Episode 1: Early Childhood Education in Extraordinary Times

Read in Spanish (Leer en Español)

Series producer Larry Edelman describes the Preschool During the Pandemic project and provides coming attractions of upcoming episodes. (5 min.)

Facilitator Guide

Early Care and Education Environment Indicators and Elements of High-Quality Inclusion: E2: Family Partnerships, E6: Instructions
DEC Recommended Practices: Family, Instruction

As you watch this episode, take note of the various topics that are highlighted in the series and how the pandemic has impacted you and the children and the families you serve.

Reflection Questions

In this overview, producer Larry Edelman reminds us of the rapid shifts that were necessary to continue to support children and families in the context of remote services. What was your best moment providing instruction during the pandemic and how can you have more moments like it?
This video mentions the intentional efforts to interact and partner with families to build their capacity to support learning. What are examples of strategies you have implemented to build relationships and partner with families to support learning?
Think about importance of reflecting on the changes practitioners implement and understanding the impact of those changes on children and families. What intentional moments do you build into your schedule to reflect on your practices and interactions and their impact? What are examples of ways you can connect with families to reflect on instructional and family partnership strategies to get their perspective and recommendations?
This video reminds us of the importance of engaging the entire community, beyond the classroom, to support learning. Reflect on the communities where children and families you support participate outside of the classroom. What are some opportunities for more intentional partnership and engagement with those communities? What is a very next step that you can take to make a connection with someone in the community to discuss strategies for building relationships with and supporting children and their families?
This video offers gratitude for the resilience of young children and families and to teachers as our frontline heroes. Think back for a moment to an educator who made an impact on your life. What made them extraordinary?

In this first episode, we begin to reflect on the experience of supporting children and families from a distance. The videos are not only a means to share innovative strategies to use today, but also serve to document these strategies for future educators. Think about yourself as an early childhood professional in the years to come. What would you tell your future self about the experiences during the pandemic? Write a letter to your future self, using the reflection questions as prompts. Share some of your ideas with your peers.

Note to facilitator: For large groups, ask participants to write a letter to their future selves. Divide the group into smaller groups for discussion.