639 Do They Feel Like They Belong? Building Real Connections With School-Age Children

Send us Fan MailSchool-age children need more than supervision, snacks, homework help, and activities. They need connection, belonging, respect, and adults who truly see them.In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica talks directly to school-age directors and teachers about how relationship-building looks different with older children than it does in preschool. She explores why belonging matters so deeply during the school-age years, how our energy impacts children, and why simply saying “welcome” is not the same as making a child feel known.Erica also challenges school-age teams to think differently about engagement. When a child says, “I don’t want to do anything,” does that really mean they are not interested, or have we just not discovered what they care about yet?This conversation looks at empathy, respect, autonomy, reciprocal relationships, and the importance of giving school-age children a voice in how they spend their time. Most importantly, it asks every educator one question: How are you showing up for the children who walk through your doors every day?Support the showThe Child Care Director's Chair Podcast is proudly powered by WatchMeGrow, our premier podcast sponsor and a trusted partner in early childhood education.WatchMeGrow helps child care programs strengthen family engagement through secure live-streaming, classroom video access, and communication tools that build transparency, trust, and peace of mind for families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day.To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com.Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.