Herzing Blog

Updated December 2023

Is it possible to care for your kids too much? At what point does "helping" and "supporting" turn into "overbearing" and "smothering"?

This is a question you'll find yourself pondering quite often as an early childhood educator (ECE). Or maybe you're a parent and have already wondered how much is too much when it comes to helping your own kids learn and grow.

We're talking about the phenomenon called "helicopter" parenting. In a nutshell, helicopter parents are overly focused on their children. They "hover" over their every move, and take too much responsibility for their child's failures and successes.

Why is the first year of life so important for childhood learning and development? What's going on in a baby's brain and body during those pivotal 12 months?

If you're planning to work in early childhood education, know that you'll be caring for humans at a key stage in their physical, emotional, and intellectual development.

You'll have a front-row seat to the incredible changes that take place as newborns become toddlers. And you'll see how much your teaching impacts their development as they tackle the challenges of growing up.

Just how important is baby's first year? Take a look at some of the amazing things children can do by age one.

Updated December 2023

Love the idea of working with young children, and considering taking early childhood education (ECE) training? Welcome! You've come to the right place.

In this post, we're breaking down the core elements of a quality ECE program.  We want you to understand what is taught in class and which skills you'll graduate with so you can know for sure whether this training is right for you.

So, let's get down to it. Exactly what will you learn in early childhood education courses?

What knowledge and experience will you gain to help you either start your own daycare or land a great position at an established daycare or preschool?

These are the top 10 ECE skills you can expect to cover during your diploma.

Updated December 2023

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions on the planet. Teachers influence every aspect of our lives. They show us how to treat one another, how to learn and grow, how to challenge ourselves, and how to reach for our dreams.

And all of these lessons begin in the early childhood education classroom. It's in preschools and daycares that little ones take their first steps toward independence, and hopefully, discover a love of learning.

It's hard to imagine a more important profession than early childhood educator (ECE). These teachers plant the roots and lay the foundation. They play a huge role in our communities.

Are you thinking about becoming an early childhood educator, but aren't totally sure you're ready for training or are even a good fit for this career?

Take a few moments to think about each of these seven points. If you can say yes to each one, that's a very clear sign that you're destined for a career in early childhood education.

Updated December 2023

What's your role as an early childhood educator? Exactly how big an impact will you have on young children's lives?

Probably far greater than you can imagine, especially if you're just starting out and don't know much about the field.

The truth is, preschool and daycare teachers play a huge part in how kids develop—socially, academically, even physically and emotionally.

They literally change lives and shape futures. As parents, and as a society, we place a huge trust in early childhood educators (ECEs) to help grow the next generation of learners and citizens.

Exactly what goes into this process? How do ECEs prepare babies and toddlers for the next stage of their life journey?

"Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."

Wise words from 40-year veteran teacher, TED talk speaker, and professional development coach Rita F. Pierson.

Truly connecting with and championing your students requires one very important, key ingredient: trust. Without trust, there can be no respect, no nurturing, no safe space in which to grow and learn.

Collaboration doesn't always come naturally to children (or adults, for that matter!) But that's what the preschool or daycare classroom is really all about: teaching kids how to learn those communication and teamwork skills that each of us needs to thrive, both in school and in life.

Updated December 2023

What should early childhood educators (ECEs) know about ADHD in preschool-age children?

Let's start with the fundamentals. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that breaks down into three different categories:

1) Predominately inattentive (previously referred to as ADD)

2) Predominately hyperactive (very rare)

3) Combined (most prevalent)

According to the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada, ADHD is the most prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. More than five per cent of all schoolchildren have ADHD.