Fresh Perspectives on ECE Appreciation: An Interview with Anisha Angella

Anisha Angella • October 2, 2023

Anisha Angella is an entrepreneur, author, Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), and ECE leadership coach on a mission to elevate and empower the ECE community. She has spent years in the classroom, in senior management, and now as the founder and CEO of The Early Childhood Coach. 


In honor of Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day (October 17, 2023), Anisha gives her insights on cultivating a community that supports and appreciates each other today and throughout the year. 


You lead several workshops on appreciation in the ECE community. What makes this topic so meaningful to you? 


Early childhood educators (ECEs) deserve more appreciation for their work. They play a major part in raising children, but society doesn’t acknowledge their essential role. A child might come into a program as an infant and spend 35-40 hours per week with educators until they leave at age 4. Educators have a huge impact in prepping children for school. Kids don’t magically learn to cooperate in a classroom environment; ECEs are building that essential foundation!


We also need more emphasis on showing appreciation in addition to recognition. Recognition is a pat on the back, or a thank you for doing your job, whereas appreciation is individualized and supports people for who they are. Many leaders need help with how to appreciate their team members authentically. You can have the best intentions, but a new approach is necessary if your efforts don’t resonate with staff.


Can you share more about your vision for year-long appreciation?


Celebrating ECE appreciation in October is a great start. But October should be just the beginning! Appreciation becomes more meaningful when it’s not set on a specific day. Leaders can look for spontaneous opportunities to appreciate their staff. ECEs and leaders have lots of conversations about educators’ goals. Goal achievement is the perfect opportunity to say congratulations and acknowledge the amazing job they are doing. 


Another great way to continue year-round appreciation is to involve the whole community. Work with families, children, and other staff members to create multiple avenues of appreciation. The ultimate goal is to build a community of appreciation, but it can’t be done in one day or one month of the year. 



What are some unique ideas for ECE communities and supervisors to show their team appreciation this month? 

  • One of my favorite ideas is having an appreciation wall at your childcare centre. Parents, leaders, and other educators can add sticky notes to it that shout out an employee. This is a great way to get families involved in building a community of appreciation throughout the year.
  • Remember to take time to add personal sentiments to cards so you can tell them how much they are appreciated. 
  • Group outings can be fun, but if you choose an outing to celebrate your educators, make sure it’s something they want to do! 
  • Many celebrations revolve around food. If you have a team member with dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure there is a dish specifically for them to acknowledge that they are an important part of the team. 
  • One of the best (and easiest) ideas is to ask people how they want to be appreciated! 


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How can ECE leaders incorporate more thoughtful ways to show appreciation despite time and budget constraints? 

We have a workshop for that! It’s all about learning the different love languages from books by Dr. Gary Chapman. We introduce his work and translate it into the ECE world. The take-home is that you can make things much easier for yourself if you know each team member’s love language. If their love language is words of affirmation, gift cards are great, but they really want to hear positive feedback from you. 


Many companies spend money on extravagant gifts and expensive events. That might be great for people who love gifts, but gifts might not work for someone who prefers words of affirmation. Even for someone whose love language is gifts, it will depend on the gift! A designer bag will not be meaningful to an educator who doesn’t even carry a purse. 


>> Create a community of appreciation right away with our Love Languages workshop!



What are the fundamental steps educators and ECE staff must take to build a culture of appreciation every day? 

First and foremost, make sure you communicate in ways that facilitate positive change. Leaders are the foundation of a community of appreciation. Aim to make 90% of your communication with staff positive and 10% constructive criticism. Instead of saying, “You didn’t do this right,” use more positive words like, “I’m sharing this information to help you grow,” so they know you support them. 

Leaders can also set the standard of appreciation for educators with each other. Encourage positive language among ECEs as coworkers so they are supporting each other. It’s all about how you approach one another. 


The best way to show appreciation year-round is to be consistent, keep it simple, get everybody on board, and book a workshop so you can understand everyone’s appreciation language!


>> Join the conversation! Head over to our Facebook group and let us know your favorite ways of sharing appreciation. 


As we celebrate Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, let’s vow to build a culture of year-round appreciation in our ECE communities. Implement these ideas today and witness the powerful impact of authentic appreciation!

 

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.

The Holiday Season: A Time for Rest and Reflection

By Anisha Grossett • December 2, 2024
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of festivities, end-of-year tasks, and planning for the new year. For early childhood educators, this time can be particularly demanding. However, it’s also a crucial opportunity to rest, reflect, and recharge. Taking time to pause and consider the past year not only supports your well-being but also sets the stage for a more intentional and fulfilling year ahead. Why Rest and Reflection Matter As educators, you give so much of yourself throughout the year. Your energy, creativity, and dedication are poured into nurturing young minds, supporting families, and fostering a positive learning environment. The holiday season is a perfect time to step back, acknowledge your hard work, and give yourself permission to rest. Rest isn’t just about physical relaxation; it’s about mental and emotional rejuvenation too. Reflecting on your experiences helps you gain insights, celebrate successes, and identify areas for growth. Tips for Resting and Reflecting During the Holidays

Master the Art of Teamwork with 6 Strategies that Maximize Collaboration

By Anisha Grossett • October 31, 2024
Early childhood education is a field that thrives on collaboration and teamwork. Your success as an educator is intertwined with the collective efforts of your coworkers. Being a team player goes beyond simply working alongside others; it involves actively contributing, supporting, and collaborating with your colleagues to create a nurturing and enriching environment for young children. Read on to discover six core components of teamwork and their profound impact on team dynamics and the quality of care provided to children.

Building Futures: The Lasting Legacy of Early Childhood Educators

By Anisha Grossett • October 1, 2024
As we celebrate Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Appreciation Day/Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible contributions of early childhood professionals. Beyond the daily routines, lessons, and activities, early childhood educators leave a lasting legacy that shapes the future. Here’s how ECEs can ensure their work creates a meaningful and enduring impact. The Importance of Legacy in Early Childhood Education Leaving a legacy means creating a lasting impact that benefits others even after you have moved on. This legacy is seen in the positive experiences, knowledge, and values imparted to young children in early childhood education. It is about making a difference in the lives of children, families, and the community, influencing educational practices, and advancing the field.

Excelling at Interviews: Dos and Don’ts for ECEs and ECE Leaders

By Anisha Grossett • September 3, 2024
Are you an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) embarking on the journey of securing a new job, either as a classroom teacher or as a supervisor/leader? Congratulations on taking this step forward in your career! However, before you land your dream position, you'll need to learn some important tips and tricks to ace the interview process. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can confidently showcase your skills and expertise to an employer and highlight why you’re the ideal person for the job. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to help you navigate the interview process successfully:
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