George Bernard Shaw said "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." Playing stimulates the mind and reduces stress.
A great way to introduce play at work is through puzzles and games.
The puzzles and activities you will find here are designed to encourage discussion, boost morale and build confidence. They can be used for brainstorming and team building.
Start playing today!
Educators Who Change Lives! Come along on a journey and discover 21 educators who throughout time changed the lives of so many people in so many ways. You'll see that you're in excellent company with the work you do everyday. . . . keep reading
10 Tips To Help Our Parents Feel Like Gold Right now it's more important than ever to make the parents in your child care program feel like gold - to find ways to stand out above the other programs in your area. One way to accomplish this goal is through helping staff members communicate constructively with parents. . . . keep reading
11 Tips To Help Staff Create Positive Friendships At Work Do you ever feel like your staff could use a little help when it comes to creating friendships at work? Perhaps they jump into relationships with co-workers too fast and then get disappointed when confidential information is not kept confidential. Or perhaps they mistake destructive communication patterns such as workplace gossip as a friendship bond when in fact it's a false connection. . . . keep reading
Question: Open Door Policy Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
Question: Separation Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas Julie Bartkus Early Childhood Consultant, Cathy Abraham will inspire you with this 18-page document that honors those who are dedicated to this industry. This is a great reference for teacher appreciation week and every day of the year. . . . keep reading
Fun Child Care Crossword Here's a crossword puzzle for you and your staff to enjoy. Included in this download is a puzzle to complete, a clue sheet and an answer key. Have fun and enjoy the discussion and brainstorming . . . keep reading
Safety Word Search Here's a great way to remind your staff of 61 safety items. Once you click on Download your puzzle, answer key and word list are ready for you to print and implement. The 61 words contained in thi . . . keep reading
What Not To Wear: Word Search Get ready to reiterate what not to wear to work without nagging or lecturing. Here's a word search that was created based on words that you submitted. There are 49 words listed in this puzzl . . . keep reading
Building Bonds With Parents Puzzle Here's a crossword puzzle for you and your staff to enjoy on the topic of: Building Positive Bonds With Parents. Included in this download is a puzzle to complete, a clue sheet and an answer key. . . . keep reading
Question: Motor Skill Activities Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
Question: Freud's Psychosexual Stages of Development Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
Question: Synapse of a 24-Month Old Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
Question: Pre-Schooler Stages of Skills Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
Question: Tattoos Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
Question: Cognitive Development Julie Bartkus Here's a fun idea that will increase your staff's desire to attend staff meetings and at the same time increase their knowledge. The idea is to post a raffle question on a raffle box 2 weeks before . . . keep reading
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Alice Alvarez, Director,
Blessed Sacrament Academy
"It should be mandatory that every child care have this!"
Nancy Dempsy,
Owner, Norwood Early Learning Center
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Cori Berg, Director, Dallas, Texas
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Helen Arthur, Supervisor School-Age Program
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Nancy Dempsy, Owner,
Norwood Early Learning
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Sonya Raymond, Owner,
Apple Tree
"When I first took over the center, staff were beginning to look for other jobs and wouldn't recommend the center to friends or family for jobs or childcare. Now, I have people calling me and emailing me for work and child care openings. I feel like
I've built the foundation for a successful business. I apologize for the length of this, but I am very excited about all of this... I look forward to future CDs and newsletters."
Kathy Monahan, Owner Massachusetts
"I must say that seeing your CDs in my mailbox each
month has really made a difference in my life and often helped me get through."
Cori Berg,
Director, Dallas, Texas
"I’ve been a
member for 5 years and I’ve found the Leadership Connection to be a valuable
resource, especially as
a professional development resource for directors in the administration
world."
Shirley
Ritter, Kids First
"I’ve learned
so much through the Leadership Connection! Julie offers a
unique service to our industry – it is extremely valuable."
Jean Hawks,
Director, Fort Hill Child Dev. Ctr.
"Great information for training! I would highly recommend the Leadership Connection.”
Kim Maine, Director
Sunshine Child Development
"It’s an excellent product, I listen to my CDs in my car, and find them to be good for my own ongoing, professional development.”
Jeanne Thomas
TRC Associates
“Great site, I’m enjoying it very much! I’m on it nearly every day”
Erica Farney,
Director, The Compass School
“What a wealth of information. If my program didn't pay for my membership, I would pay for it myself. It's that good.”
Hope Wharton, Executive Director
“I love the Leadership Connection for child care! I've found it to be of phenomenal help to me!”
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