9.4.2026 Growing Together -CCACC Academy Professional Development Days

To welcome the new school year and continue strengthening our teaching team, CCACC Academy held a series of Professional Development Days from August 18–20. The three-day program combined professional learning, team building, and mindfulness education, giving our teachers opportunities to learn, connect, recharge, and prepare for the year ahead.

Professional Learning: Starting the New School Year Together

On August 18, our entire preschool team came together for professional training. Through learning, discussion, and collaboration, teachers prepared for the upcoming school year while strengthening the shared commitment that supports our school community.

Professional development is an important part of maintaining high-quality early childhood education. It also provides valuable opportunities for teachers to learn from one another and grow together as a team.

 

Team Building: Connecting Beyond the Classroom

On August 19, our team visited Rio in Gaithersburg for a fun team-building outing. Teachers enjoyed paddle boating, sunshine, ice cream, and time together away from their usual routines.

The outing gave everyone a chance to relax, connect, and strengthen relationships with colleagues. These moments of shared laughter and conversation help build the supportive and collaborative environment that we bring back into our classrooms each day.

Mindfulness: Supporting Ourselves to Better Support Children

On August 20, CCACC Academy welcomed a guest speaker for a meaningful workshop on mindfulness. Our guest speaker is a Montessori teacher who works with children ages 3 to 6 and has completed a year-long study exploring how mindfulness affects young children.

During the workshop, teachers explored the idea that mindfulness is not simply about being calm or relaxed. It is about noticing what is happening in the present moment and accepting our experiences without judgment. Sometimes emotions may feel uncomfortable, and that is okay. Rather than labeling feelings as “good” or “bad,” mindfulness encourages us to recognize and experience them with awareness.

This message is especially meaningful for early childhood educators. When teachers take care of their own energy and emotional well-being, they are better able to be present and supportive for their students. If we want to help children learn to regulate their emotions, that process begins with us.

Connect Before Redirect

Another important takeaway from the workshop was that every child is different, and mindfulness practices may not work the same way for everyone. Children should be given opportunities and space to discover the strategies that work best for them.

One particularly meaningful principle was “Connect Before Redirect.” Before guiding or correcting a child, teachers should first establish a connection. Children should be invited and encouraged to participate rather than forced.

Teachers also had the opportunity to participate in hands-on mindfulness activities using pinwheels, bubble sticks, and feathers. These simple exercises helped bring the concepts to life and gave teachers practical ideas they can incorporate into their classrooms.

“Peace Begins with Me”

Our Professional Development Days were filled with learning, reflection, laughter, and connection. Through professional training, team-building activities, and mindfulness education, our teachers gained new perspectives and practical tools to support both themselves and the children in their care.

One phrase from the mindfulness workshop captured the spirit of the week especially well:

“Peace begins with me.”

At CCACC Academy, we believe that educating children also means continuing to grow as educators. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn together as a team and look forward to bringing these new ideas, skills, and positive energy into our classrooms in the new school year.

 

（By CCACC Academy）