Keep Showing Up: Resilience in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education has always required heart, patience, and perseverance. Educators show up every day to nurture, teach, and protect young children—often while navigating long hours, limited resources, and increasing expectations.

Right now, many early childhood educators and child care programs are facing additional stress due to recent freezes and delays in child care funding, creating uncertainty across the field. In seasons like this, encouragement matters more than ever.

This is your reminder:

Showing up still matters.

What’s Happening With Child Care Funding

In recent months, federal and state agencies have temporarily paused or delayed the release of certain child care funds while conducting administrative and compliance reviews. These actions have affected programs connected to child care assistance and subsidy systems that many families and providers rely on (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NAEYC).

Funding delays can be especially challenging because many child care programs operate on tight margins and depend on consistent payments to remain stable. Even short-term disruptions may impact:

• Payroll and staffing stability

• Program operations and classroom supplies

• Families who rely on subsidies to afford care

• Continuity of care for young children

Research and national advocacy organizations have long highlighted that child care systems are particularly vulnerable to funding interruptions due to already limited financial flexibility (Child Care Aware of America).

The Emotional Weight Educators Carry

Beyond the financial implications, the emotional toll on educators is real.

Early childhood professionals continue to show up for children and families—offering reassurance, structure, and consistency—while often carrying uncertainty behind the scenes. This invisible labor is one of the most overlooked aspects of the profession.

Resilience does not mean pretending everything is fine. It means acknowledging the challenge and continuing with purpose anyway.

Why “Keep Showing Up” Matters

The message behind the Keep Showing Up Tee from the Rise & Resilience Collection is simple, yet deeply meaningful:

Progress is built through consistency. Impact is made through presence. Strength is found in persistence.

This message reflects the reality of early childhood education. The work moves forward not because conditions are perfect, but because educators choose—again and again—to show up for children when it matters most.

Wear the Message. Live the Message.

The Keep Showing Up Tee from the Rise & Resilience Collection is a reminder of your strength, consistency, and impact. ➡️ Shop the Keep Showing Up Tee

Resilience Is Leadership

Early childhood educators are leaders in their communities.

You lead through compassion.

You lead through patience.

You lead through consistency.

During times of uncertainty, your presence becomes a stabilizing force for children and families. Studies consistently show that strong, responsive relationships are foundational to healthy child development—especially during periods of change or stress (NAEYC).

That leadership deserves recognition.

A Wearable Reminder of Strength

The Keep Showing Up Tee is more than apparel—it’s a reflection of the resilience educators live out daily. It’s a reminder on hard days that your work has meaning, even when the systems around you feel uncertain.

Wear it as encouragement to yourself and as a message to others in the field:

You are not alone, and your work matters.

Final Encouragement

This profession has always been sustained by resilient people.

If you are feeling tired, uncertain, or stretched thin—pause and remember:

Your presence matters.

Your consistency matters.

And your impact reaches far beyond what you can see today.

Keep showing up.

Not because it’s easy—but because it’s essential.

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References & Further Reading

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Program Information

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Child Care Funding, Workforce, and Program Sustainability Resources

• Child Care Aware of America. The State of Child Care in the United States

• Center for American Progress. The Ongoing Child Care Crisis and Its Impact on Providers and Families

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About The Author

Sheika Petteway is the Founder and CEO of Elite Educational Enterprises, a nationally recognized professional development and training organization serving early childhood educators, directors, and organizations. With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and workforce development, Sheika is known for her heart-centered leadership, commitment to quality, and passion for empowering educators to lead with confidence and resilience.

Under her leadership, Elite delivers high-impact, standards-aligned training and is an IACET Authorized Provider, ensuring professional development meets rigorous national standards for adult learning and continuing education. Sheika’s work is grounded in the belief that when educators are supported, children, families, and communities thrive.

Sheika continues to advocate for sustainable systems, educator well-being, and access to meaningful professional growth—especially during times of uncertainty.