Chat Transcripts

Topic

Chat Session 1

Date

2025-06-10

Group ID

0

Course ID

299587

User List

Byers, MichelleHowell, Charlotte (Charlee)McCann, LaciSoutthivong, LoriStudenski, Elizabeth{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}
User Timestamp Message
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:47:35 pmWelcome to Essential Management Skills for Early Childhood Director Success! I'm so glad you are with us as we explore the actions that help early childhood leaders to excel in your roles!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:53:57 pmHello Charlee and Lori! Welcome!
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)06:54:12 pmHi!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:55:27 pmGlad you are here!
Soutthivong, Lori06:56:02 pmGood evening
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:56:26 pmHi Lori!
McCann, Laci06:56:54 pmHello!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:57:09 pmHi Laci!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:58:32 pmIn a few minutes when we begin, I'll ask you to share with us your role in your early childhood organization, where you are located and something you really like about your current role!
McCann, Laci07:00:13 pmI am a director at a childcare in Richmond. I am really liking growing relationships with all the families in the center and not just the ones in one classroom.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:00:28 pmWe'll start in about one minute! Like to begin and end on time! 🙂
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:01:11 pmWelcome to our ETL class! I am excited to work with each of you and so glad you are here!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:01:39 pmPlease go ahead and introduce yourself with your role, location and something you love about your role!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:02:15 pmThanks Laci! Yes, relationships aer do important!
Byers, Michelle07:02:19 pmDirector at Kinderplatz childcare center in Bloomington. I enjoy working with the staff and meeting new families we enroll.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:02:49 pmThanks Michelle! I visited Kinderplatz quite a few years ago!
Soutthivong, Lori07:02:49 pmI am the Director at a daycare in Mountain Lake, MN. I love that everyday is different and I learn something new everyday.
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:03:10 pmI am an assistant director in Eden Prairie. I really like giving tours of our facility to potential new families. I also like the variety that each day brings.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:03:21 pmthanks Lori! Ah, yes, everyday is exciting in our business!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:04:21 pmThanks Charlee! Variety and new families - always great! I used to live in Chanhassen so have been to many centers in your area!
Byers, Michelle07:04:30 pmKaren, that is awesome. I may have met you.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:05:16 pmHi Elizabeth!
Studenski, Elizabeth07:06:43 pmHello There! I am a lead teacher in Eden Prairie, MN
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:06:56 pmBefore we get going, I have one note on the syllabus. Not sure how it happened but is about timing for the Discussion Board. Says to make your first post by Sunday. Please make your first post by Thursday so we can get great discussion going. Then complete at least three posts by Sunday to our class members. Check back each day if you can for more additions! Thanks!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:08:02 pmHave you taken Eager to Learn classes before? Are you familiar with the class information and layout on our class site? Questions?
Byers, Michelle07:08:33 pmI have and yes I understand all the info and layout.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:08:47 pmThanks Michelle!
Studenski, Elizabeth07:08:53 pmThis is my first time taking a class on this platform. I will learn as we go
McCann, Laci07:09:24 pmThis is my first Eager to Learn class. The layout is easy to follow (now that I figured out where it was)
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:09:40 pmI haven't taken a class from Eager to Learn but have taken other classes that had similar layouts.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:09:43 pmLooks like you are doing well so far, Elizabeth! Do you work with Charlee in Eden Prairie?
Soutthivong, Lori07:09:56 pmThis is my first Eager to Learn Course, But just finished some online classes in college it is set up somewhat the same.
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:10:21 pmYes, Elizabeth and I work together at Wooddale Academy.
Studenski, Elizabeth07:10:24 pmYes I do work with Charlee
Byers, Michelle07:10:41 pmIt is super easy. Just keep up with the discussions and show up to the chats. There is usually a final assignment. Make sure it is turned in on time.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:10:57 pmIf anyone has questions or can't find something, please let me know! Every online platform seems to have its own uniquenesses!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:11:29 pmNice summary Michelle! And read all the readings each week!
Byers, Michelle07:11:45 pmYes! The readings. Forgot about those.
Studenski, Elizabeth07:11:55 pmHow many participants are you expecting?
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:12:08 pmMuch of our content learning is in the readings and then our discussion is where we share insights etc.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:12:26 pmWe have seven people registered for this class, hope they all arrive!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:13:28 pmI have been teaching director class on ETL since 2006 - and always enjoy it! I was also honored to design the MN Director Credential and coordinate 30 cohorts!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:14:24 pmI will share that I owned two childcare centers and also directed a large non=profit center. I love organizations and working with directors is my focus and joy!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:14:43 pmShall we move along? *
Byers, Michelle07:14:49 pm*
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:15:10 pm*
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:15:15 pmDo you all know the symbol *?
Soutthivong, Lori07:15:12 pm*
McCann, Laci07:15:17 pm*
Studenski, Elizabeth07:15:28 pm*
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:15:31 pmLooks like you do! Success already! 🙂
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:16:22 pmYou have shared your current titles/roles. Please tell us a bit about your path to your current role and how long you have been in early childhood leadership. *
McCann, Laci07:19:26 pmI have worked in childcare for as long as I can remember. Started babysitting with my older brother, worked in a daycare center, nannied, had an in home daycare, and worked at a preschool. I started as an aide, and worked my way to lead teacher in 2 years. I was there for 6 years before becoming a lead at the center I am currently at back in August. In November our director quit and I thought I would apply and see what happens. I have been the director since December. It was very difficult at first, but it is getting better as time goes on.
Byers, Michelle07:19:30 pmI have been in childcare for 20 years. I was a teacher for 16. 2020, I moved into an admin role. By 2023 I became director. I worked hard as a teacher and by the end of my teaching I was managing my team, implementing meetings and running a successful classroom. I have now been a director for 2 years.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:19:52 pmFeel free to add one thing you love about your role and one thing that is sometimes challenging.
Soutthivong, Lori07:20:22 pmI am working on my second year as a director, I previously did not work in child care but just finished my Early Childhood Education certificate at SCC.
Byers, Michelle07:20:46 pmI love being out front greeting all of our families and assisting them with their needs. One thing that is challenging is managing staff.
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:20:57 pmI taught in a classroom for 11.5 years and took smaller leadership opportunities when they arose. I have been in early childhood leadership for almost 2.5 years.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:21:57 pmAh, many great paths to leadership in our field. As with so many leaders, early childhood teaching is so often the foundation we have. I see most of you have been in your leadership roles around two years
McCann, Laci07:22:18 pmMy favorite part of the day is getting to bounce around the classrooms to check in with staff and interact/play with the kids. The most challenging part is getting everything in order. It was a mess when I started, and I didn't know all that much to begin with. Just figuring out what had to be changed, and how to do them within licesing was tough.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:22:53 pmSo in the time you have been in your role, what skill or attribute do you see yourself using really often? *
Byers, Michelle07:23:05 pmInteracting with the kids is one of my favorite things to do as well
Studenski, Elizabeth07:23:13 pmI started out teaching in a small district (kindergarten) but was let go when budget cuts were made. Last one hired, first to let go. From there I have worked in elementary schools and child care centers. I have been in the field for 16year. Never a leadership title but always willing to help and learn when i could
Soutthivong, Lori07:23:20 pmI love the communication and interaction with the children and families. And challenging is staff that are not open to learning new ideas
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:24:36 pmEnjoying the children is key to being a successful leader in our field! Not everyone sees that right away - but making great experiences for children is really why we do all the other work, right? *
McCann, Laci07:24:41 pmLori, staff not wating to get out of thier comfort zones to learn new things is really challenging for me as well.
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:24:49 pmProblem solving or being flexible to change up what I had planned for the day with short notice
Studenski, Elizabeth07:25:13 pmmy classroom spends a lot of time outside in nature. My kids have fully embraced it this year!
Byers, Michelle07:25:26 pmI would say problem solving as well and quick thinking when issues arise
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:26:21 pmYes, you point out working with staff about change, flexibility, new ideas! What ideas might leaders implement to help their team embrance new ideas? *
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:27:03 pmLove nature outdoor classroom, Elizabeth! The children are different outdoors - and full of wonder!
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:27:36 pmYou have to be willing to embrace new ideas as well. Find new ideas about areas you know your staff is already interested in.
Byers, Michelle07:27:36 pmEncouragement especially about the outcome. Laying out a plan so they can see it and possibly visualize it
McCann, Laci07:28:05 pmI think motivation is something I use often. If you work with children, it is not just for a paycheck. So I do my best to excited my staff about changes and how we want to be the best in the area and we can't do that by just punching in and out everyday.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:28:13 pmFor sure Charlee - help staff find ideas that are meaningful to them!
Studenski, Elizabeth07:28:40 pmI personally like to know the logic behind the change. The change becomes for meaningful that way
Soutthivong, Lori07:29:01 pmShowing them first hand what I am wanting from them. Lead by example
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:29:32 pmWe can create work environments in which our staff will be more likely to become and stay motivated. What is one thing you have found to be successful in creative that environment? *
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:30:23 pmcreating that environment (we will all make typos) 🙂
Studenski, Elizabeth07:30:58 pmconnecting with each teacher, being visible and active participant in the classrooms from time to time
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:31:05 pmFeeling like their opinions and concerns matter
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:31:21 pmGreat point Elizabeth! Connection!
Byers, Michelle07:31:36 pmBeing transparent and helpful. We also acknowledge everyone’s uniqueness and what they bring to the table. We do shout outs and employee of the month
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:31:47 pmFor sure Charlee! We all want to be heard and recognized!
McCann, Laci07:32:16 pmI meet with them individually and in staff meeting with questions that can help us work together. Letting them know they are not on their own. I want to hear their ideas and have them create the best workplace and childcare we can as a team
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:32:21 pmYes, Michelle - celebrating what each person brings to the table!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:32:54 pmThanks Laci - we do learn so much by talking with each member individually!
Soutthivong, Lori07:33:03 pmLetting the staff be a part of the planning, listening to all staff equally and letting them know that their ideas matter
Byers, Michelle07:33:04 pmWe also do quarterly snapshots to keep staff informed of how they are doing.
McCann, Laci07:33:46 pmMichelle can you tell more about that please
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:34:04 pmNo matter how experienced we are in management and leadership, we will always experience some challenges. Please share one challenge you have encountered and one way you are working to make that better *
Byers, Michelle07:35:44 pmA challenge my team and I face is staff morale. We had some staff interacting on social media where it got out of hand and unprofessional. We are handling the situation by meeting with each staff member indictable and designing a plan of professionalism
Byers, Michelle07:36:10 pm*individually
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:36:26 pmI will share one, too! I find that on a team, members have unique talents and parts of the job that they like best. And parts they don't like! So we try to adjust the roles to fit the people and give them as much as we can of what makes them really light up!
McCann, Laci07:36:26 pmBefore I became director the policies were not being followed by the parents. So when I started to enforce them, parents were really having a hard time with that. I just had to explain to them the importance of keeping kids home when sick, paying on time, etc.
Byers, Michelle07:37:21 pmYes, following policy is a big one. Stick with it
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:37:24 pmImportant point, Michelle. Addressing it is so important and trying to find the roots of the challenges
Soutthivong, Lori07:37:46 pmWhen I started there was a team member that has a I know it all and loves drama other staff w
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:38:09 pmAh, that happens Laci! Putting policies back in place is so key yet hard some times!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:38:43 pmThat is a challenge Lori! What have your found to be helpful?
McCann, Laci07:39:29 pmIt was tough. But being appologetic while still firm, letting the families know you understand the difficulties they are facing, really does help.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:39:53 pmI often say that the role of early childhood leadership can be a lonely spot. Teachers have a peer group - many times leaders are alone!
Byers, Michelle07:40:19 pmYes and people will always ask even though they already know the answer. They just want to see if you will budge.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:40:26 pmSometimes I think we have to reinforce ourselves! LOL!
McCann, Laci07:40:36 pmYes!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:41:02 pmWorking with people will always have challenges and is always interesting! Never dull in our field!! 🙂
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:41:28 pmWe have experienced being short staffed for quite a while, so it has been challenging making sure all the rooms have coverage while also trying to give the teachers prep time.
Soutthivong, Lori07:41:29 pmsorry hit enter before I finished. We are working on team building and staff rotation
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:41:52 pmYou have shared some great strategies this evening! So good to hear from each of you on things you find helpful! Networking!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:42:24 pmWhat is one idea you have thoughts about from our discussion tonight that you might take back and try out in your role? *
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:43:31 pmCharlee - being short staffed has been a challenge before and since the pandemic! Such a big part of leaders roles to keep all the balls in the air at the same time!
McCann, Laci07:43:43 pmWhen you said "making great experiences for children is hwy we do what we do" I think that is a great thing to remember. These kids are with us more than their parents sometimes and we want ti to be fun, memorable, and exciting!
Byers, Michelle07:43:47 pmBeing apologetic but firm. That is something that I will remember while also being factual
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:45:06 pmI liked the being sympathetic to the families challenges or difficulties but still firm on your center's policies.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:45:16 pmThis week, we have a number of readings plus the self assessment. Please complete the assessment before our next chat. The accompanying professional development plan we will work on in upcoming weeks and that becomes your final assignment.
Soutthivong, Lori07:46:03 pmI like the Celebrating what each person brings to the table.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:46:20 pmGreat to hear from each of you tonight - thanks for sharing such helpful strategies! I will see you on the discussion board!
McCann, Laci07:46:28 pmThank you!!
Byers, Michelle07:46:29 pmThank you
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:46:35 pmMake it a wonderful week - share some joy!!
Studenski, Elizabeth07:46:39 pmthanks
Howell, Charlotte (Charlee)07:46:40 pmThank you
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:46:45 pmGoodnight and thanks!!
Soutthivong, Lori07:46:50 pmThank you and Good night!