Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee

08/13/2026

🎉 WE HAVE A WINNER! 🎉

Out of all the hilarious, sweet, and wonderfully unexpected things Tennessee’s little learners have said, Tracy Gorrell of McDonald, TN had the Kid Quip that made us laugh the hardest! 😂

🏆 Congratulations to Tracy, the WINNER of our Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee Kid Quips Funny Story Contest! Thank you to Tracy—and to every early childhood educator who submitted a story—for giving us a glimpse into the humor, joy, and unforgettable moments that make working with young children so special.

Help us congratulate Tracy in the comments below! And stay tuned for more funny stories from early childhood educators!

08/05/2026

Sometimes the biggest milestones arrive in the smallest moments. 💚

A child zipping their own jacket may seem simple, but it can represent growing confidence, coordination, problem-solving, and independence. Behind that moment is often an early childhood educator who patiently encouraged them to keep trying.

Educators, what “small moment” made you especially proud of a child recently? Share it in the comments so we can celebrate together! 👇✨

Because early childhood work is real work—and it creates a lifetime of meaningful progress.

07/31/2026

A calm classroom is built one intentional moment at a time. 💚

Maybe it’s greeting each child by name, keeping a predictable routine, creating a cozy calm-down space, or simply pausing to listen. Those small, consistent choices help children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Educators, what is one thing you do every day to create a calm and welcoming classroom? Share your go-to strategy in the comments—we may all learn something new! 👇✨

07/17/2026

A child proudly saying, “I did it!” may sound like a small moment—but early childhood educators know just how much it can mean. 💚

Behind those three little words, confidence is building. Independence is growing. Persistence is taking root. And a child is learning to trust themselves and the caring educator cheering them on.

These moments don’t happen by accident. They are nurtured every day by skilled early childhood professionals.

What’s a small moment in your classroom that meant something big? Share it below! 👇

07/02/2026

Have you checked out our July newsletter yet? Learn about tips for heat safety, Independence Day for early learners, the real benefits of play, and MORE! Link in bio.

06/30/2026

06/24/2026

Early childhood educators! We know you work hard and see a lot of things with your kiddos. So we were curious...which of these situations means the most to you? Let us know in the comments!

06/17/2026

Before children read words on a page, early childhood educators are helping them build the language they’ll use for life.

Every story read aloud, every silly song, every “why?” question, and every back-and-forth conversation helps children grow their vocabulary, confidence, and connection to the world around them.

That’s not “just talking.” That’s teaching, brain-building, and early childhood education.

Tag an early childhood educator who turns everyday moments into learning moments.

06/11/2026

When one early childhood educator stays, the impact doesn’t stop with one classroom.

Children keep the comfort of a trusted caregiver. Families feel more secure knowing their child is in familiar hands. Programs experience less disruption. Communities grow stronger.

That’s why educator retention matters — and why Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee is proud to support the early childhood professionals who make stability possible.

Because when educators are supported, everyone benefits.

What’s one way a consistent educator has made a difference for a child, family, or program you know? Share below!

06/05/2026

LAST CHANCE!

Every early childhood educator has that story. 😂The one that made you laugh so hard you had to step into the hallway. The one you still tell your family at dinner. The one that perfectly captures the funny, sweet, completely unpredictable world of working with young children.

Now it’s your turn to share it!

Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee is hosting a Funny Classroom Story Contest, and we want to hear your funniest early childhood educator moment.

Whether it was a hilarious toddler quote, a dramatic preschool misunderstanding, or a classroom moment you truly could not have made up, send it our way for a chance to win a BRAND-NEW iPAD!

Submit your story at the link in our bio (link is in linktree) by June 7 at midnight.

We can't wait to read your stories!