As we conclude our second day of school in the Early Childhood Development Center, I want to thank our families for the joyful beginning we’ve had together. We are never without our challenges or opportunities, and I’m struck by how collaboratively our educators and our parents have worked in learning and navigating through the first couple of days together. I am proud to be part of this community and participating in the journey of early childhood with all of you is really special for me.

I read something today about the Shehechiyanu blessing (said whenever we “realize the miracle of the present moment,” and often recited when we do something for the first time, i.e. the first night of Chanukah). When I read it, my first thought was that I wished I would have read it yesterday – it was the first day of school after all! But as I read further I was happy to see more thoughts about how often we are doing something for the first time, and that “if we are truly present, we could say the Shehechiyanu in every moment, because every moment is new and truly unprecedented.” This feels like a lofty goal, but I’m going to try and think of this when I can, and to try to remember the gift of each moment and each new thing that presents itself to me. For the majority of children in ECDC, something new happens nearly every day. And if your evening at home looks anything like mine, it can be tricky to remain present and aware of the wonders right in front of you.

To read more about the Shehechiyanu, please click here: Shehechiyanu – A meditation on this moment

—Liza Baron, MSW | Director, Early Childhood Development