A Note from Dassie’s Desk: The Safety You Can’t Always See

Dear Parents,

Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect on what we want to do better in the coming year. As a preschool director, one area I want to focus on this year is making sure each child feels emotionally safe in our school.

Physical safety has clear rules and procedures in place that every staff member follows to ensure our school is a safe environment. Emotional safety is a little more complex. It relies on our staff having the right language and tools in every situation so that children feel validated, understood, and cared for.

That means being able to hold space for children’s emotions, validate what they are feeling, and help them process those emotions safely. Safely means without being shut down. Safely means without being made to feel small for having big feelings. Safely means knowing that we are right there beside them, helping them through it.

I’ve been spending a lot of time watching morning routines and transitions and discussing with our staff the CMCH philosophy around what creates emotional safety; especially for a child entering a new classroom or a new school. I have to say, I have been so encouraged by what I’ve seen. Our teachers have been caring, embracing, patient, and understanding.

I especially love how welcoming our teachers have been to parents spending time in the classroom with their children until they feel more at ease. Many parents have commented on how unusual that is and how much they appreciate it.

These may seem like small gestures, but they are the foundation of emotional safety. My goal this school year is to continue focusing on this area; not just during the transition into school, but throughout the entire year.

It is my hope that our families feel that same sense of safety and know that you can always come forward to discuss anything that is on your mind. Together, we will make great things happen!

Wishing each and every one of you a Shana Tova U’Mesuka, a sweet, happy, and healthy New Year, with much nachas from your children each and every day! 🍎

Warmly,
Dassie