Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/dear-reader/5027206/
As Creative Director of Exchange Press, I have had the privilege of learning and contributing to the Exchange community, and this magazine, for 20 years.
I recently met with with a friend of mine who is the director of a few child care centers in Seattle, Washington. She has opened an infant and toddler program in a beautiful house with a large sycamore tree in the front. I sat down with her in the front yard space, which had been meticulously and intentionally set up for toddlers to explore. There was a courtyard with sand, water, natural objects, and steps to explore. As I met with my friend, she told me all about the many challenges she faces with city regulations, with training teachers, with consistent enrollment, and with money. She was feeling the burden as many have been in early childhood education. As I was noting the heaviness of her situation, a young boy was atop a wooden step, stretching and reaching into a water table. He fell down onto the grass onto his back.
Boop! A surprise!
He did not call out. A teacher saw it happen from across the yard and hustled over. The director quietly advised, ...