’s falling behind.”
“My daughter is really depressed. She used to love school. And now, well, she doesn’t.”
“I worry about him, a lot.”
All valid concerns. All real-life stuff.
It’s why we must redefine success. For you and your mental health. And for your kids.
And what better time of year to do that than the first month of the year?
It’s time to look in the mirror while looking within.
Ken Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed, FAAP, at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, gives us a bit of perspective. He said, “The best way to protect our children is to shape the lessons gained during this difficult time. We do so best when we intentionally manage our own feelings and experiences with an eye toward helping them build resilience.”
As you work to help your kids, our collective future, ask yourself some questions.
Ground Yourself With 6 Questions This New Year
What worked in 2020?
I know, I know. It was a year. A YEAR.
And the reality is, you learned a lot. Some of it the hard way.
But some things worked. After all, you did make it out the other side.
You survived. You fought your way through the thickest of it. And you stuck it out. In the craziest of crazy, you’re still standing.
So, take a few minutes and jot down what worked for you in 2020.
For me, it was a deep faith in my employees. They are amazing. And talented. And caring. And good. Such good humans. And they did the right things in the right ways.
The culture and foundation we have built here at my nonprofit, Community Connections for Children, is one where all staff are valued, trusted, and appreciated.
It helped us transition to working remotely with confidence. Confidence in our team and in our work. Confidence in our clients, and the excellent, consistent support they receive day in and day out.
My team taught me a lot this year. And I’m so thankful.
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’”
‒ Eleanor Roosevelt
What didn’t work in 2020?
This is your opportunity to take inventory and write down the things that didn’t work last year.
For most of us, there’s a lot to choose from.
You can focus on big things or small details. Try your best to capture it all.
Need a good laugh from our inventory?
In early 2020, CCC formed a Safety Committee. Yes, a Safety Committee.
The committee worked hard to create policies and procedures. They sent out tip sheets related to home workspaces, ergonomics, and more. But alas, the planned inspection of our office spaces (and possible updates if safety issues were found) didn’t work in the wake of COVID restrictions.
So we intentionally paused that work. And we looked for other ways to better ourselves in a pandemic controlled 2020.
“Only when we are brave enough to explore our darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
‒ Brené Brown
How do you want to feel in 2021?
Okay, so now we’re going deep.
Remember life before the pandemic? And the crisis that ensued? The uncertainty, unrest, and injustice?
Maybe there is a feeling you felt back before all the changes that you’d like more of.
I, for one, want to feel energized and hopeful in 2021.
I want to acknowledge all we have been through, collectively as a staff and a community, and personally during this past year.
Not just the impact of COVID and working remotely, but the personal challenges faced by so many of my team, friends, and family.
We are joyful, resilient, creative, hardworking, and determined humans.
I want to honor that and build upon our strengths to ensure a better 2021. I want to feel energized and hopeful.
Taken a step further, ask how do I want to make others feel this year?
After naming that feeling you want to inspire, identify a few ways you can spread that feeling. If you’re helping others to feel it, chances are good that you will feel it, too.
“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
‒ Theodore Roosevelt
What do you need more of?
Yes, we’re going there. Look within, and really ask yourself what do I need more of?
As a parent, as a professional, as a leader.
For me, it’s engagement.
Full, complete engagement. A place where attention, purpose, and interest intersect.
“Work at showing people that you care. It’s been shown that the more other-focused you are, the more people listen to you, gravitate to you, and appreciate you.”
‒ Jack Groppel
As the pandemic drug on (and on), I found it harder to stay actively engaged with ALL members of the CCC team. Now, I’m focused on finding new ways to cultivate real engagement, in a manner that resonates with each individual staff person and with EVERYONE on our team.
And as I do, I know I’ll feel more energized. And hopeful.
Funny how that works.
What does success look like for you?
Okay, so this question may be triggering for you.
And your answer continues to evolve, just as you do.
Does success equal money? Knowledge? Power? A CEO title or a multimillion dollar business? Or does success mean something different?
You’ve lived through a pandemic. A pandemic! And now, in 2021, it’s time to redefine success. To realign. For you, your family, your kids, and your team.
An example? Your toddler.
If we’re looking at traditional standards, metrics and measurements, yes, your preschooler may have technically “fallen behind.”
But what did he or she gain?
Deeper relationships with immediate family? More time outside? Did he or she solve problems independently? Or resolve conflicts with siblings? Learn a new technology to video chat with grandma? Or maybe potty training has been a huge win?
All success. Real-life success.
So pause for a moment, and think about what success looks like for you.
Figure out a new definition. And claim it.
Because sometimes, sometimes, a season can shift our entire perspective. And we will carry our newfound knowledge and priorities with us for the rest of our lives.
For me, success is serving my team, my clients, my partners, and constituents with honor, respect, and excellence.
Success means quality child care for each and every family. So parents can have peace of mind and be productive workers, and so their children have a strong foundation for school and life.
Success is reflection, revision, and improvement.
Success is engagement; for me and my team. It’s a focus and commitment. It’s confidence – in each other and in our talent and potential.
And it’s not being afraid to try new things, to fail, and to learn from those failures.
“When we give ourselves permission to fail, we, at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel.”
‒ Eloise Ristad
What is your theme for 2021?
Okay, so ‘a theme’ sounds super important. And maybe even a bit daunting.
But you’ve put in the work. And your theme may be pretty clear. That’s great. Jot it down and use it to help you make decisions in the coming year.
If you’re still at a loss, try this exercise.
Think back to the last gathering you hosted. Chances are, it was over a year ago. But none-the-less, there was probably a party theme.
Remember who you were with? And what you were celebrating? Do you remember the theme?
Who chose it? And how did it add to the gathering?
Maybe it added to the aesthetic and helped you choose decorations and activities during the party. But it didn’t make or break it. It was just a bonus.
So think of your 2021 theme as a bonus. Something to help you navigate the year ahead, keep you on track when your priorities are askew.
Point being, your theme is completely up to you.
You could choose a theme for your family, for your kids, for your career, or for your life.
There’s no pressure. It doesn’t have to be permanent or posted on social media. It could even change as 2021 progresses.
In fact, the simpler, the better.
Themes could be adventure, reading, nature, growth, advancement, hope, health, etc. Literally, there’s no wrong answer. Your theme could be unicorns. And it would be wonderful.
My theme for 2021?
Engagement.
I’m going to work to be more engaged and to encourage those around me to be more engaged.
So go on, choose a theme. And empower your team to do the same. And your kids. You may be surprised at the themes they come up with.
As a bonus, it gives you something to collectively work toward.
Build Your Resilience While Holding on to Hope
As you reflect, looking within at your emotions and your failures, you’re building resilience in real-time. You’re growing as you lean into the discomfort.
“When we learn to become resilient, we learn how to embrace the beautifully broad spectrum of the human experience.”
‒ Jaeda Dewalt
This human experience, it really is beautiful. So beautiful.
Wishing you resilience, hope, and more of the things you want in 2021.
Community Connections for Children, Inc. (CCC) is a nonprofit centered in the heart of Pennsylvania. They are the backbone of the economy, serving childcare providers and low-income families ‒ the ones that have been impacted the most by the pandemic.
For you and your business, CCC helps keep childcare options open for your employees ‒ saving missed work hours and lowering on-the-job stress levels. They work with early childhood education programs and home-based providers to improve the quality of care, ensuring that all children enter school ready to be successful.
Christy Renjilian serves as its Executive Director.
