July in ECE: Reset, Reflect & Reignite Your Passion

Anisha Grossett • June 22, 2026

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time for Early Childhood Educators to Reconnect With Themselves


July often brings a shift in energy within the world of early childhood education.


For some educators, it means summer programming, outdoor adventures, and changing routines. For others, it brings a slower season, time off, planning for September, or moments to finally pause after months of pouring into others.


But no matter what July looks like for you, one thing remains true:

ECE professionals deserve time to reset too.


In a field centered around nurturing children, supporting families, and leading learning experiences, educators can easily forget to nurture themselves in the process. July is the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the passion that brought you into this field in the first place.

The Importance of Resetting in ECE

Early childhood education is meaningful work — but it is also emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding work.


Throughout the year, educators carry so much:

  • Supporting children through big emotions
  • Navigating team dynamics
  • Communicating with families
  • Managing routines and documentation
  • Advocating for the field
  • Balancing personal responsibilities outside of work


Over time, constantly being “on” can lead to exhaustion, disconnection, and burnout.


That’s why resetting matters.


Resetting does not always mean taking a vacation or stepping away completely. Sometimes it simply means:

  • Giving yourself permission to rest
  • Reflecting on your goals and growth
  • Reconnecting with your purpose
  • Exploring creativity again
  • Building healthier boundaries
  • Investing in your own development and wellness


When educators take time to refill their own cup, they return stronger — not just for children and families, but for themselves.


Reflection Creates Growth

July is also a beautiful time for reflection.


Before entering another busy season, take a moment to think about the past year:

  • What challenged you?
  • What are you proud of?
  • What lessons are you carrying forward?
  • What kind of educator and leader do you want to become next?


Growth in ECE does not only happen through workshops, certifications, or formal learning.


Sometimes growth happens quietly:

  • Through experience
  • Through healing
  • Through confidence-building
  • Through community
  • Through learning how to advocate for yourself


Reflection helps us recognize how far we’ve already come.


Reigniting Your Passion for the Field

Many educators enter ECE because they want to make a difference.


But in seasons of stress, overwhelm, or burnout, it can become difficult to stay connected to that original passion.


July can be a reminder that your spark still exists.


This is the season to:

  • Revisit your “why”
  • Explore new ideas and inspiration
  • Connect with educators who energize you
  • Invest in spaces that support your growth
  • Dream bigger for yourself and your future in the field


Passion is not something educators have to lose forever. Sometimes it simply needs space to breathe again.


The Power of Community During Every Season

One of the most powerful ways educators stay inspired is through community.


Having people who understand the realities of the field can make all the difference. Community creates opportunities to:

  • Feel supported and encouraged
  • Share ideas and experiences
  • Collaborate and learn together
  • Build meaningful professional relationships
  • Feel seen beyond your role


Strong communities remind educators that they are not alone in their experiences, challenges, or goals.


Whether it’s through mentorship, networking, friendships, conferences, online spaces, or professional learning opportunities, connection matters.


Because when educators feel supported, the entire field becomes stronger.


Reflective Questions for July


Take a moment to pause and reflect:

  • How are you really feeling entering this season?
  • What does “reset” look like for you right now?
  • What has this past year taught you about yourself?
  • What parts of your work bring you the most joy?
  • What boundaries or habits do you want to improve moving forward?
  • How can you prioritize yourself more this season?
  • What kind of community do you want to be part of?
  • In what ways do you want to grow as an educator, leader, or entrepreneur this year?


A Reminder for Every Educator

You do not have to earn rest.


You do not have to prove your worth through burnout.


And you do not have to navigate this field alone.


July can be your reminder to:

  • Rest intentionally
  • Reflect honestly
  • Reconnect deeply
  • And reignite the passion that makes your impact so powerful


The work you do matters — and so do you.

Risky Play the Right Way

By Anisha Grossett • May 29, 2026
Move over trips and falls and organized sports, we have a new injury inducer in town for our children and it’s starting to raise some heated debates. When we look at what’s happening with the injuries we see with children today, it’s not the same from when I was a child. I was falling out of trees, cuts and scrapes on knees and elbows from going too fast around a corner or down a hill on my bike. I was learning physics in the hands-on experiential way, so that when I was a 16 year old driving my dad’s pickup truck, I was already familiar with sliding tires and changing road conditions. I took the lessons I learned going over the handlebars and the feelings of losing control and used them to become more aware and resilient during stressful situations as I grew older into adulthood. I recently read an article online talking about emergency room injuries with children in British Columbia and the number one culprit on the list comes from E-scooter accidents. I definitely have my opinions on these scooters, but we’re not gonna dive into that one today. I want to tell you how easily these injuries can be prevented with a little bit of background education, situational awareness, and some foundational motor development. A lot of these children likely missed the opportunity of learning how to ride a bike properly, they don’t have the vestibular development and appropriate proprioceptive skills to get their balance and their coordination correctly on a scooter. If they never learned the mechanics of how to ride a bike, then how do they know that when they go around that sharp turn and hit a little bit of loose gravel that the back end might slide out a little bit. These foundational fine and gross motor skills are imperative for children to use these conveyances safely, not to mention the spatial awareness needed to navigate the world around them while travelling at high speeds. Parents often send their children out on these scooters without helmets, further exacerbating the risk level. Scooters pose a much higher risk than a traditional bike because you don't need to invest the same amount of time learning to “ride” it. The physics and mechanical lessons I learned as a child are often missed in this day and age and it’s showing up in our emergency rooms across the country.

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?