Dear Child Care Worker: You Are Enough

5 More Reasons Why I Still Love Working in Early Childhood Education

Dear Early Childhood Educator,

You may be tired.

You may feel invisible.

You may even wonder if the work you do matters.

Let me remind you today: You are enough.

Your voice, your presence, your heart—all of it matters in this beautiful, complex field we call early childhood education. Over the years, I’ve walked through long days filled with tiny shoes, tears, laughter, and unexpected lessons. And while this profession is not always easy, it continues to call me back. Why?

Here are five more reasons why I still love working in early childhood education—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll see your story in mine.

1. The Little Wins Still Make a Big Difference

In early childhood education, success doesn’t always look like a perfect circle time or a spotless classroom. Sometimes, it's a child who finally separates from their parent without tears after weeks of trying. I remember one little boy who used to cry every morning at drop-off. For nearly a month, he clung to his mom, and our hearts broke each time. One day, he let go, walked in, and said, “I’m brave today.” I cried happy tears in the hallway.

Those are the moments that remind me—we’re doing something right. The little wins are actually the big ones.

2. We Build Confidence One Child at a Time

As early childhood educators, we don’t just teach children their ABCs. We help them build identity, confidence, and courage.

There was a girl in my class who would hide behind the cubbies during group activities. She rarely spoke. But one afternoon during dramatic play, she put on a crown and declared, “I’m the queen!” From that day forward, she started speaking up more, even volunteering to lead the morning song.

That’s the power of this work—we gently pull greatness out of children who don’t even know it’s there yet.

3. The Impact Is Generational

I once ran into a former student’s parent at a grocery store. Her child—who I taught at age four—was now in middle school. She said, “You were his favorite teacher. He still talks about how you let him lead story time.” It had been nearly a decade.

Early childhood education leaves fingerprints on a child’s future. And when we nurture a child, we uplift an entire family. It’s an honor we should never take lightly.

4. Even the Hard Days Teach Us Something

There was a day when nothing seemed to go right. A substitute called out. A parent was upset. A toddler bit another child right before snack time. I was exhausted.

But later that same day, another teacher popped into my classroom and said, “Thank you for always showing up with grace. I know today was rough.” Her words reminded me that even on the hard days, our example is shaping not just children—but our colleagues too.

We grow stronger because of the challenges. That’s the beauty of being an educator. The work stretches us—but it also strengthens us.

5. We’re Part of a Greater Purpose

This work is sacred. We’re not just “babysitters.” We are early childhood professionals. We are brain architects. We are soul nurturers. Every story we read, every tear we wipe, every hand we hold—it's part of something bigger than us.

There’s a reason I still have old drawings tucked into my desk drawer. Or why I still remember the first child who called me “my teacher” with pride.

Because at the end of the day, it’s more than a paycheck. It’s purpose. And purpose is what keeps me going.

So, dear early childhood educator, if no one’s told you lately:

You are appreciated. You are seen. You are enough.

Keep showing up. Keep planting seeds. You may not see the harvest yet, but you are making a difference every single day.

Need a Boost? Let’s Grow Together.

If this letter spoke to your heart, maybe it’s time to invest in you again. At Elite Educational Enterprises, we offer trainings designed to uplift, support, and equip early childhood educators like you.

🟢 Whether you need inspiration, leadership skills, classroom strategies—or just a reminder of your power—we’ve got you covered.

Join our upcoming workshop: “The Power of Place & Practice: Classroom Management & Environment Training”

Learn strategies to reduce burnout, guide behavior with confidence, and build a peaceful, purposeful classroom.

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With love and solidarity,

A Fellow Educator Who Still Believes

About the Author:

Sheika Petteway, as CEO of Elite Educational Enterprises, delivers impactful educational and leadership training tailored to individuals and organizations, helping to build capacity and inspire growth across sectors.

P.S. If you’re ready to fall in love with this field again, join us for a training that feeds your purpose and fuels your success.

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