‘Professional love’ is not just an abstract concept. It is a tangible force that can positively demonstrate to young children that they are worthy of being loved by the educators in whose company they spend their precious time.
– Dr. Jools Page 

The idea of love as the heart of all we do in early care and education can sometimes feel uncomfortable or “too soft” to some. But, as the distinguished anthropologist, Ashley Montagu, explains in a classic article that forms the basis of the Exchange Reflections, “Love as the Core Curriculum,”  “Love is the supreme form of communication. In the hierarchy of needs, love stands as the supreme developing agent of the humanity of the person. As such, the teaching of love should be the central core of all early childhood curriculum with all other subjects growing naturally out of such teaching.”

Ellen Veselack, Co-Executive Director of Child Educational Center (CEC) in LaCanada, CA, recently wrote a message to staff and families about the role of love in their program. We wanted to share excerpts with you, and thought the day before Valentine’s Day might be an appropriate time (although love is crucial every day):

“The CEC was founded on love. Love of children. Love of nature. Love of others as caring, feeling humans. While it is not one of our stated values, it could be. There is so much love getting spread around on a daily basis, it is no wonder that children and teachers are so happy.

“Love shows up in ways that are obvious, and in ways that are more subtle. It shows up in the relationships children have with teachers. The obvious are the hugs and cuddles so freely given and accepted by both children and teachers. I saw a preschooler sitting on a bench beside a teacher today snuggled in tightly and the love between the two of them was so obvious…

“Love shows up in the relationships children have with one another, even at a very early age. They are drawn to connect. They seek each other out. They explore the idea of relationships. Love is compassion. Children comfort one another…

“Love is also evident in the care children get each day from the routine diaper changes done so respectfully and lovingly, to feeding a child a bottle, to preparing the snack table, to helping a child to sleep. What may seem like routine care is anything but routine. There is nothing done without thought or without care. Or without love. There is love in holding a sick child. There is love in helping them wash hands. There is even love in wiping a runny nose. The care is done with a lot of love. Teachers show it. Children feel it.

“Love is so basic, yet so powerful. It is so simple, yet so necessary. Love is at the heart of everything we do. Love means care, compassion, respect, and trust, something our world could use a big dose of right now. You will find all of that here. The CEC is love. Everywhere. Everyday.

“Be well.”

– Ellen Veselack