Embrace Your New Career with Confidence as an Early Childhood Educator

Anisha Grossett • September 1, 2023

Welcome to the exciting world of Early Childhood Education! Get ready to embark on a career filled with a variety of adventures, new knowledge and skills, and continuous learning. How wonderful to work where every day is different, a child’s smile can brighten your day, and you get to facilitate enquiring little minds. It takes a special person to do this job, so be proud that you are an Early Childhood Educator.

 

Let me tell you a story about a girl I know. She was just like you. She wanted to facilitate the learning of young children. She wanted to guide and see them succeed in meeting their developmental milestones. She understood that children were capable, curious, problem-solvers and wanted to help them explore their world. She wanted to be an Early Childhood Educator. She was me.

 

I remember being so happy and motivated upon graduating, just as I'm sure you are now. To me, this field is all about children. Nothing is more rewarding than being part of a child's accomplishments and seeing them smile. I could not wait to start my career! 

 

Now it's your turn to shine and make a difference in the lives of our youngest learners! You will face challenges and struggles. Learn to view struggles as skill-building experiences. One of my earliest challenges was being taught play-based learning in school, then discovering this had yet to be implemented in childcare centres. I told the director what I was learning in school. Her response? She didn't believe me and told me it would never happen in Toronto. Just a year later, it did! Guess who incorporated this into the classroom first and ran the pilot project? Me! I was ecstatic. I finally got to put what I learned into practice. 

 

>>New to ECE and looking for a like-minded community? We’ve got a group for that! Join our Facebook group to connect with others, get inspired, and gain free resources to support your new career path.



Another challenge I faced was implementing this practice with an experienced coworker set in her ways. I eventually won her over. I would not trade a minute of it; it was one of my favourite experiences in this field. You will have situations like this as well. Try to embrace it. Bring your best outlook and be yourself!

 

New graduates are the new experts. Be confident and take in those teachable moments. You are fresh, vibrant, positive, and bursting with ideas. Your energy is your superpower. I love to mentor students! Your enthusiasm is uplifting, and I like learning what's yet to come in this field.

 

There may be times you feel repetitive or stagnant with programming. We've all been there. I have some tips and tricks for that!

 

Here are just a few of my favorites:

  • Peruse Pinterest for fresh ideas.
  • Search the internet for free resources for educators. 
  • Follow educators and ECE groups on social media. Don’t forget to follow the ECC on IG!
  • Join Facebook groups for Early Childhood Educators.
  • Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch and receive resources from experts who have been there.

 

I'm in multiple ECE groups on Facebook and find them most helpful. These groups are packed with Early Childhood Educators offering creative ideas. Search in groups for ECEs and join a few. I’ve included a list of excellent ECE groups at the bottom of this post. Feel free to post questions or request feedback. The more engaged you are within the field, the more successful and positive your experience will be.

 

>>Looking for unique programming to bring to your centre? Schedule an author visit with our founder, Anisha Angella!

 

Another fun way to freshen things up (for you and for children) is change! Rearrange a room, switch up programming, or revise your routine. Identify areas where you want to offer yourself a fresh outlook. Even minor changes can motivate, inspire, and provide a new perspective. I loved to reorganize my room and move toys around to offer kids a new way to explore and interact with the classroom. 

 

I hope these ideas empower you to embrace your new career and use your voice to advocate for ECEs and children. You will be more empowered as an educator when you actively participate in this profession. Empowerment to me is dedication, passion, research, workshops, involvement in ECE networking (in-person and online), and using your voice. If educators didn't have a voice, we wouldn't be where we are in this field today. We need your voice too. As educators, we are the best advocates for ECE, as we see the positive impacts of early childhood education every day. I can't wait to see what you bring to the field!



Helpful Links

 

Facebook:

 

ECE Teacher’s Ontario

https://m.facebook.com/groups/209389359154783/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

The ECE Hub

https://m.facebook.com/groups/theecehub/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

Registered Ontario Early Childhood Educators

https://m.facebook.com/groups/880196888677318/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

ECE Resources and Networking

https://m.facebook.com/groups/734867726714200/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

CPL Support for ECE’s

https://m.facebook.com/groups/748978855292149/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

Continuous Professional Learning (CPL)

https://m.facebook.com/groups/116295385659426/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

Early Childhood Educators Looking for Work and Places Looking to Hire

https://m.facebook.com/groups/713994248781637/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

Ontario Early Childhood Educators

https://m.facebook.com/groups/412511913022276/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

Early Childhood Educators of Ontario

https://m.facebook.com/groups/2260447343/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

 

Canadian Childcare Federation

https://m.facebook.com/groups/CanadianChildCareFederation/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gv

 

 

Twitter:

 

AECEO

https://twitter.com/aeceo?s=21&t=6h8CyHSeQMG3qTogS7N5ew

https://www.aeceo.ca/

 

Ontario Coalition for Better Childcare

https://twitter.com/childcareon?s=21&t=6h8CyHSeQMG3qTogS7N5ew

https://www.childcareontario.org/

 

Childcare Now

https://twitter.com/child_care_now?s=21&t=6h8CyHSeQMG3qTogS7N5ew

https://childcarenow.ca/

 

 

 

From Behaviour to Belonging: Reimagining Classroom Design in Early Learning

By Anisha Grossett • May 1, 2026
The classroom is more than a place we work — it is a second home for both educators and the children who spend their days within it. Because of this, how our environment is designed matters deeply. Children are constantly communicating with us through their behaviour, movement, and engagement with the space. When we pause to observe what children’s actions are telling us, the environment shifts from being a pain point to becoming the third teacher. What messages does our classroom environment send to children the moment they enter the space? Listening to children when placing furniture and designing play areas is more than an act of respect — it reflects our belief that children are competent and capable learners. It acknowledges that children are active participants in their learning, not simply occupants of a room. When the environment truly meets children’s needs, we often see calmer bodies, deeper engagement, and more meaningful play. How often do we adjust the environment based on children’s cues rather than adult convenience? So, what areas within a classroom should be considered non-negotiable because they support regulation, development, and a sense of safety?

The Power of Networking in Early Childhood Education: Why Community Changes Everything

By Anisha Grossett • March 31, 2026
In early childhood education, we talk a lot about community for children. We design environments that foster belonging. We build partnerships with families. We support social development, collaboration, and connection. But here’s a powerful question we don’t ask often enough: Who is your community as an educator or leader? Too many early childhood professionals are doing deeply meaningful work in isolation — navigating leadership challenges, staffing struggles, burnout, policy changes, and big dreams for their programs on their own. And yet, one of the most powerful tools for growth in this field isn’t another resource or strategy… It’s connection. Networking in early childhood education isn’t about business cards or awkward small talk. It’s about building real relationships, sharing wisdom, learning from one another, and growing together.