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“The most interesting thing to me about being a director of an early childhood program is that each day brings with it its own set of new challenges and experiences that enable me to build relationships with the children, families, and staff. From the brand new parent of an infant on their first day of child care, to the more experienced single parent with economic, emotional, and financial challenges; from the shy and reserved preschooler to the very active toddler who is learning how to use ‘his words’; from the new enthusiastic teacher to the more experienced and seasoned teacher.
These interactions give me the opportunity to have a positive impact on so many people. In the 20 years that I have been in the business, I have been fortunate to work in places that support these relationship-building practices. One of my favorite things to do is to e-mail parents a picture of their child before they arrive at work when it’s their first day or at some point during the day so they can be a part of their child’s experience at the YMCA. I have received numerous thank you notes from parents who have said that gesture made the difference in how their day at work went. And how easy and simple it is for me because of today’s technology! I love being able to take advantage of resources and share them with other people. Whether they are based in research, technology, or my own experiences through the years. I believe that we are all put on this earth for a reason and we are very fortunate when we are able to live our days sharing our true passion �" and that for me is helping our children, staff, and families grow and reach their potential.”
Mary Varr, Director, Child Care Director Garelick Early Learning Center Hockomock Area YMCA, Massachusetts

“I have the best job in the world!! Every morning I enjoy going to work. I am engineer, conductor, and participant of a play. I can fly airplanes, ignite imaginations, wipe tears, reassure adults, and guide the growth of ECE teachers. As directors we are honored by the families we serve as they entrust into our care their children to co-raise. I live up to that by making sure I walk the talk by professionally responding to the needs of children, families, and the community we have created.

What sparks my imagination and keeps the grey matter from going to mush is figuring out how to guide the discovery of teachers to reach new heights of quality interactions and care. I love walking room to room and seeing teachers at child level, discovery and open-ended questions, watching a child’s face light up when entering the room and being greeted by his teacher, and seeing the positive child-oriented activities and room set ups. The laughter and giggles when exploring a messy art day or jumping in puddlesis a musical rhythm I never tire of hearing. I love challenging myself and the teachers I have the responsibility and goals of working with to reach for the highest standards of NAEYC and NAC accreditation.

Each time I run a training, present at a conference, or teach a course at the college I am able to stay current with the trends in early childhood and hopefully pass the vision, passion, and drive to the next wave of early childhood professionals. I always wanted to be a teacher. What fun it is to see a mission statement embodied and vitalized day in and day out. My daughter co-directs the center with me, my son teaches in the preschool classroom, and four alumni students now have completed their degrees and teach at Live & Learn as well. What a wonderful legacy I have been able to participate in seeing the gift of quality care re-given generation to generation. I realize that adults in children’s lives are vital as role models, confidants, and guides. Why do I do what I do? I make a difference every day in shaping future communities of caring and enriching the lives of the families that join me every day in living and learning together.”
Johanna Booth-Miner, Director, Live & Learn early Learning Center,
New Hampshire

So as administrators and directors, what excites you? What floats your boat? What is it about being a director that motivates you and keeps you in the game? Let’s keep this going as it helps us to reflect, reevaluate, and think more deeply about why we do what we do. Let me know by contacting me: [email protected]!

SIDEBAR BOX:
The New Hampshire Association for the Education of Young Children has held the Administrator’s Conference for the past nine years. Two years ago Vermont joined and they now have a two-state conference specifically for Administrators of Early Care and Education Programs. I had the opportunity to continue my adventure in asking our question and here is what some of the New Englanders had to say!

“So, New Hampshire and Vermont! As Administrators and Directors, what is it that excites you, motivates you, ‘fires you up’ in being a director?”

“What fires me up is when I see teachers, children, and parents having “ahaa moments” and when I see them loving our center or their time there.”
Jeanne Davis, Oak Hill Children’s Center, Pownal, Vermont

“Every day is different. It’s like being on a journey and every morning you wake, you are in a new place!”
Donna Bella, Edith B. Jackson Child Care, New Haven, Connecticut

“Well Bill . . . every day is an exciting challenge that involves all walks of life . . . no day ever repeats itself and I learn something new about myself!”
Gail O’Brien, Director, Early Years Child Care, Windham, New Hampshire

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