COVID-19 Survival Tips for ECE Leaders

In this webinar, we are joined by Lucinda Crawford and Amanda Hatfield. We talked about how their centers adapted to survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as some key tips on how they supported their teams, families, and their learnings as the pandemic unfolds.

🎤 Our Special Guests

Lucinda has worked at Presbyterian Preschool & Child Care since 1996. She believes that if you make a difference in the life of one child you make a difference in the world. She has a thirst for education, wants to instill that thirst in children. Lucinda believes we always have something new to learn. and feels most at peace near the ocean.

🧪 Key Learning Outcomes from Lucinda

• Getting through the challenge of COVID-19 is a decision. It’s not easy, but deciding that you want to show up makes a huge difference for your mental health and your energy as a team!
• Surviving through this pandemic is a fluid journey. Having different plans is key. 
• Always be open to adapting, responding to the situation, and listening to your community!

Amanda is an ECE teacher turned administrator. She began teaching at Pockets Full of Posies, a Portland based Reggio and RIE inspired Infant-Preschool Program, in 2007!  She made the jump and purchased Posies in July of 2019, and is working, like so many of us, to adapt to the new landscape of the field. A mother to one, but considers Posies to be a part of her family as well. Amanda’s program is student and teacher driven, and She constantly endeavoring to best meet the health, safety, and developmental needs of the kids, and the teachers, in our program.

🧪 Key Learning Outcomes from Amanda

• Going back to the basics is helpful! What is your philosophy? How can your team stay true to this? Build on your basics and bring the quality of learning to the next level.
• Focus on where improvements can be made.
• Smaller ratios are an opportunity to hone in on that quality care.
• Celebrate the SMALL wins!

✨Resources

• RIE
• Reggio 
• Montessori 
• Highscope
• Early Childhood Investigations 
• The governing body for Oregon 
• [Webinar] How to grow your ECE community 
• [Podcast] How to practice mindfulness when working with young children 
• [Podcast] How to lead with impact during COVID-19

🌟Audience Shoutouts!

Maria A – I’m seeing teachers building stronger relationships with Parents. Since Parents are not allowed in the classrooms, parents drop and pick up their children at the gate where Teachers have to take the kids to the gate when leaving or to receive them in the morning this is making teachers have to have a one to one interactions with parents on an everyday basis.

Stacie W – Each child has a round laundry basket with their “toys” and they don’t share but can play somewhat the same things. Beach towels outside with all their ” goodies” and they sit on them for a snack then run off – working really well!

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