Beyond the Classroom: Reimagining Career Growth in Early Childhood Education

Anisha Grossett • October 31, 2025

In early childhood education, we often talk about nurturing growth. But how often do we create the same nurturing environment for our own professional development?

Whether you're an educator wondering what’s next or a childcare owner thinking about how to keep your best staff, one truth remains: career growth in ECE doesn’t follow a single, straight path. It’s dynamic. It’s personal. And it should be intentional.

It’s time to explore the many ways early childhood professionals can move forward — not just up — in their careers.


Career Growth Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All


For many educators, the idea of career progression feels limited. You might assume that leadership means leaving the classroom or moving into admin. But growth in this field comes in many forms — and all are valuable.


Here are just a few possibilities:


The In-House Specialist

Some educators choose to focus deeply on one area they love — like infant care, literacy, outdoor learning, or inclusive practices. They become the go-to resource in that area, helping their teams through shared planning, peer mentoring, or hosting in-house mini-sessions.


The Lead Educator or Pedagogical Leader

This path often focuses on helping others grow. Lead educators might support curriculum development, lead reflective team meetings, or model best practices. It’s less about hierarchy and more about peer mentorship.


The ECE Coach or Mentor

With growing interest in coaching models, some educators shift toward mentoring new staff, facilitating onboarding, or supporting classroom practice through observation and guidance. This type of leadership blends relational skills with a deep understanding of pedagogy.


The Administrative and Leadership Route

For those interested in the operational and strategic side of things, administrative leadership offers pathways like Assistant Director, Site Director, or Area Manager. This route typically includes HR, budgeting, parent engagement, licensing, and big-picture decision-making.


The Community or Advocacy Route

Others might explore opportunities beyond the centre walls. This could include launching a consultancy, starting a resource platform, working with school boards, or engaging in advocacy for better wages, policy reform, or system change.


For Owners and Leaders: Why Career Progression Matters Now


If you own or manage a childcare program, your team is your biggest asset. Yet many owners struggle to keep strong educators long-term — often because those educators don’t see a clear future for themselves within the organization.


Investing in career growth pathways isn't just about professional development — it's about retention, morale, and sustainability.

Here are some strategies to consider:


Create a Visible “Growth Map”

Design a growth framework for your centre that outlines clear options. Include tracks for classroom progression, leadership roles, and specialty areas. Make this framework accessible and review it with each team member during goal-setting or check-ins.


Offer Rotational Experiences

Provide opportunities for educators to try out new responsibilities, such as organizing events, joining hiring committees, or attending leadership meetings. These short-term roles can spark new interests and help uncover hidden leadership potential.


Provide Professional Development and Credentials

Support your team with paid training time, access to webinars or conferences, and certification pathways in areas like infant mental health, inclusive education, or trauma-informed care. Highlight these achievements internally and encourage peer learning.


Introduce “Stretch” Roles

Before offering a promotion, give staff the opportunity to take on temporary leadership roles or project-based assignments. This helps them build confidence, gain experience, and ease into new responsibilities.


Building a Culture of Growth


The most impactful centres don’t just offer a job — they offer a journey. When educators feel valued, supported, and seen for their potential, they stay longer and contribute more fully.


Creating a culture of growth starts with intentionality. It’s about listening, offering options, and nurturing the unique aspirations of each team member.


Reflective Questions for Educators and Leaders


If you're an educator, consider:

  • What areas of early childhood education light me up the most?
  • In what ways have I supported others’ learning or growth?
  • What new skill or responsibility would I like to explore over the next year?

If you're a childcare owner or director, ask yourself:

  • Do my educators understand their potential career pathways here?
  • When was the last time we talked about long-term growth during a staff meeting or review?
  • What small steps can I take this season to begin building a culture of professional progression?


When growth is part of the culture — not just an afterthought — everyone benefits. Let’s reimagine what’s possible for our teams, our programs, and our field.

Leading with Impact: A Guide for New ECE Leaders & Supervisors

By Anisha Grossett • September 30, 2025
Becoming a leader in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is an exciting yet challenging transition. Whether you're stepping into a leadership role for the first time or moving up within a company you've been a part of, this journey requires new skills, a fresh mindset, and a commitment to growth. Leadership in ECE goes beyond management — it’s about fostering relationships, guiding educators, and creating a thriving learning environment for children and staff alike. Essential Tips for New ECE Leaders & Supervisors 1. Embrace Active Listening Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions — it’s about truly hearing and understanding your team. Actively listen to educators, parents, and children to build trust and show that their voices matter. 2. Build Strong Relationships Strong leadership is rooted in strong relationships. Take time to connect with your team on a personal level, understand their strengths, and foster a culture of collaboration and respect. 3. Lead by Example Your team will look to you as a role model. Show professionalism, positivity, and a willingness to learn, and your team will follow suit. 4. Communicate Clearly and Consistently Clarity in communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that expectations are met. Be open, transparent, and available for discussions. 5. Stay Open to Feedback Leadership is a continuous learning process. Invite and accept feedback with an open mind, and use it to refine your approach. 6. Prioritize Professional Development As an ECE leader, ongoing learning is key. Engage in training sessions, read leadership books, and seek mentorship to continue growing in your role.

Navigating Conflict with Confidence: Empowered Approaches for Early Childhood Educators and Leaders

By Anisha Grossett • August 29, 2025
Conflict is an inevitable part of any human relationship — and in the dynamic, emotionally rich environment of early childhood education, it can arise in many forms. Whether you’re leading a team or working directly with children and families, knowing how to approach conflict with confidence, empathy, and clarity is a key part of thriving in this field. At The Early Childhood Coach, we believe that conflict doesn’t have to be destructive — it can actually be a catalyst for growth, stronger relationships, and positive change. Let’s explore the different types of conflict you may encounter, and how you can manage them with intention and leadership.

The New Wave of Learning: Why LMS and In-House Training Are Reshaping Professional Development in Early Childhood Education

By Anisha Grossett • August 1, 2025
In today’s fast-evolving world of early childhood education, professional development can no longer be a one-time event or an annual checkbox. The most innovative organizations are embracing a new model of learning — one that’s flexible, sustainable, and embedded into the culture of their team. Enter: the Learning Management System (LMS) and the rise of in-house training ecosystems. 🌍 The Shift to Ongoing, Accessible Learning A Learning Management System (LMS) is a digital platform used to deliver, track, and manage training and education. Think of it as a virtual hub where your team can access workshops, modules, videos, and interactive learning activities — all at their own pace. More than a trend, LMS platforms are becoming an essential tool for childcare organizations that want to stay aligned with licensing requirements, increase staff engagement, and reduce onboarding time for new educators. But even more importantly, they empower staff to grow in real time — with content tailored to their daily realities. 

Beyond the Checklist: Creative & Transformational Onboarding for Early Childhood Educators

By Anisha Grossett • June 30, 2025
Welcoming new Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and staff into your center is more than just handing them a policy manual and showing them the breakroom. A strong, innovative onboarding process sets the foundation for their success, increases retention, and fosters a positive workplace culture. Yet, research shows that onboarding remains a challenge in many early childhood settings. The Challenge of Onboarding in Early Childhood Education A 2022 report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that nearly 30% of new employees leave a job within the first 90 days, with lack of proper onboarding and insufficient mentorship being key reasons. In early childhood education, this is especially concerning, as new hires must quickly adapt to a fast-paced environment while learning center policies, child development best practices, and team collaboration strategies. Traditional onboarding methods often focus on paperwork and compliance, missing the opportunity to engage new educators in meaningful ways. To combat high turnover and ensure new hires feel supported, early childhood leaders must embrace innovative and unconventional onboarding strategies that foster connection, growth, and a sense of belonging from the start.

The Power of the Voice: How Educators can Support Infants with Child-Directed Speech

By Anisha Grossett • May 30, 2025
As educators working with infants, one of the most important tools in our communication tool box is our voices! Lalalalaaaaaa! Our voices are dynamic and powerful tools used for many things including singing, laughing, advocating, and so much more. One of these these amazing and scientifically proven ways to use our voices is child-directed speech, also known as parentese or as I like to call it - Educatorese 😉! Sometimes mistaken for “baby talk”, child-directed speech plays a critical role in how infants and toddlers learn (and enjoy) language. In this blog post, we will dive into the science of child directed speech, some practical ways to incorporate it effectively into childcare connections, and reflect on how you use your voice with babies!

Teaching Through the Classroom Environment

By Anisha Grossett • April 29, 2025
“The environment is the third teacher.” This phrase is one I’ve heard often throughout my career in early childhood education. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, it emphasizes the environment as an intentional and purposeful extension of learning. I’ve wholeheartedly embraced this philosophy in my own classrooms, recognizing that a well-designed environment is more than just a space—it’s an active teaching experience and a direct reflection of a program’s values. Have you ever taken a step back to observe how children interact with their surroundings? Watching how they explore, navigate, and engage with their environment can be incredibly insightful. As educators, it’s our role to create a space that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful learning opportunities. A thoughtfully designed classroom should: ✔ Have a natural flow that supports exploration and learning. ✔ Reflect children’s interests and showcase evidence of their growth. ✔ Provide opportunities for investigation, creativity, and problem-solving. ✔ Serve as a tool for classroom management by promoting engagement and minimizing disruptions. For example, we know children love to run. Structuring the classroom layout with intentional furniture placement can help prevent open running paths while still allowing movement and engagement. A well-planned space should feel inviting, safe, and supportive while fostering a sense of belonging for every child.

Maximize Learning and Minimize Chaos with these Classroom Layout Ideas

By Anisha Grossett • March 18, 2025
As educators, we know the environment we create plays a vital role in shaping the learning experiences of children. A well-organized, thoughtfully designed classroom sets the stage for creativity, exploration, and growth—all while promoting positive behavior and independence. Whether you're setting up your classroom for the first time or giving it a mid-year refresh, these actionable tips will help you create a welcoming, functional, and inspiring space for success.

The Leader You Already Are: Activating Your Leadership as an Early Childhood Educator

By Anisha Grossett • February 28, 2025
It was a typical morning in the classroom. The hum of busy little hands and curious minds filled the air. Maya, an Early Childhood Educator (ECE), glanced around, her heart swelling with pride. It was moments like these—when a child’s eyes lit up with understanding or when a shy toddler found the courage to join a group—that reminded her why she chose this path. Yet, deep down, Maya often wondered: Am I really a leader? Perhaps you, too, have asked yourself the same question. The word "leader" may bring to mind images of CEOs in boardrooms or heads of organizations rallying teams. But let’s shift that perspective. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about influence, impact, and the way you inspire those around you—adults and children alike. As an ECE, you are already a leader. The question is, how can you activate your leadership fully? Let’s take a journey together, exploring how to unlock the leader within. Because here’s the truth: Every ECE is a leader in early childhood education.

Empowering Educators: 5 Steps to Reignite Your Passion for Early Childhood Education

By Anisha Grossett • February 3, 2025
As early childhood educators, we hold the unique and powerful responsibility of shaping the next generation. But let’s be honest—between navigating ever-changing policies, meeting families’ expectations, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities, it’s easy to feel burnt out or stuck. If you’ve been yearning to rediscover your why and fall back in love with your role, you’re not alone. Today, let’s explore five simple, transformative steps to reignite your passion for early childhood education and create meaningful impact in the classroom, your team, and yourself.

New Year, New You: 2025 is Your Year to Shine

By Anisha Grossett • January 3, 2025
As the calendar turns to 2025, there’s an undeniable sense of renewal in the air—a feeling that this could be your year. For early childhood educators, this “new year, new you” vibe isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about embracing the opportunity to become the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking to innovate your teaching methods, deepen your connections with students, or enhance your own well-being, 2025 holds the promise of powerful growth. At The Early Childhood Coach, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s dive into some actionable tips to help you kick off the year with confidence, and we’re excited to introduce our upcoming virtual summit designed to supercharge your 2025 goals.