1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,480 Hello everyone and welcome to the Forgotten ECE. 2 00:00:15,480 --> 00:00:19,040 I'm your host Jamie and I'm so excited that you're here. 3 00:00:19,040 --> 00:00:23,820 I just wanted to take a second to tell you what you're about to be graced with because 4 00:00:23,820 --> 00:00:26,720 it is good if I do say so myself. 5 00:00:26,720 --> 00:00:31,240 In this uplifting episode of the Forgotten ECE podcast, we are diving into the heart 6 00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:34,480 of what it means to stay inspired as a before and after school educator. 7 00:00:34,480 --> 00:00:39,880 Burnout isn't real, but so is the passion that brought us to this field in the first 8 00:00:39,880 --> 00:00:40,880 place. 9 00:00:40,880 --> 00:00:45,920 Join me as I welcome special guest Anisha Angela, the early childhood coach, a passionate 10 00:00:45,920 --> 00:00:48,120 advocate and mentor for educators. 11 00:00:48,120 --> 00:00:53,220 Anisha shares her insights on how to reconnect with your purpose and rediscover the joy in 12 00:00:53,220 --> 00:00:55,720 your work as an early childhood educator. 13 00:00:55,720 --> 00:00:59,560 Together, we're going to explore practical strategies, inspirational stories, and the 14 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:04,480 power of finding community in this often overlooked corner of education. 15 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:08,500 So whether you're a seasoned educator or starting your journey, this episode will leave you 16 00:01:08,500 --> 00:01:12,760 feeling encouraged, empowered, and ready to ignite your passion for making a difference 17 00:01:12,760 --> 00:01:14,040 in children's lives. 18 00:01:14,040 --> 00:01:30,840 Stay tuned and let's rediscover your spark together. 19 00:01:30,840 --> 00:01:32,720 Hello everyone. 20 00:01:32,720 --> 00:01:39,560 I am so excited today to announce that we have a special guest on the Forgotten ECE. 21 00:01:39,560 --> 00:01:41,760 So thank you everyone for joining us. 22 00:01:41,760 --> 00:01:49,040 I have Anisha Angela here, the early childhood coach is what you should know her as, and 23 00:01:49,040 --> 00:01:56,200 she has graciously agreed to be on the Forgotten ECE and we have a lot in store for you today. 24 00:01:56,200 --> 00:01:57,200 All right. 25 00:01:57,200 --> 00:01:58,200 Hello Jamie. 26 00:01:58,200 --> 00:01:59,200 Hi. 27 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:07,160 Anisha is an early childhood educator, coach, and expert who has been in the industry for 28 00:02:07,160 --> 00:02:12,160 over 16 plus years with a degree in early childhood education studies. 29 00:02:12,160 --> 00:02:14,940 Anisha has held many roles over the years. 30 00:02:14,940 --> 00:02:19,640 She has led childcare programs, taught college programs, and worked as a senior manager overseeing 31 00:02:19,640 --> 00:02:22,680 45 plus childcare locations. 32 00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:29,360 She is also the CEO and founder of her business, the early childhood coach and co, a power 33 00:02:29,360 --> 00:02:31,400 house literally. 34 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:36,600 For all things, childcare, consulting, coaching, and training, her success has allowed her 35 00:02:36,600 --> 00:02:41,840 to gain exposure through breakfast television, authority magazine, and the Today Show. 36 00:02:41,840 --> 00:02:47,840 Anisha wants to see other members of the ECE community succeed and loves to share her wealth 37 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:50,640 of knowledge through speaking at a variety of events. 38 00:02:50,640 --> 00:02:57,960 Anisha's speaking engagements focus on diversity in ECE, leadership, mental health, and burnout 39 00:02:57,960 --> 00:03:01,820 in ECE, and effective communication with parents and staff. 40 00:03:01,820 --> 00:03:08,200 She has spoken at over 250 plus events worldwide and is always looking forward to her next 41 00:03:08,200 --> 00:03:12,400 engagement and lucky enough, that's here with us on the Forgotten ECE. 42 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:13,400 Oh, thank you. 43 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:16,880 I listen to the bio all the time and I'm like, I don't know who they're talking about. 44 00:03:16,880 --> 00:03:23,200 I guess it's me and it's such a pleasure to join you and I'm excited for this conversation 45 00:03:23,200 --> 00:03:24,200 Jamie. 46 00:03:24,200 --> 00:03:25,200 Thank you so much for having me. 47 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:26,520 You're so welcome. 48 00:03:26,520 --> 00:03:31,680 I'm actually really excited too because the main thing for anyone who listens to the podcast 49 00:03:31,680 --> 00:03:36,480 knows is that the Forgotten ECE is about just that, educators who feel forgotten in the 50 00:03:36,480 --> 00:03:38,360 before and after school roles. 51 00:03:38,360 --> 00:03:44,320 You are here to tell us how to advocate and mentor and just how to regain that spark for 52 00:03:44,320 --> 00:03:46,800 being in ECE and keep doing what you're doing. 53 00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:51,040 You're absolutely excellent at getting people passionate about ECE. 54 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:52,400 So this is incredible. 55 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:53,400 Oh, thank you. 56 00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:56,560 I'm excited to get into it. 57 00:03:56,560 --> 00:04:01,440 So the first question I'm going to ask you is why you're so passionate about helping 58 00:04:01,440 --> 00:04:05,040 educators to continue to feel inspired in their day to day. 59 00:04:05,040 --> 00:04:06,760 Oh, there's so many reasons for that. 60 00:04:06,760 --> 00:04:11,360 I would say the first thing on my mind is because we are the greatest thing since sliced 61 00:04:11,360 --> 00:04:12,360 bread. 62 00:04:12,360 --> 00:04:15,880 Let's just say that without us, society cannot run. 63 00:04:15,880 --> 00:04:18,800 Parents cannot do the great things that they do without us. 64 00:04:18,800 --> 00:04:25,760 So it's great to remind them of why they're so amazing, but I'm also from the field myself. 65 00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:29,820 So I understand that there are times where we don't feel so great about what we do. 66 00:04:29,820 --> 00:04:35,480 So we always need somebody on the other side to remind us of our greatness and our purpose 67 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:37,120 behind the work that we do. 68 00:04:37,120 --> 00:04:38,400 Oh, I love that. 69 00:04:38,400 --> 00:04:39,400 You're absolutely right. 70 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:40,400 We are. 71 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:41,400 We're the cornerstone. 72 00:04:41,400 --> 00:04:46,000 And I know we talk often about COVID and what times we're like in COVID, but COVID taught 73 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:47,000 us anything. 74 00:04:47,000 --> 00:04:51,040 It's that the world will literally not function without early childhood educators. 75 00:04:51,040 --> 00:04:54,360 And it's like, COVID disappeared and everyone's like, oh, well. 76 00:04:54,360 --> 00:04:55,360 Right. 77 00:04:55,360 --> 00:04:56,360 And you know what? 78 00:04:56,360 --> 00:05:01,560 I will be fully transparent and say, I said to myself when COVID happened that society 79 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:07,280 would finally get it because they had to shut us down and then open everything back up. 80 00:05:07,280 --> 00:05:11,080 But of course, we're still in the game of still reminding them that we're not babysitters. 81 00:05:11,080 --> 00:05:12,680 So it is quite frustrating. 82 00:05:12,680 --> 00:05:16,640 And I can understand why a lot of educators would lose their spark to have to constantly 83 00:05:16,640 --> 00:05:17,640 advocate for themselves. 84 00:05:17,640 --> 00:05:19,720 So I completely understand that aspect. 85 00:05:19,720 --> 00:05:23,880 But I think looking at the bigger picture of our purpose and what we do and the fact 86 00:05:23,880 --> 00:05:29,560 that we are literally setting the foundation of education for children before when they 87 00:05:29,560 --> 00:05:34,320 go into big kids school or wherever they go after us, we're setting them up for success 88 00:05:34,320 --> 00:05:35,440 in the work that we do. 89 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:38,760 So that's why I'm so passionate to be sure that they remember that in everything that 90 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:39,760 they do. 91 00:05:39,760 --> 00:05:40,880 Oh, you're absolutely right. 92 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:44,240 That's a great way of looking at it because my next question actually leads right into 93 00:05:44,240 --> 00:05:49,400 this is what do you do when you feel like the spark of teaching is fading? 94 00:05:49,400 --> 00:05:55,260 So I usually tell educators to really tap into what is really happening. 95 00:05:55,260 --> 00:06:01,840 The reason why I mention that is because there are usually different circumstances that are 96 00:06:01,840 --> 00:06:02,900 happening within us. 97 00:06:02,900 --> 00:06:06,600 So one of the biggest things that me and my team really unlocked is the fact that a lot 98 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:07,960 of us are burnt out. 99 00:06:07,960 --> 00:06:13,760 So when we're burnt out, we feel as if we cannot connect to our purpose or cannot connect 100 00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:14,760 to our wire. 101 00:06:14,760 --> 00:06:16,680 We just don't feel like going on. 102 00:06:16,680 --> 00:06:20,880 And really, really reflecting on the fact that sometimes it could be a burnout situation 103 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:25,040 and other things and really just asking ourselves what we need in the moment is really, really 104 00:06:25,040 --> 00:06:26,040 key. 105 00:06:26,040 --> 00:06:29,640 But just really taking a moment to ask ourselves in that moment what that looks like. 106 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:31,320 Oh, that's excellent. 107 00:06:31,320 --> 00:06:32,980 You're absolutely right. 108 00:06:32,980 --> 00:06:36,880 It's a lot about those in the moment feelings and the stressors of the day to day that really 109 00:06:36,880 --> 00:06:39,520 play into factor. 110 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:45,720 So yeah, taking a step back would definitely work that in. 111 00:06:45,720 --> 00:06:51,760 And how can educators reconnect with their why when the day to day challenges feel overwhelming? 112 00:06:51,760 --> 00:06:58,720 So I think it's definitely fair for us to acknowledge that we have a lot on our plate 113 00:06:58,720 --> 00:06:59,880 as early educators. 114 00:06:59,880 --> 00:07:02,240 I think that we don't want to excuse that. 115 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:05,040 We don't want to excuse the fact that we do have the whole world. 116 00:07:05,040 --> 00:07:08,240 It feels like we have, well technically, we have the whole world on our shoulders in the 117 00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:09,580 work that we do. 118 00:07:09,580 --> 00:07:15,000 So definitely leaning in to the things that are overwhelming us, but also at the same 119 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:19,640 time connecting to why we chose this field to begin with. 120 00:07:19,640 --> 00:07:23,440 You and I both know a lot of us don't choose it because it makes a whole lot of money, 121 00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:24,440 girl. 122 00:07:24,440 --> 00:07:25,440 We know that. 123 00:07:25,440 --> 00:07:27,160 There's something a little bit deeper, right? 124 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:28,160 What? 125 00:07:28,160 --> 00:07:33,400 There's something deeper in us, whether it is connecting to, you know, we love working 126 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:37,960 with families or we love working directly with children and we love seeing them grow. 127 00:07:37,960 --> 00:07:43,160 So really and truly getting into the nitty gritty of understanding what our why is and 128 00:07:43,160 --> 00:07:47,680 our purpose is really is what's important, but not ignoring the fact that there are day 129 00:07:47,680 --> 00:07:50,800 to day challenges and also just taking it day by day. 130 00:07:50,800 --> 00:07:55,080 So with the day to day challenges, also taking it day by day and looking at the scope of 131 00:07:55,080 --> 00:08:00,040 what we're able to handle and what we can't handle and also advocating for ourselves throughout 132 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:01,240 that process too. 133 00:08:01,240 --> 00:08:05,560 So that's another thing that I love to, you know, mention to educators is also advocating 134 00:08:05,560 --> 00:08:10,040 for yourself, especially when things get really, really overwhelming because you have to pay 135 00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:14,160 attention to how you're doing and all those aspects, but then also, you know, mixing in 136 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:15,160 the why piece. 137 00:08:15,160 --> 00:08:16,160 Yeah, absolutely. 138 00:08:16,160 --> 00:08:19,840 You said a couple of things that really resonated with me like first that, yeah, absolutely. 139 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:22,040 We have the weight of the world on our shoulders. 140 00:08:22,040 --> 00:08:27,280 Most of the time as before and after school educators, you get the best and the worst 141 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:28,620 of the children's day. 142 00:08:28,620 --> 00:08:32,320 So whether that's the start of the day, whether they had a crappy night or whether they have 143 00:08:32,320 --> 00:08:37,840 a really bad day at school, I always say to look at it like it's a fresh start when they 144 00:08:37,840 --> 00:08:42,120 come to before and after school program and I think educators can also take that. 145 00:08:42,120 --> 00:08:45,320 Just because the morning was a little rough and before school doesn't mean the after school 146 00:08:45,320 --> 00:08:46,520 is going to be rough. 147 00:08:46,520 --> 00:08:51,440 Wash it away, wash yourself off of it and then come in ready to just to give it all 148 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:53,320 again in the afternoon. 149 00:08:53,320 --> 00:08:58,920 But advocating for yourself and the supports you need definitely, definitely is an important 150 00:08:58,920 --> 00:08:59,920 factor. 151 00:08:59,920 --> 00:09:00,920 Yes, yes. 152 00:09:00,920 --> 00:09:04,880 And I think a lot of what I'm seeing online that I'm loving these days is just bringing 153 00:09:04,880 --> 00:09:07,720 the human side back to what we do. 154 00:09:07,720 --> 00:09:08,720 We're not robots. 155 00:09:08,720 --> 00:09:12,000 Yes, we're superheroes, but we're not robots. 156 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:15,540 And just leaning into the fact that there will be challenges that will overwhelm us 157 00:09:15,540 --> 00:09:19,480 and there will be stress and there will be burnout and taking care of ourselves or reminding 158 00:09:19,480 --> 00:09:25,480 ourselves that we're human first before anything else is really, really key in this work and 159 00:09:25,480 --> 00:09:27,880 connecting with our why goes right along with it. 160 00:09:27,880 --> 00:09:28,880 Yeah, absolutely. 161 00:09:28,880 --> 00:09:32,480 And I like how you said we're not robots because we feel we feel a lot of the things too. 162 00:09:32,480 --> 00:09:36,940 Like some of the challenges that we face in every day is really how you feel about situations 163 00:09:36,940 --> 00:09:41,360 that are happening with the children or what they're coming and telling you or how like 164 00:09:41,360 --> 00:09:45,200 like I said, how their day is if they're if they're just not getting the whole school 165 00:09:45,200 --> 00:09:47,940 vibe and then they come here, that's just it's overwhelming. 166 00:09:47,940 --> 00:09:52,280 And then also just having to follow these rules all day and then they come to after 167 00:09:52,280 --> 00:09:53,280 school. 168 00:09:53,280 --> 00:09:54,960 It's like, oh my gosh, I'm just so overwhelmed. 169 00:09:54,960 --> 00:09:58,380 And you feel that like educators take that on to their whole heart. 170 00:09:58,380 --> 00:09:59,720 So you're absolutely right. 171 00:09:59,720 --> 00:10:02,760 Yes, and giving us an opportunity to press pause. 172 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:06,760 I think that's something we feel like we can't and I can understand why a lot of us feel 173 00:10:06,760 --> 00:10:07,760 like we can't. 174 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:10,760 But we do have the power to press pause and whatever that looks like for you, whether 175 00:10:10,760 --> 00:10:14,760 that's taking your sick days, taking your vacation, taking whatever it is for you to 176 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:16,680 take time away to restart. 177 00:10:16,680 --> 00:10:17,680 And that's OK. 178 00:10:17,680 --> 00:10:18,680 Yes. 179 00:10:18,680 --> 00:10:22,160 And I love that you said that too, because a lot of people feel they can't take those 180 00:10:22,160 --> 00:10:25,840 sick days or that they shouldn't take a mental health day or they shouldn't shouldn't could 181 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:26,880 it wouldn't. 182 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:28,280 But it's OK to do that. 183 00:10:28,280 --> 00:10:30,600 And I'm happy that you're reiterating that. 184 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:31,600 Yes, absolutely. 185 00:10:31,600 --> 00:10:32,600 Absolutely. 186 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:38,600 And then for those educators, how can they shift their perspective to focus on the joy 187 00:10:38,600 --> 00:10:43,240 in these times of their work rather than the stress? 188 00:10:43,240 --> 00:10:50,160 So that one's a tricky one, because I don't want educators to feel like they have to ignore 189 00:10:50,160 --> 00:10:52,160 the stress because it's there. 190 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:57,040 And in order to feel like ourselves, we have to address the stress and all that stuff. 191 00:10:57,040 --> 00:11:00,760 But I think shifting perspective is a great way to align that question. 192 00:11:00,760 --> 00:11:06,480 I think a lot of it has to be with taking our outlook on what we do in a out of a macro 193 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:08,520 look into a micro look. 194 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:13,820 So looking at the simple joys of our roles and going back into looking at that. 195 00:11:13,820 --> 00:11:16,680 So I spent a lot of time in the toddler room. 196 00:11:16,680 --> 00:11:21,160 We know that going through the process of potty training can be tough. 197 00:11:21,160 --> 00:11:23,680 One day they got it, next day they don't got it. 198 00:11:23,680 --> 00:11:24,680 You know what I mean? 199 00:11:24,680 --> 00:11:28,120 And then there's a moment where they do have it and you are cheering with them, they're 200 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:31,520 cheering with you and the parents are happy in all those aspects. 201 00:11:31,520 --> 00:11:36,880 Just going back into those smaller joys of our job, of our role and our profession is 202 00:11:36,880 --> 00:11:40,960 what's really, really important to shift the focus away from the stress. 203 00:11:40,960 --> 00:11:44,640 Because the stress is always going to be there and I think we should definitely address it 204 00:11:44,640 --> 00:11:46,380 and do what we have to do. 205 00:11:46,380 --> 00:11:50,880 But we have to go back into looking at those simple joys to make everything more enjoyable, 206 00:11:50,880 --> 00:11:53,040 but then also bring back purpose to what we do. 207 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:54,040 Yeah, absolutely. 208 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:57,280 And those small joys, I mean, it keeps me going for sure. 209 00:11:57,280 --> 00:12:04,880 Any of the listeners, no, if you've listened a lot, that I run a supervisor, sorry. 210 00:12:04,880 --> 00:12:11,520 I run a preschool during my full-time job and I share my office is actually in the before 211 00:12:11,520 --> 00:12:12,840 and after school room. 212 00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:17,640 But one of the children here has a really hard time at school and what they and their 213 00:12:17,640 --> 00:12:23,120 educator, their teacher worked out is they get stickers or 10 frames of check marks if 214 00:12:23,120 --> 00:12:26,200 they make better choices throughout the day than the alternative. 215 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:29,940 And the last two days, this child has come running down the hall to tell me that they 216 00:12:29,940 --> 00:12:32,600 got two full 10 frames and it's the best they've ever done. 217 00:12:32,600 --> 00:12:35,800 And it's those things that make me want to keep doing what I do. 218 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:36,800 Yes, yes. 219 00:12:36,800 --> 00:12:38,720 And just honing in on those moments. 220 00:12:38,720 --> 00:12:41,600 Honing in on those moments is what's really going to keep us going. 221 00:12:41,600 --> 00:12:44,720 And like I said, I think a lot of us get down the rabbit hole where we're looking at the 222 00:12:44,720 --> 00:12:49,880 long laundry list of things that we have to accomplish on a daily basis, all of the needs 223 00:12:49,880 --> 00:12:50,880 of everybody. 224 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:53,200 And we really lose sight of those simple joys. 225 00:12:53,200 --> 00:12:54,960 You're absolutely right. 226 00:12:54,960 --> 00:13:00,520 And in educators that are losing sight of those simple joys or worse, like facing that 227 00:13:00,520 --> 00:13:04,280 burnout, what strategies do you think can help our listeners build the resilience in 228 00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:05,560 the face of burnout? 229 00:13:05,560 --> 00:13:10,280 I think, okay, so I'm going to take a very different approach to this question. 230 00:13:10,280 --> 00:13:12,960 And I have a very controversial look at it. 231 00:13:12,960 --> 00:13:18,060 And I don't think that educators should build resilience when it comes to burnout. 232 00:13:18,060 --> 00:13:20,440 They need to deal with the burnout. 233 00:13:20,440 --> 00:13:26,400 And the only way to really move to an area to feel like themselves again is addressing 234 00:13:26,400 --> 00:13:27,400 the burnout. 235 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:32,400 And I think a lot of us, and including myself, think that we need to perform in early education. 236 00:13:32,400 --> 00:13:35,960 And that also includes ignoring what we're feeling, which includes burnout. 237 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:39,920 And what happens is you keep burning out, burning out, burning out, and it comes to 238 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:42,400 a point where you can't recover from it. 239 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:47,040 So I think an outlook that educators should really look at is how do you address the burnout 240 00:13:47,040 --> 00:13:50,160 so you don't have to build resilience against it? 241 00:13:50,160 --> 00:13:53,400 Because some of the things that I give in my workshop that I do in terms of burnout 242 00:13:53,400 --> 00:13:55,600 is I look at burnout in three stages. 243 00:13:55,600 --> 00:14:00,880 There's the prevention, and then there's the understanding, prevention, and recovery. 244 00:14:00,880 --> 00:14:05,880 A lot of the times when we have conversations about burnout is usually about the recovery, 245 00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:06,880 right? 246 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:10,640 But we need to start having conversations around the understanding piece, which is understanding 247 00:14:10,640 --> 00:14:15,080 what's happening in our body, which a lot of us don't realize that we're burning out 248 00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:17,120 half the time when we're burning out, right? 249 00:14:17,120 --> 00:14:21,920 So the understanding of what burnout is, and then also the prevention, how can we can prevent 250 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:24,240 ourselves from burning out is really, really key. 251 00:14:24,240 --> 00:14:27,960 And then we'll have less conversations on the recovery piece, which connects with your 252 00:14:27,960 --> 00:14:32,840 question in terms of having to build a sense of resilience around burnout or in the face 253 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:33,840 of burnout. 254 00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:36,040 We just need to address the burnout as it is. 255 00:14:36,040 --> 00:14:37,040 Absolutely. 256 00:14:37,040 --> 00:14:40,480 And it's not just because we're addressing it doesn't mean it's normalized. 257 00:14:40,480 --> 00:14:43,340 It doesn't mean people should be getting to the point of feeling that burnout. 258 00:14:43,340 --> 00:14:47,960 It means that we should be working on strategies on how to take care of ourselves so we avoid 259 00:14:47,960 --> 00:14:52,520 the burnout, but also so that we can build each other up in that sense of supporting 260 00:14:52,520 --> 00:14:57,320 each other as a community rather than letting each other get to that point or feel like 261 00:14:57,320 --> 00:14:59,320 it's a norm to burnout. 262 00:14:59,320 --> 00:15:00,480 Right, right. 263 00:15:00,480 --> 00:15:05,360 And one thing that normally pops up with educators when I talk about challenging burnout and 264 00:15:05,360 --> 00:15:09,800 going through the process is there's a weird feeling of guilt that we have when it comes 265 00:15:09,800 --> 00:15:14,120 to taking care of ourselves and addressing things when it comes to burnout. 266 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:18,200 And I always use the example that we always hear online is when you're on the plane and 267 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,600 they're doing their little flight attendant thing and they're telling you when that mask 268 00:15:21,600 --> 00:15:23,840 comes down, what's the first thing they tell you to do? 269 00:15:23,840 --> 00:15:25,600 They tell you to put your mask on first. 270 00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:28,960 So if you want to continue to do the great things that you're doing in this industry 271 00:15:28,960 --> 00:15:31,080 through your work, you have to take care of yourself. 272 00:15:31,080 --> 00:15:35,440 So that's for the individuals that listen to every time when I say, let's address burnout, 273 00:15:35,440 --> 00:15:37,040 let's do some self care and all that stuff. 274 00:15:37,040 --> 00:15:38,400 And they're like, oh, I feel guilty. 275 00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:39,520 I can't do it. 276 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:40,520 That's the outlook I have them. 277 00:15:40,520 --> 00:15:42,160 Like you want to continue to do the great work. 278 00:15:42,160 --> 00:15:43,440 We have to address the burnout. 279 00:15:43,440 --> 00:15:45,600 Oh, you're you're 100% right. 280 00:15:45,600 --> 00:15:48,120 And I love that you added that because it's true. 281 00:15:48,120 --> 00:15:49,520 You can't pour from an empty cup. 282 00:15:49,520 --> 00:15:54,040 So you can't you can't expect that you're giving the children the best that they deserve 283 00:15:54,040 --> 00:15:58,160 or or being an inspiring educator if you're feeling burnt out all the time and not taking 284 00:15:58,160 --> 00:15:59,160 care of yourself. 285 00:15:59,160 --> 00:16:00,160 Yes, yes. 286 00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:01,160 Yes. 287 00:16:01,160 --> 00:16:05,200 And I actually shared this at the summit the other day about a perspective I had on TikTok 288 00:16:05,200 --> 00:16:06,200 Academy. 289 00:16:06,200 --> 00:16:07,760 You know, TikTok is now a university, right? 290 00:16:07,760 --> 00:16:09,240 Because we all learn from TikTok. 291 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:13,080 There was something that somebody said the other day and I thought it was so brilliant. 292 00:16:13,080 --> 00:16:15,360 And when because you mentioned something about filling your cup. 293 00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:19,360 A lot of the times when we think about, you know, the process of like self care and getting 294 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:22,400 better, we think about filling our cup so that we can pour into others. 295 00:16:22,400 --> 00:16:27,120 But I think an outlook that early educators need to step into is that what's in your cup 296 00:16:27,120 --> 00:16:28,840 that you're filling is actually for you. 297 00:16:28,840 --> 00:16:32,400 The overflow that's coming outside of your cup when you've done all of that work and 298 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:34,040 you have extra to give. 299 00:16:34,040 --> 00:16:35,040 That's what we're giving to others. 300 00:16:35,040 --> 00:16:39,680 And I think that that can be almost a remedy to help us challenge burnout is looking at 301 00:16:39,680 --> 00:16:43,800 it in that mindset that we're always focused on having a full cup, but that full cup is 302 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:44,800 for ourselves. 303 00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:47,120 And I think that that's something I really wanted to share because I know that that's 304 00:16:47,120 --> 00:16:48,800 definitely a conversation I've seen before. 305 00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:50,520 Yeah, that's like a mouth dropping moment. 306 00:16:50,520 --> 00:16:53,680 I know people can't see it because I'm like, but you're so right. 307 00:16:53,680 --> 00:16:56,320 Like it's a podcast, Jamie. 308 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:58,120 People can't see you. 309 00:16:58,120 --> 00:16:59,520 Anyway, but it's true. 310 00:16:59,520 --> 00:17:00,520 That's absolutely right. 311 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:02,240 Like the cup that is filled is for you. 312 00:17:02,240 --> 00:17:05,200 You're not filling your cup to just pour it out every day again. 313 00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:06,960 It's the fillings to stay fulfilled. 314 00:17:06,960 --> 00:17:10,800 And then that overflow that you get from it, that's amazing. 315 00:17:10,800 --> 00:17:17,200 Now, Anisha, I know you as an amazing mentor and professional support, but what role does 316 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:23,580 mentorship or professional support, in your opinion, play in staying inspired? 317 00:17:23,580 --> 00:17:29,200 So I have another interesting outlook on mentorship in early education. 318 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:37,160 I always challenge educators to take on mentorship under the lens of wanting to continue to create 319 00:17:37,160 --> 00:17:41,560 a legacy in early education, because the work that we do every day, whether it's with the 320 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:45,440 children, whether it's with the families, whether it's with the whole industry, we're 321 00:17:45,440 --> 00:17:48,800 creating a legacy when we connect with people. 322 00:17:48,800 --> 00:17:52,400 And I think, and I actually made a video about this the other day where I basically said, 323 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:57,440 if we care about this industry as much as we do, we have to care about the industry 324 00:17:57,440 --> 00:17:58,640 after we leave. 325 00:17:58,640 --> 00:18:02,600 So after we retire, after we move from one centre to another, we have to care about what 326 00:18:02,600 --> 00:18:03,600 it looks like after that. 327 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:05,360 And that's where mentorship comes in. 328 00:18:05,360 --> 00:18:10,240 By mentoring a new ECE, by mentoring somebody coming into the field that needs to be shown 329 00:18:10,240 --> 00:18:13,920 the ropes, that's a part of you leaving a long lasting legacy. 330 00:18:13,920 --> 00:18:17,320 I do a workshop about leaving a legacy in early education. 331 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:22,920 And I usually have the crowd talk about, you know, somebody in their life that has left 332 00:18:22,920 --> 00:18:23,920 a legacy. 333 00:18:23,920 --> 00:18:27,400 And usually nine out of 10 times, the person that they're talking about is right beside 334 00:18:27,400 --> 00:18:28,400 them. 335 00:18:28,400 --> 00:18:32,760 And those fears just flow from the person beside them because they never knew that that 336 00:18:32,760 --> 00:18:35,160 person impacted them in that way. 337 00:18:35,160 --> 00:18:40,000 And I think if we create those moments where people can say such amazing things about us, 338 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:41,000 that's powerful. 339 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:44,900 And I think that that's what really brings in the inspiration again for what we do. 340 00:18:44,900 --> 00:18:49,920 So taking a look at mentorship under the lens of it playing a part in you leaving a legacy 341 00:18:49,920 --> 00:18:53,000 in this field, that's what will make you inspired, I think. 342 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:54,000 Oh, yeah. 343 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:59,440 Like, even as you spoke that whole spew, it's beautiful and I don't want not to say that 344 00:18:59,440 --> 00:19:00,440 it's a spew. 345 00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:01,440 No, no, no. 346 00:19:01,440 --> 00:19:02,440 Your words, it is. 347 00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:07,720 It's like, so what we do for early childhood education is that we build the foundation 348 00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:10,400 for children to go on and do these amazing things. 349 00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:15,440 And without people to build that foundation, there will be not more amazing things that 350 00:19:15,440 --> 00:19:16,440 come from it. 351 00:19:16,440 --> 00:19:20,800 So if we're just leaving this field behind and saying, you know what, I'm done with it, 352 00:19:20,800 --> 00:19:22,560 I can't do this anymore, whatever. 353 00:19:22,560 --> 00:19:23,880 It doesn't matter who they train. 354 00:19:23,880 --> 00:19:27,840 They're not going to be as good as the people that were before us and yada, yada, yada. 355 00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:29,240 It's never going to build that legacy. 356 00:19:29,240 --> 00:19:30,240 So you're right. 357 00:19:30,240 --> 00:19:35,880 We have to care about the profession itself and about what we actually do from the profession. 358 00:19:35,880 --> 00:19:36,880 That's it. 359 00:19:36,880 --> 00:19:37,880 That's it. 360 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:41,840 If we truly love this industry, which I know everybody listening to your podcast loves 361 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:46,400 this industry and they're in it to win it, that's a part of our story too, is mentorship 362 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:50,720 and being sure that this industry is taken care of after we it's all said and done and 363 00:19:50,720 --> 00:19:51,720 we're done here. 364 00:19:51,720 --> 00:19:52,720 Yeah, absolutely. 365 00:19:52,720 --> 00:19:55,920 And I think in a grander scheme of things, this is why I started the Forgotten ECE podcast 366 00:19:55,920 --> 00:20:01,480 because I see what's happening to before and after school education, especially with SeaWalk 367 00:20:01,480 --> 00:20:04,200 and everything coming in, and that it's slowly dying. 368 00:20:04,200 --> 00:20:07,880 And my hope is that people will listen to this and be like, oh yeah, I love school age. 369 00:20:07,880 --> 00:20:10,920 I should go back and do this and then not be seen as that stepping stone. 370 00:20:10,920 --> 00:20:16,720 But no, I think your words speak wonders to that where there's a reason for each age group 371 00:20:16,720 --> 00:20:20,760 and there's a reason that early childhood education exists and we have to carry that 372 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:23,520 reason on with us and pass it down. 373 00:20:23,520 --> 00:20:24,520 Beautifully put, yeah. 374 00:20:24,520 --> 00:20:29,520 I'm getting all the feels over here. 375 00:20:29,520 --> 00:20:39,040 So how can educators create space for play, creativity and fun for themselves, not just 376 00:20:39,040 --> 00:20:44,120 their students in order to rediscover this joy, to find this spark that they can not 377 00:20:44,120 --> 00:20:48,400 only leave for other people, but so that they themselves stay in the field. 378 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:54,560 Well, I love this question because it allows space to have those things for us. 379 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:58,320 Because a lot of the times when we think of the words playing, creativity, we're thinking 380 00:20:58,320 --> 00:20:59,320 about the children. 381 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:05,200 But I think for us to be our best authentic selves and show up like what's the lady from 382 00:21:05,200 --> 00:21:10,320 Magic School Bus, Miss Frizzle, put on Miss Frizzle on with lots of magic and inspiration, 383 00:21:10,320 --> 00:21:13,100 we have to be sure that we're doing that for ourselves as well. 384 00:21:13,100 --> 00:21:18,380 So I think a lot of the things that can be done is, for instance, finding out what makes 385 00:21:18,380 --> 00:21:19,960 you the most creative. 386 00:21:19,960 --> 00:21:24,520 What are things that you can do in your personal life and your professional life that brings 387 00:21:24,520 --> 00:21:26,080 out the creative side of you? 388 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:30,080 I think going back to the conversation about burnout, a lot of us are not feeling that 389 00:21:30,080 --> 00:21:34,220 spark anymore of playing creativity for the children because we're not addressing what's 390 00:21:34,220 --> 00:21:35,240 happening in ourselves. 391 00:21:35,240 --> 00:21:39,600 So another thing is addressing any issues and burnout in those aspects as well. 392 00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:45,120 But I think coming back to thinking of what sparks your joy, not just professionally, 393 00:21:45,120 --> 00:21:50,320 but personally is a part of that too, because when we feel fulfilled and we're happy and 394 00:21:50,320 --> 00:21:54,720 we're joyous, that's when those program plans don't become hard anymore. 395 00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:59,200 All the ideas start flowing, but you have to create space for yourself to have that. 396 00:21:59,200 --> 00:22:01,040 So I think that that's some of the things. 397 00:22:01,040 --> 00:22:02,520 Oh, yes, absolutely. 398 00:22:02,520 --> 00:22:08,300 And then when all that starts and you create space for it, it refuels your interest as 399 00:22:08,300 --> 00:22:09,340 well as a kid's interest. 400 00:22:09,340 --> 00:22:10,740 And that's how you get excited. 401 00:22:10,740 --> 00:22:14,160 And then it's easy to play and create, and you're absolutely right. 402 00:22:14,160 --> 00:22:15,360 Exactly, exactly. 403 00:22:15,360 --> 00:22:16,480 And children feed off of that. 404 00:22:16,480 --> 00:22:21,200 I think we also have to realize that as much as we want to turn on robot mode and cruise 405 00:22:21,200 --> 00:22:26,980 control and not address taking care of ourselves and our growth and burnout, we feel like we're 406 00:22:26,980 --> 00:22:29,000 just making it work with the children. 407 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,680 Do feel when you're not yourself. 408 00:22:31,680 --> 00:22:36,400 And they see and they're attracted to people that are in their creative zone and stuff 409 00:22:36,400 --> 00:22:37,400 like that. 410 00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:40,680 So if you're thinking you're doing a justice by ignoring it and not making a space for 411 00:22:40,680 --> 00:22:41,680 yourself, you're actually not. 412 00:22:41,680 --> 00:22:43,720 So might as well just do the work. 413 00:22:43,720 --> 00:22:44,720 Absolutely. 414 00:22:44,720 --> 00:22:46,760 Bring that authenticity to your programs. 415 00:22:46,760 --> 00:22:48,400 You're there because you're you. 416 00:22:48,400 --> 00:22:50,240 Yes, absolutely. 417 00:22:50,240 --> 00:22:52,840 Now I have a deep question to ask you. 418 00:22:52,840 --> 00:22:53,840 Sure. 419 00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:58,440 To end us off on an inspirational note. 420 00:22:58,440 --> 00:23:02,280 If you could go back and talk to yourself when you first started, what would you say 421 00:23:02,280 --> 00:23:04,520 to keep yourself inspired? 422 00:23:04,520 --> 00:23:06,000 I do this a lot. 423 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:07,000 It's funny. 424 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:11,260 If you follow me on my social media, I post a lot of pictures of myself as a kid because 425 00:23:11,260 --> 00:23:14,160 I have a lot of conversations with my younger self. 426 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:18,840 And I think when I first started in this field, what I would have said to myself is know the 427 00:23:18,840 --> 00:23:23,400 power of me and that I am different. 428 00:23:23,400 --> 00:23:24,680 My mind is different. 429 00:23:24,680 --> 00:23:25,680 What I say is different. 430 00:23:25,680 --> 00:23:26,680 My experience is different. 431 00:23:26,680 --> 00:23:30,120 And that's what makes me unique because I found a big part of my journey and where I 432 00:23:30,120 --> 00:23:35,560 lost my joy and my spark is thinking that I have to fit the mold on what the regular, 433 00:23:35,560 --> 00:23:41,680 you know, what the most professional ECE is doing, the most creative ECE is doing and 434 00:23:41,680 --> 00:23:45,940 finding myself lost and trying to make myself into that person. 435 00:23:45,940 --> 00:23:50,800 So I think one of the things I would have said to myself is there's power in you and 436 00:23:50,800 --> 00:23:55,600 what you have to offer and just rock in that power because children will be happy with 437 00:23:55,600 --> 00:23:56,600 that. 438 00:23:56,600 --> 00:23:57,600 Parents will be happy with that. 439 00:23:57,600 --> 00:24:01,400 And it's just so much easier being yourself than trying to pretend to be something that 440 00:24:01,400 --> 00:24:02,400 you're not. 441 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:04,320 So that would be something that I would say to myself. 442 00:24:04,320 --> 00:24:05,680 Absolutely. 443 00:24:05,680 --> 00:24:06,920 And you're absolutely right. 444 00:24:06,920 --> 00:24:10,500 Like it's so much harder to try and spend your days being something that you're not 445 00:24:10,500 --> 00:24:12,480 when like you're already fabulous. 446 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:15,440 Anyone listening to this is already fabulous because you're doing the work it takes to 447 00:24:15,440 --> 00:24:17,080 be an ECE and that you care. 448 00:24:17,080 --> 00:24:18,520 You care so much. 449 00:24:18,520 --> 00:24:19,520 Exactly. 450 00:24:19,520 --> 00:24:20,520 Exactly. 451 00:24:20,520 --> 00:24:21,640 And there's power in that. 452 00:24:21,640 --> 00:24:23,480 There's power in the uniqueness. 453 00:24:23,480 --> 00:24:29,560 I think that's what makes our field so dynamic is that there's just so many different types 454 00:24:29,560 --> 00:24:37,640 of ECEs out there, all with different experiences and backgrounds and ideas of things that bring 455 00:24:37,640 --> 00:24:39,000 us all together in this industry. 456 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:43,080 And that's why this industry is so thriving because we all come together with this uniqueness. 457 00:24:43,080 --> 00:24:46,280 So it's never a pressure to have to fit the mold. 458 00:24:46,280 --> 00:24:48,600 It's the individuality is what we need. 459 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:49,600 Absolutely. 460 00:24:49,600 --> 00:24:52,360 Oh, it's been so great talking to you. 461 00:24:52,360 --> 00:24:56,800 And I'm sure, I mean, if they're not already following you, which they should be, but if 462 00:24:56,800 --> 00:25:01,520 the listeners of the Forgotten ECE are not following you, where can they find you? 463 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:04,280 Oh, well, they can find me almost everywhere. 464 00:25:04,280 --> 00:25:05,760 I have to say it's very tiring. 465 00:25:05,760 --> 00:25:07,440 You can find me on TikTok. 466 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:10,520 So if you're on the TikTok, you can follow me on Anesha. 467 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:12,680 I think it's anesha.co. 468 00:25:12,680 --> 00:25:17,080 And then on Instagram, Anesha Angela, if you put that in, you'll be able to get me as well 469 00:25:17,080 --> 00:25:19,040 as I have a community called the ECC. 470 00:25:19,040 --> 00:25:23,840 So you can find the community on Instagram as well, as well as Facebook. 471 00:25:23,840 --> 00:25:24,840 Amazing. 472 00:25:24,840 --> 00:25:29,520 And if you and I'm shamelessly putting a plug in because your summit was amazing, and I 473 00:25:29,520 --> 00:25:32,040 think there's still time to get in on it. 474 00:25:32,040 --> 00:25:35,680 If you want to purchase, how long do people have? 475 00:25:35,680 --> 00:25:37,280 Oh, yes, I'm keeping it open. 476 00:25:37,280 --> 00:25:41,320 So it's up for purchase up until I think we said until end of summer. 477 00:25:41,320 --> 00:25:42,320 Oh my God. 478 00:25:42,320 --> 00:25:43,320 Do it. 479 00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:44,320 Go right now if you're listening. 480 00:25:44,320 --> 00:25:47,320 And if you're listening to this before summer, go ahead. 481 00:25:47,320 --> 00:25:49,080 Because it is, it's phenomenal. 482 00:25:49,080 --> 00:25:53,840 The one that sticks out the most was when all the amazing entrepreneurs of ECE were 483 00:25:53,840 --> 00:25:57,560 coming and like the conversations were so authentic and amazing. 484 00:25:57,560 --> 00:25:59,480 It's just the whole the whole summit was phenomenal. 485 00:25:59,480 --> 00:26:00,480 Oh, awesome. 486 00:26:00,480 --> 00:26:01,480 Yeah, definitely grab it. 487 00:26:01,480 --> 00:26:03,480 It'll be there for you guys. 488 00:26:03,480 --> 00:26:05,600 Thank you so much, Anesha. 489 00:26:05,600 --> 00:26:06,880 This really means a lot to me. 490 00:26:06,880 --> 00:26:10,400 And as someone who's followed you for a long time, like it's an honor to have you on the 491 00:26:10,400 --> 00:26:11,400 Forgotten ECE. 492 00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:12,400 Oh, thank you so much. 493 00:26:12,400 --> 00:26:16,800 And keep doing the amazing work you're doing, Jamie, because the Forgotten ECE, it's such 494 00:26:16,800 --> 00:26:21,400 a powerful name and a lot of ECEs, like you said, feel forgotten. 495 00:26:21,400 --> 00:26:24,880 So keep being the shining light for all of them. 496 00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:25,880 Thank you. 497 00:26:25,880 --> 00:26:26,880 All right, everyone. 498 00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:29,360 Thanks so much for listening to the Forgotten ECE. 499 00:26:29,360 --> 00:26:37,520 I'm your host, Jamie Weigler, and I'll see you next time. 500 00:26:37,520 --> 00:26:38,520 Thank you. 501 00:26:38,520 --> 00:26:40,040 Amazing listeners for your support. 502 00:26:40,040 --> 00:26:44,280 Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at miss Jamie underscore R E C E. 503 00:26:44,280 --> 00:26:46,640 Give a star rating and leave a review. 504 00:26:46,640 --> 00:26:50,560 Have something you want to hear about in relation to before and after school programs or full 505 00:26:50,560 --> 00:26:51,560 day summer camp. 506 00:26:51,560 --> 00:26:52,960 DM me or comment. 507 00:26:52,960 --> 00:27:20,960 Again, thank you so much and happy learning.