Theory’s Post

We all agree, it's time for change in the early childcare field. old industry standards are no longer working. there is a better way and we don't have to be held hostage by an impending childcare care cliff. This is why it's so important to start listening to thought leaders from other industries. It's time for the ECE Revolution. Join me at Pivot Point March 6 & 7 in Reno, NV. If you can't make that date, that's okay! Join me for the Child Care Business and Leadership Summit June 20 & 21. Find Information on Pivot Point here: https://lnkd.in/gf97C2aq Find information on The Summit here: https://lnkd.in/gWpxWh2v

Kentucky is currently facing substantial implications for the workforce, due to the lack of affordable, high-quality child care. Limited workforce participation, productivity challenges and employee retention are only a few of the issues employers are experiencing. In response, business leaders have joined the Prichard Committee in the Kentucky Business Leaders for a Strong Start initiative, to unite around this issue to ensure that both the workforce and their children have the resources and support they need for success. Check out this article to read more about the Kentucky child care crisis. https://bit.ly/41hvNRe

Too often the headlines focus on what divides us. Actually, there is a ton of consensus in the country on creating an environment where all families with young children can thrive. How can we get there? Take a look at the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families Blueprint for Action, released today. Alliance for Early Success ED Helene Stebbins was among the cohort of leaders from across ideologies, disciplines, and industries who worked on the recommendations. We hope you’ll dive in, and then join us in changing the narrative and building consensus among policymakers to take action. Explore the consensus solutions and learn how you can help here: https://lnkd.in/eyvdD_Fw #WorkingFamilies #EarlyChildhoodPolicy #EveryChildEveryState

Children’s Day is a reminder of the boundless potential, creativity, and joy that children bring into our lives. It's a day dedicated to celebrating the unique spirit of childhood and recognizing the importance of nurturing our future leaders. As we commemorate this special day, let's reflect on the pivotal role we play in shaping a better world for our children—a world filled with opportunities, inclusivity, and love. Investing in children's education and well-being is paramount. It's not just about providing academic knowledge but also fostering environments where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and creatively. Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking helps children develop into innovative thinkers who can navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s world. Every interaction with a child is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired; their unfiltered view of the world often holds the keys to solutions we adults may overlook. In the professional sphere, creating policies and workplaces that support parents and guardians can significantly impact a child’s development. Flexibility in work schedules, access to quality childcare, and promoting a healthy work-life balance are steps that organizations can take to ensure that parents can be present and engaged in their children’s lives. When companies invest in the family unit, they are investing in a future workforce that is well-rounded, resilient, and capable. On this Children’s Day, let’s pledge to advocate for the rights and happiness of every child. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being a supportive figure in a young person’s life, we can all contribute to a brighter, more hopeful future. Together, we can create a world where every child is seen, heard, and given the chance to reach their fullest potential. HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY #CelebrateChildren#FutureLeaders#InvestInChildren#ChildhoodMatters#NurtureFuture#KidsFirst#InspireYoungMinds#ChildrensRights#InspireYoungMinds#HappyChildrensDay

This is from the graduation of Fathers’ School. This certificate is one of the most precious I've received because, beyond this symbolic paper, it represents a mission to not only be an informed father and partner, but also to contribute to tackling social stigmas around equal parenting. When fathers are actively and equally involved in childcare, children grow up with stronger mental health, better self-reflection and social skills, and less vulnerability to stress, among many other benefits, while it also brings harmony at home and equal self-realisation at work. On the other hand, unequal childcare and household labor often begin at home and then lead to workplace bias, social isolation, unequal pay, and limited self-realisation opportunities for women. This not only creates an unhealthy and restrictive work environment but also damages the harmony at home, which is essential for the healthy upbringing of children and the happiness of the couple themselves. Huge thanks to MenCare Georgia for Fathers School and to its community. It might be a rare initiative in Georgia (though more common elsewhere) due to strong cultural stigmas in the region, but it’s a work in progress, and raising our voices on equal parenting within our own communities can have a long-lasting and duplicative impact that we might hardly imagine now.

Building brains requires a specific skill set and education. Early Childhood Educators should be compensated for the highly skilled and critical work they do. This is a society problem, not an early childhood and parent problem.

Happy Mothers Day! As we approach Mother’s Day, we can honor mothers all year round. Here are some measures that could make a significant difference for mom in the US: 👶 Federally-Mandated Paid Family Leave: Extend this to all parents to ensure that everyone has the support they need during crucial family times, not just birthing mothers. 🧸 Accessible and Affordable Childcare: Develop a system that not only makes childcare more affordable but also guarantees living wages for caregivers. 💵 Equal Pay for Equal Work: Continue to fight for wage parity across all sectors to ensure that women are compensated fairly. 🏥 Healthcare Reform: Enhance maternal healthcare policies, focusing on the reduction of the maternal mortality rate and improving postnatal care. ⏰ Flexible Work Arrangements: Encourage employers to offer flexible working hours and remote work options to help mothers balance their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively. 📚 Education and Career Advancement Opportunities: Provide more support for educational and training programs to help mothers who wish to advance their careers or transition into new roles. By advocating for these changes, we can create a more equitable and supportive environment for all moms. Let’s make every day Mother’s Day!

Alabama Leaders Unveil "Working for Alabama" Workforce Development Package! Here's what businesses and the workforce need to know: Low Workforce Participation Rate: Alabama faces one of 1 of the nation's lowest labor force participation rates, challenge for the state's economy. Forward-Thinking Solutions: The "Working for Alabama" package introduces 7 bipartisan bills aimed at supporting and increasing workforce development throughout the state. Targeting High School Graduates: 45% of high school graduates in 2021 not enrolling in post-secondary programs, the package focuses on ensuring all Alabamians can contribute to the economy. Childcare Accessibility: Challenges by families, particularly single mothers, a childcare credit to make childcare more available. Industry Attraction: The Innovative District Act offering special tax implications and exemptions, benefiting both urban and rural areas. Community Empowerment: Funding for expanded broadband access and infrastructure development, equips communities new employers, and support local businesses' expansion. Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration providing essential resources to enhance workforce training, infrastructure, and industrial sites.

Imagine this: A child enters the residential childcare system, a world far from the average upbringing. It's no easy start, and for this kid, every day is a lesson in resilience. 🌱 In the midst of adjustment, leadership shines as the beacon—here's why: First off, great leaders in this field aren't just managers; they're role models, shaping lives with every decision. It's about laying the groundwork for trust, stability, and ultimately, a brighter future. Take Sally, 13. She's bounced around from home to home, but it's the leaders within her care spaces that spark change. They're crucial because they understand her not just as a name on a file, but as a young person with potential and dreams. Professional? Absolutely. But they toss in a dash of humour, and it helps Sally feel, well...normal. And here's the kicker: Studies show that compassionate leadership directly impacts the development of children like Sally. We're talking about leaders who greet challenge with a 'let's-sort-it' attitude, facing systemic complexities without breaking stride—think less red tape, more red carpet for opportunities. We need execs and managers who don't sit on the sidelines. Instead, they're in the trenches, advocating for resources, policies, and practices that meet the unique needs of these young lives. Here's the bottom line: Every child in care is seeking a champion. And that's where you come in. As leaders, let's pledge to pave their path, not with just good intentions, but with actions that echo across their lifetimes. Let us know your thoughts below. Have you seen exceptional leadership in action? #ChildCareLeadership #MakingADifference #FuturePaths

It's the corollary to Murphy's Law that working parents know: Your childcare WILL fall through at the worst possible moment. 99% Guaranteed. Ask the working parents on your team how they're doing this summer. 📣 Tell me: what's your "most memorable" run-in with Murphy's Law of Childcare? P.S. - ♻️  Repost this for the people in your network scrambling for childcare this summer. Hi, 👋 I'm Shawna, founder of The Mental Offload. I talk about women’s leadership, sustainable productivity, and achieving success on an unequal playing field. 💡Want to see more content like this? ➕ Follow me here