Workplace culture is more than a “vibe.” It’s the way people treat each other, the way communication flows, and the shared beliefs about how to work together.

In early learning, culture shapes everything, from how staff feel walking into the room to how teams respond to challenges. It starts with relationships: between colleagues, and between staff and management.

Why Both Relationships Matter:

Colleague-to-colleague: When coworkers feel respected and included, trust builds. This reduces tension, improves collaboration, and makes problem-solving easier.

Staff and leadership: Supportive relationships with directors and supervisors help educators feel valued, heard, and part of something bigger.

Everyone Shapes the Culture

Culture is not “set” by leadership alone. It’s built day by day, through interactions big and small. That means every educator plays a role in creating a healthier space.

What Can You Do, Even in a Tough Environment?

Try these gentle, proactive steps:

• Use kind language, even when you’re tired. It can shift the tone of a whole conversation.
• Include others. Ask someone new to join your planning or share a story from their day.
• Celebrate those around you. “That transition went so smoothly!” can make a colleague’s day.
• Lead with curiosity instead of judgment. Ask “What’s your perspective on this?”

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen, especially when people commit to treating each other with care. The children will notice too.

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