Stumbling Through Work

Send us Fan Mail The political weaponization of early childhood education takes center stage, as these children will take care of us when we get older. The stay-at-home mom is considering childcare employment for the wrong reasons, while the school administrator is dealing with an employee whose child's father violated a protection order by impersonating a social worker. Subscribe to Stumblin...

Send us Fan Mail When four-year-old Lane smuggled home a mysterious sticker, the episode dives deep into the ethical boundaries being crossed in early childhood settings and why even challenging classroom behaviors never justify administering substances without parental consent. Through real-world scenarios and practical advice, this conversation provides a compassionate yet honest look at the com...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever spent weeks interviewing candidates, finally found "the one," only to have them quit within 24 hours? How do you stand firm on your planned departure date when a director tries to guilt you into staying? Share your own workplace disappearing act stories with us – we know you've got them! Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebo...

Send us Fan Mail Professional standards in educational environments matter, from dress codes to qualifications, as we explore how expectations shape children's experiences and learning environments.  • Parent dress codes at schools spark debate about setting examples for children • Principal resigned over controversial dress code comments, but school board later adopted similar policy • Diffe...

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Send us Fan Mail A man received just one month in jail for allegedly holding down a four-year-old so another child could "retaliate" against them. From unproductive staff who waste valuable nap time scrolling on phones to the complicated dynamics when workplace relationships turn personal, the episode concludes with practical hiring advice centered on identifying candidates who can effec...

Send us Fan Mail Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the field, this episode offers honest perspective on navigating workplace challenges with integrity. Follow the podcast to join this ongoing conversation about the realities of education work. Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/a bbreviatedlearning Instagram:  https://www....

Send us Fan Mail A troubling case from Georgia reveals how a daycare lost its license after staff administered Benadryl to toddlers without consent, raising serious questions about trust and safety in childcare settings. Meanwhile, nearly $6.8 billion in federal education funding is being withheld, affecting critical programs for vulnerable student populations. Through a candid exploration of real...

Send us Fan Mail The alarming realities of unregulated childcare facilities operating with twice its maximum occupancy, this facility housed infants in a windowless basement alongside propane tanks, creating what authorities described as "nightmarish, hellish conditions." The conversation shifts to Oklahoma's peculiar response to teacher shortages—creating additional barriers rather...

Send us Fan Mail A young girl was accidentally dropped off at the wrong preschool. What do you do? Shifting gears,  I share insights into how observing and coaching can be more impactful than immediate critiques or corrective actions. Finally, we tackle a common workplace conundrum: managing unauthorized overtime. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with valuable insights and practical ad...

Send us Fan Mail Can a simple bottle of wine transform the way we show appreciation to educators? Join me in this extended play episode as we explore the art of meaningful recognition, venturing beyond the standard pizza party. Whether you’re an educator or an employer, these insights promise to guide you in navigating the often tricky world of hiring and workplace appreciation. Follow me : Websit...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stumbling Through Work, we unravel an incident in Philadelphia where three daycare workers face charges after leaving a seven-month-old baby locked inside a closed facility. Shifting gears, we examine how the underlying culture and climate of a school can drastically shape the educational experience. Finally, we tackle a policy of keeping lights on during naptim...

Send us Fan Mail Can you imagine entrusting your child to a daycare, only to discover that the teacher is abusive? This episode kicks off with a jaw-dropping account from Florida, where a 20-year-old teacher shockingly admitted to kicking, slapping, and flipping off a child.  Ever wondered where all that tuition money goes? We break down the financial labyrinth of running high-quality educational...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Stumbling Through Work, we confront the unsettling realities of child care center vandalism. Hear the details of a shocking incident that left a preschool in disarray,  Switching gears from crisis management to proactive planning, I’ll share practical strategies to enhance your preschool, afterschool, and enrichment programs for the upcoming academic year. Whether it’...

Send us Fan Mail Unchecked teacher behavior? We critique the responses of those involved and emphasize the importance of confronting problematic behavior head-on, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for young learners. Reflecting on the unchecked teacher behavior story, we discuss the headaches of firing underperforming employees and the ripple effects it can have on a school's reputation.  J...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when an early childhood teacher oversteps her boundaries and administers medication to infants without parental consent?  Effective communication is the backbone of any educational setting, and in the second chapter, we break down six essential types of conversations that administrators should master.  Is babysitting undermining the professionalism of early childhood...

Send us Fan Mail This shocking incident kicks off our latest episode, where we address the crucial topic of safety in early childhood education. While I sprinkle in a bit of humor to lighten the mood, the focus remains on practical strategies to enhance safety measures in schools, ensuring a secure environment for both staff and children. Switching gears, we discuss the importance of maintaining p...

Send us Fan Mail Ever had that moment where you walked out of a performance review feeling blindsided? We're going to explore the surprising realities of educator evaluations and how they can truly foster growth instead of dread. We're setting the stage for honest, impactful conversations that lead to tailored coaching plans, ensuring every educator not only meets but exceeds their poten...

Send us Fan Mail Think back to a time when a simple lapse in attention could have led to dire consequences. That's a scenario no one in childcare should ever face, yet it's what we tackle head-on in our latest episode, where the disturbing trend of children being neglected in educational settings is brought into the spotlight. We dissect the critical need for strict attendance and punctu...

Send us Fan Mail Ever grappled with the tricky tango of workplace dynamics, especially in the world of education?  In this episode, I share two educators who do not get along and how harmony in the workplace doesn't require friendship, but a collective commitment to the purpose of our school. Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/a bbre...

Send us Fan Mail People get upset and leave... then try to come back. Nope, I'm not accepting you back with open arms. Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/a bbreviatedlearning Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/a bbreviatedlearning

Send us Fan Mail We spend more time supervising than mentoring our staff. Are you guilty of this? Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/a bbreviatedlearning Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/a bbreviatedlearning

Send us Fan Mail I've taken another online assessment quiz, this time for Conflict Management. To address any conflict in your school, you have to understand what your style is first. Here is a link to the quiz I took. http://www.thesmartworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ConflictManagementStylesAssessment.pdf Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebook:  https:/...

Send us Fan Mail How many times do people who don't even work with you ask about staff schedules? If you're confused, just listen... Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/a bbreviatedlearning Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/a bbreviatedlearning

Send us Fan Mail I thought everyone knew how to behave when you have company over... people don't care about that anymore, just listen... Follow me : Website:  https://www.a bbreviatedlearning.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/a bbreviatedlearning Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/a bbreviatedlearning