Coming Back Gently: Helping Children (and Adults) Re-Settle After Breaks

January is often framed as a "fresh start," but for early childhood educators, it's something very different—it's the middle of the year. After winter break, classrooms are filled with children (and adults) who may feel tired, dysregulated, emotionally tender, or disconnected from routines that once felt familiar.

In this episode of Early Childhood Chapters, host Emily Garman is joined by Angela Searcy, early childhood consultant and author of Push Past It and Elevating Equity, for a deeply affirming conversation about what a true mid-year reset can look like—one rooted in compassion, realism, and care rather than pressure or perfection.

Together, Emily and Angela explore how children, educators, families, and entire school systems experience reentry after winter break—and why regulation, routines, and relationships matter more than rigid expectations during this season.

In this episode, you'll hear about: Why post–winter break behavior shifts are normal—for children and adults

How sensory-rich, calming environments support reentry and regulation

Why routines should be engaging, relational, and playful—not punitive

The importance of being visually quiet in classroom spaces

How educators can reset without "starting over" or feeling like they've failed

What equitable (not equal) responses look like when children return from very different home experiences

Why adult regulation and co-regulation are always the starting point

How systems, leadership, and colleagues can support educator well-being

Practical ways to communicate compassionately with families during a challenging season