Dear Colleagues,

Nothing is more challenging in life than being a parent. And nothing is more important to a parent than his or her children - which is as it should be. While teachers sometimes lament that they wish parents would be "objective," I often warn that one of the worst situations a child can be in is to have an objective parent. Every child has the right to at least one person who is crazy-in-love with him or her, and there is no objectivity in that kind of love. That kind of love is what keeps a child feeling safe and secure and able to manage the big world outside the home, to take calculated risks with new learning and new relationships.

A teacher's job is complex and involves understanding the whole child. Learning about and demonstrating a deep respect for a child's family is an essential part of the work. You need to have a broad understanding of how very different families can be, and how you can provide support to each family. I trust that this newsletter will generate some great thinking about your work with children and their families!

All the best for a great year!

Sherry M. Cleary,
Executive Director