Childcare Providers and Mental Health

Working as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is challenging at the best of times. Teaching and caring for young children so that they can grow and develop to be the best they can be is a huge responsibility. There are also so many competing responsibilities and pressures: your own organization or business, your supervisor(s), the college of ECEs, the parents, your colleagues - all in addition to the children themselves and their ever-present needs. It can be easy for you to lose a sense of yourself in all of this. Add the new restrictions, policies and procedures required as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it can quickly become overwhelming.

Be aware of signs of stress in yourself and your colleagues

• irritability
• feelings of depression
• trouble sleeping
• absent-mindedness
• increased sick days
• constantly feeling worn-out
• loss of interest at home and at work

Find your support system

• rely on and talk to friends/family, colleagues or supervisors in stressful times
• consider enlarging your circle by joining one of the Strive Networks or Communities of Practice where you will be able to share strategies and validate your experience as well as take advantage of many quality professional learning opportunities

Rediscover your passion

• revisit why you became an Early Childhood Educator in the first place

Prioritize self-care

• self-care is not selfish
• self-care helps you be your best whatever you are doing and wherever you are

Videos

More Resources

• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation:  First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework

• Help Guide International: Quick Stress Relief

• Strive
• College of Early Childhood Educators
• Ordre des éducatrices et des éducateurs de la petite enfance