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Jim Greenman Will Be Missed
April 7, 2009
In the garden of your days, cultivate festivity, play and celebrations.
-Mary Anne Radmacher, Live Boldy
-Mary Anne Radmacher, Live Boldy
Jim was an inspiration to everyone at Exchange, as well as to early childhood professionals around the world. His insightful thinking about what makes for the best environments for children and families, both environmentally and programmatically, pushed the field toward higher and higher standards of caring. His published works — books such as Caring Spaces, Learning Spaces: Children's Environments that Work; Places for Childhoods: Making Quality Happen in the Real World; Prime Times: A Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddler Care;and What Happened to My World; and countless articles in Exchange over the past 30 years (one of which can be found on the Exchange web site) — will certainly continue to inspire future generations of early childhood professionals.
In noting the passing of Jim, Bright Horizons Family Solutions leaders Dave Lissy and Mary Ann Tocio observed...
"Jim was a legend not only within Bright Horizons, but in the entire field of early education. And while his passing leaves a major void in our hearts and in the early childhood profession, his legacy leaves an ever-lasting gift to children and to educators that will sustain for generations to come. Jim brought respect to early educators by insisting on respect for young children. He knew the purpose in their play and unveiled it for the world to see messy little scientists, emerging builders, acrobats, and artisans. He ensured that we don't ask, 'How smart is this child?' but rather, 'How is this child smart?'
"Jim advocated for children and their teachers from the streets of Minnesota to the halls of government in Washington, DC to the classrooms in child care centers around the globe. At Bright Horizons you can see his impact in gentle book nooks in the toddler classroom, in the preschool's dramatic play corner, and in the spots on the playground dedicated to the exploration of even the youngest infants. You can see his impact in the work of the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, which he led with a great sense of purpose. Whether in the Head Start programs of his earliest years or in the Bright Spaces he helped to build across the U.S. and Europe, Jim was dedicated to ensuring that all children, no matter their circumstances, have spaces to call their own, to learn, to be safe, and to grow. He leaves his mark on the Web on BHU and in the advocacy of men in child care. And he leaves those who knew him best with an understanding that you may not mourn his loss without also paying tribute to his unmatchable irreverence and tremendous wit."
Bright Horizons is considering the great outpouring of ideas on how to pay tribute to the work of Jim, and when they have arrived at a plan we will announce it in ExchangeEveryDay.
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If personality conflicts, negative attitudes, rumors, endless venting, backstabbing, and lack of teamwork are dragging your workplace down, there's exciting news. Julie Bartkus, President and founder of Motivate Teachers, is making an audio program and leader's guide available to you today for only $1.00. This program contains 11 time-tested, results-getting strategies to help you help your staff STOP GOSSIPING and build positive and productive relationships. Offer is limited to the first 100 people who RESPOND TODAY.
Comments (32)
Displaying 5 of 32 Comments [ View all ]Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Boston, mass, United States
I was sad to hear the passing of Jim but I truely enjoyed learning so much about him and how serious he was about his job. In working for Bright Horizons for 25 years, I have always heard many great things about him and how he was such a great avocate for teachers and the families. Your right Melissa I thought the same thing abut a rock star. Rock On Jim. We know that your family is really proud and you will never be forgotten. Thanks for all your encouragement.
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Boston, mass, United States
I was not aware about the passing of Jim Greenman but I knew one thing for sure he enjoyed his work. He was such a professional and brightened the lives of many. Since working at Bright Horizons for nearly 25 years, I have always hjeard so many great things about him. Your right Melissa, he made everyone feel like a rock star. Rock on Jim. We know your family was very proud of you and your memories linger forever in our hearts.
RCCM-J&J CDC
Tinton Falls, NJ, United States
I met Jim in 1990 and worked with him here and there for the following five years. I have often mentioned him to fellow teachers and have a poster with a quote from him on my classroom wall to this day. Jim made me think about how I pictured "Child Development" and encouraged us all to take another view---ask the famous question "Why Not?" Why not go out in the rain? Why not paint on the windows? He also laughed at my own childish reactions and crazy ideas, while encouraging me to keep coming up with more ideas. I recently have become re-involved in E.C.E. and just found out about Jim's passing. Jim, you will be missed today and many days to come. Thank you.
Wayland, MI, United States
I was a center director for a smaller company in the ECE field when a company merger took place, and one of the benefits of this merger was the opportunity to be part of a team which included Jim Greenman. I was already familiar with his philosophy and writing, and then to be able to participate in training, conversations, and brainstorming with Jim and the rest of the team was one of the highlights of my ECE career! While corporate mergers continued to occur, and eventually Bright Horizons became a large company, those of us working in centers knew that inside that corporate structure beat the heart of Jim Greenman. Our 'places for childhood' and the 'world at their fingertips' curriculum were constant reminders of what was really important for the families we worked with.
I continue to quote Jim, I use his books and articles in the college courses I teach, and I will miss his contributions to our field.
United States
It's sad and ironic that this wise and kind man worked for a corporation that does not respond to a "why not" sensibility with the creativity and openness that is due to young children.
Maybe a good topic for ChildCare Exchange could be the disconnect between this frame of mind and the "realities" of for-profit early learning.
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