What do we chat about in my free 1:1 session?

We simply get to know each other. How long have you been in early childcare? What age group do you teach? What are your goals? What are you most proud of? What are your struggles? Then we begin to take all of those ideas, thoughts, or stressors you might be feeling and prioritize them to make a plan. Our favorite, of course are the 1:1 coaching follow-up sessions where we get to check-in and continue to support your individual goals. But hey, if you get a structure out of our free session and run with it, we have done ourselves proud!

Do I have to have a 1:1 session before a group session?

Nope. We get it. You don’t know us and we don’t know you. A safe space to get to know each other is in a group session. Even though we would be able to better tailor trainings and resources to the needs of the group if we knew everyone better-there are topics that trend across all early childcare teachers, we can cover the basics. You might join a group session and be happy with that or you might want some more individualized support and decide to join a 1:1 coaching session later, it’s up to you.

Why would an ECE teacher need a coach?

CARES was an idea created out of a term used so frequently in the education field. “Time Management.” Teachers are told all the time to manage their time better and eventually begin to think there is something clearly wrong with them if they can’t! We are here to tell you that these two terms should not be used together-”teacher”/”time management.” You are simply expected to do too much all the time. We do not promise to find you extra ‘time’ within your day, but what we can promise are new tools in your toolbelt to make your time most effective! Having a supportive coach assisting with your priorities while specializing in your job-BOOM! You are left with validation, resources, and empowerment to stay focused and goal oriented.

Can you give an example of a coaching session?

Sure! In an individualized session you might share something about a struggle with communication, i.e., “I have a conference with parents of a child that struggles with their behavior and I don’t know how to tell them of this negative behavior without them becoming defensive.”

First-We would gather as much information about the child’s behavior. Things like, when do they arrive to school? What is their behavior at arrival? What sparks the challenging behavior? What things have you done to assist this child? Have you made any environmental changes to accommodate? Once we have gathered enough information we would then discuss what relationship you currently have with their caregivers. Then, we would offer suggestions that might look like, “Be sure to sandwich the conversation (positive, struggle, positive) and inform the parents of the methods that you have tried. Ask them if they see these behaviors at home and what are their best practices and the child’s reactions? Explain that in order to develop an effective plan to manage the unwanted behavior-working together is key and let them know you would like to discuss a plan that could work at school and home. Then open that conversation up to their suggestions while being prepared to deliver yours. This of course is a very basic generalization. As you know already, each child and parent have very specific needs-so having a coach allows a space to share and gain resources to assist with your confidence.

Why wouldn’t I just ask my supervisor-why would I use a coach?

This is a great question! You absolutely should use your supervisor and share with them all of your everything’s about your work. We all know teamwork makes the dreamwork! This is an opportunity for you to reach further, be open and opinionated in a safe place and work through the guts of all of your goals. It’s that extra step one takes to work harder and dig deeper to be more effective and invested in everything they are doing. In an environment where time management is on everyone’s mind, and you start to pick and choose what to talk through with your supervisor to manage both of your time, you might miss some other topics that still are important. That is where a coach can help!