Feeling Burned Out? How Early Educators Can Find Balance Again - post

Related State Bundles

Arizona 60-Hour Preservice Training for Child Care Group Home Providers

$440

Are you opening a licensed child care group home in Arizona? Do you need training to meet the DHS licensing requirements? Do you want a cost-effective alternative to college credits or prior work experience?
Then this is the bundle you need to get started!

This Arizona 60-Hour Preservice Training for Child Care Group Home Providers is specifically designed for individuals seeking to become licensed Child Care Group Home Providers in Arizona. According to the Arizona Administrative Code, you must complete at least 60 clock hours of training in child development, health and safety, curriculum planning, and more — and this course gives you all of it in one place.

📚 Bundle Covers:

• Child growth and development
• Health, safety, and nutrition in group settings
• Social-emotional learning and behavior support
• Lesson planning and age-appropriate activities
• Family engagement strategies
• Observation, assessment, and documentation
• Child abuse prevention and reporting
  

Fulfills Arizona DHS training requirements for licensing under R9-3-302(3)(b) or R9-5-401, accepted as an alternative to credit hours or previous experience.

🧾 Complete 60 clock hours / 6.0 CEUs at your own pace. Ideal for first-time applicants!

• CDA Subject Area 1
• CDA Subject Area 2
• CDA Subject Area 3
• CDA Subject Area 4
• CDA Subject Area 7
• CDA Subject Area 8

Arizona 12 Hour Annual Training Bundle

$90

Do you have experience working with young children? Do you want to stay up to date on health, safety, and best practices in child care? Are you looking to fulfill your annual state training requirement?
Then you’re ready for the next step in your professional growth!

This Arizona 12 Hour Annual Training Bundle is designed for all Arizona child care providers, including child care center staff, group home providers, assistant teachers, and caregivers. Whether you’re renewing your license or enhancing your skills, this bundle meets the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) requirement for a minimum of 12 clock hours of annual professional development.

🎓 Bundle Includes:

• Positive guidance and discipline strategies
• Safe sleep and SIDS awareness
• Child abuse prevention and mandated reporting
• Family engagement and cultural competence

Earn 12 clock hours / 1.2 CEUs while expanding your knowledge across multiple required competency areas. This flexible, self-paced training is ideal for meeting licensing renewal requirements and maintaining compliance with R9-5-403 annual training standards.

🔐 Fully online, accessible 24/7, with certificate of completion included.

• Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Reporting
• Building a Community of Families
• Cultures in the Classroom
• Safe Sleep Training
• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Arizona 180 Hour Training Bundle: Advanced Practitioner Development

$999

Have you already completed your foundational training in child care? Are you ready to take the next step toward leadership or higher levels in Arizona’s Career Lattice? Do you need 180 clock hours of training to fulfill licensing or professional development goals?
Then this advanced bundle is the right fit for you!

The Arizona 180 Hour Training Bundle: Advanced Practitioner Development delivers 180 hours of professional development across core early childhood education domains and prepares providers to advance to Career Lattice Level C or D — even without college credits. Whether you're working in a licensed child care center or group home, this bundle fulfills the Arizona Department of Health Services requirements for training hours and supports professional growth in specialized areas.

📘 Bundle Topics:

• Advanced child development and learning theories
• STEM education for young learners
• Dual language learners and inclusive instruction
• Literacy, math, and creative arts integration
• Social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices
• Curriculum planning and documentation
• Staff communication and professionalism
• Child care leadership and program management

Earn 180 clock hours / 18 CEUs while enhancing your ability to deliver high-quality care, meet state standards, and move up the Career Lattice toward more advanced roles.

✅ Fulfills the training requirement for Levels C1–C3 or partial completion toward Level D advancement in Arizona’s Career Lattice.

• CDA Subject Area 1
• CDA Subject Area 2
• CDA Subject Area 3
• CDA Subject Area 4
• CDA Subject Area 5
• CDA Subject Area 6
• CDA Subject Area 7
• CDA Subject Area 8
• Enhancing STEM Education for Infants and Toddlers
• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
• Classroom Tools for Emergent Literacy
• Brighter Futures: Social Emotional Development
• ACEs and Resilience in Child Care
• Ways to Serve: Leadership
• 45-Hour Coaching and Mentoring
• Health & Safety Requirements for Childcare Providers
• Understanding Montessori's Approach to Child Development
• Implementing the Montessori Curriculum
• 9 Hour Communication Course
• The Montessori Assistant's Toolkit
• Food Preparation and Nutrition
• Chef's in the Classroom

Arizona 90 Hour Training Bundle: Foundations in Early Childhood Education

$700

Do you have a high school diploma and want to start your career in early childhood education? Do you need 90 hours of professional development to meet Arizona’s licensing or career lattice advancement requirements? Are you ready to grow your knowledge and confidence in working with young children?
Then you’re ready to build a strong foundation!

This Arizona 90 Hour Training Bundle: Foundations in Early Childhood Education is perfect for child care providers who are just starting their careers or seeking to move from Career Lattice Level A to B. It fulfills the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry requirement for 90 clock hours of approved professional development, and is an excellent alternative to college coursework or in-service experience.

📘 Bundle Topics:

• Introduction to child development and developmental milestones
• Health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood programs
• Creating safe, inclusive learning environments
• Developmentally appropriate practice and curriculum
• Behavior guidance and positive discipline
• Supporting social-emotional development
• Family communication and community engagement
• Observation, documentation, and reflection

Earn 90 clock hours / 9.0 CEUs through flexible, self-paced online training that prepares you to meet state standards and support young children with confidence.

📌 Fulfills licensing and professional development requirements for advancement to Level B1–B3 on Arizona's Career Lattice.

• CDA Subject Area 1
• CDA Subject Area 2
• CDA Subject Area 3
• CDA Subject Area 4
• CDA Subject Area 5
• CDA Subject Area 6
• CDA Subject Area 7
• CDA Subject Area 8
• Food Preparation and Nutrition
• Autism Awareness in Child Care
• The Super Hero in Us All

Teaching young children is a gift — full of laughter, curiosity, and tiny hands reaching for new discoveries. But it’s also demanding. Long days, emotional labor, tight schedules, and constant multitasking can wear caregivers down. That’s where self-care comes in: not as a luxury, but as essential fuel for your heart, mind, and classroom.

Let’s explore a few fun, doable ways to restore balance — and some resources to support you in the journey.

🧘 Zen and the Art of Early Childhood Education: Self-Care for Educators

You don’t have to meditate on a mountaintop to practice self-care. The article Zen and the Art of Early Childhood Education: Self-Care for the Educators reminds us that caring for ourselves is part of caring for children well.

Some ideas from that wisdom:

• Pause in the small moments. A deep breath, a quiet sip of water, a two-minute look out the window.

• Set boundaries. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes — for the sake of your own mental health.

• Reconnect with your “why.” Remember why you became an educator. Let that passion spark your resilience.

🛠️ Build Your Support Toolkit: Explore These Courses

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Here are a few professional development courses that empower educators and administrators alike — strengthening your skills while supporting your well-being:

• Creating Environments That Nurture Growth & Community — environment is more than decor; it’s the heartbeat of your classroom.

• Every Moment Matters: Making the Most of Schedules & Transitions — transitions can be peaceful, not chaotic.

• Communication in Coaching & Mentoring — how to support and uplift your peers with empathy and clarity.

• Teachers Assemble: Building Up Staff in Child Care — investing in your team builds a stronger, happier center.

Each of these can serve as “fuel” — new strategies, reaffirmed purpose, and connection with fellow educators.

🧰 Tool: Calm-Down Kit Checklist

Burnout often comes when stress piles up and we forget simple coping strategies. That’s where resources like the Calm-Down Kit Checklist shine.

Here’s how you might use it:

1. Prepare ahead. Keep your calm-down kit somewhere you can reach easily — your desk drawer, locker, or a shelf.

2. Include things that soothe you. Maybe a stress ball, scented hand cream, a favorite quote card, soft music, or even a fidget toy.

3. Use it in breaks. When stress spikes, take a 1–2 minute “time-out” to breathe, stretch, or re-center.

Having tangible items you associate with calmness can act as a mini reset button when days feel overwhelming.

💡 Simple Daily Strategies to Rebalance

• Micro-self-care: Sprinkle short acts of care into your day — five deep breaths, a moment of calm before greeting children, or a quiet affirmation.

• Chunk your tasks. Break large tasks into bite-sized pieces so they feel more manageable.

• Swap support. Pair up with a co-worker to relieve one another for short breaks.

• Reflect & journal. A few sentences about what went well (and why) can shift focus toward gratitude and growth.

• Unplug when you can. Even fifteen minutes away from screens or planning can help you recharge.

🌱 Final Thought: Balance Is a Practice, Not a Destination

There will be busy weeks, emotional challenges, and days that drain more than others. But balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about giving yourself permission to pause, reset, and nourish your heart — because children thrive when their caregivers are cared for.

Don’t forget to follow ChildCareED on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for more insights, tips, course updates, and #free resources to support your #early-childhood journey.