😴 That Was 2025? - Top ECE Leaders’ Thoughts

Today’s Issue: 2025 Persons of the Year; EOY 2025 ECE Health Check; Reader Recommendation; ECE in the News = 1 cup of coffee.

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👷🏽‍♂️ Times Person/s of the Year: As we close out 2025, there are several things we, as a species, like to do to tie up loose ends. Holiday Celebrations, Presents, Setting New Year's Resolutions. But it’s a time to reflect on the big things (and people) that defined the year. For better or worse, we identify a few of those that changed the world. This year, Time Magazine's Person of the Year actually chose a group. The Architects of AI. Not as cool as Taylor Swift. But we’re sure AI still can’t remaster Tay Tay’s “Shake it Off.”

The details are totes interesting. You may be surprised by how powerful this movement is. Read more 👉👉👉 HERE!!

Quick Reader Poll

🎓 Policy Experts Straight to You

We had the pleasure of attending the prestigious SHIFT Childcare Leaders’ Conference in the BEAUTIFUL Colorado Springs, CO, at the end of this year. We learned so much. We gathered a ton of information from advocacy groups, private equity partners, non-profit leaders, and educators in a 3-day festival of “What’s Happening in ECE.” We want to share EVERYTHING!

So what are we going to focus on next?*

1. The 2025 state of ECE - What are the major influencers? (It’s more than you think; we also made a cool graphic, see below ⬇️).

2. Next action items - What are the most important factors to keep my operations alive and thriving? (That’ll be next week).

👇‼️ THIS TIMELINE GRAPHIC sums it up. Find out what the ECE leaders presented👇‼️👇

🤓 Reader Recommendation

Hey, we like to try new things. Every now and then, a reader sends us a note about items that helped them with their school or classroom. If they look cool, we’ll share them!

A Montessori teacher shared this wall-mounted activity set because it isn’t expensive but also helps littles stay apart and stay busy with activities.

ECE In The News

😰 Top Parent Stressor: Our families balance a LOT. Another survey from parents flat out confirms that moms and dads are still struggling with childcare and work-life balance. It’s not a small number. 68% say so. How can you help? Learn more 👉👉 HERE!

💉 Sharing Vaccine Data: Ouchie. Michigan introduced a package to enhance transparency and state authority regarding vaccination policy. The proposed bills would mandate that schools and childcare centers publicly share anonymized student vaccination and waiver rates. Is this a new trend for ECE centers? Details are in this 👉👉 ARTICLE?

The Internet is a Playground:

🗓️ On this Day in History: in 1922, in post-revolutionary Russia, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Also known as the Soviet Union, the new communist state was the successor to the Russian Empire and the first country in the world to be based on Marxist socialism. ☭

👗 She Did What?: When a vintage clothing store said it was closing, one woman bought all 4.5k items for, well, $4.5k, and launched a new side-hustle.

🐾 Aww: Dancing in my sleep.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

Is there a topic you want more info on or want to share a funny story? Then let us know! Shoot us a quick email at [email protected]. This newsletter is for you, and well, you should have a say, don't’ you think?