The field of early childhood education has been profoundly shaped by leaders whose vision and dedication continue to influence practice for generations. Among these leaders, Thelma Harms stands as a guiding force whose work elevated the importance of high-quality environments for young children.
Her contributions helped define what quality looks like in early learning settings—emphasizing that thoughtfully designed, responsive, and nurturing environments are essential to children’s development. Through her work, educators gained tools and frameworks to reflect on their practice, strengthen classroom environments, and center the well-being of children in every decision.
Thelma Harms’ impact extends far beyond the tools she helped create. She championed a vision of early childhood education rooted in respect—for children, for educators, and for the environments where learning unfolds. Her work reinforced the understanding that quality care is not incidental; it is intentional, reflective, and deeply connected to the relationships and spaces that shape early experiences.
The California Early Childhood Mentor Program holds deep respect and gratitude for Thelma Harms’ lifelong dedication to the field. Her commitment to excellence continues to guide mentors, educators, and students as they strive to create meaningful learning environments across California. The values she upheld—care, reflection, and continuous improvement—are foundational to the work of mentoring and professional growth.
As we honor her legacy, we recognize that her spirit lives on in every classroom that prioritizes quality, in every mentor who supports the next generation of educators, and in every child who benefits from nurturing and intentional care.
Her influence endures, not only in the history of early childhood education, but in its future.
We are honored to be part of the amazing work of the Tribal Child Care Association of California. We encourage you to stay connected and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Here’s a a great write up from our Alternative Pathways partner, TCCAC shared in their community newsletter..
Help spread the word to reach California parents of children under age 6 by sharing this paid survey opportunity with families in your networks.
The RAPID Survey Project at the Stanford Center on Early Childhood is listening to families with children under age 6 who live in California. This survey asks about experiences of material hardship, child care use and access, healthcare, parent and child well-being, and use of transitional kindergarten (TK). Take the 15-minute survey at this link and receive a $5 gift card.
The survey is open through Thursday, January 29th.
Please reach out to vcgarcia@stanford.edu if you’re interested in learning about how RAPID-CA survey data can support your work.
In partnership,
Lupe Jaime-Mileham, EdD, Deputy Director Child Care and Development Division California Department of Social Services
A Searchable Library of Resources Aligned with the NAEYC Standards
NAEYC has launched the Professional Standards and Competencies Online Resource Library, a searchable database that curates a variety of evidence-based, free, accessible, quality resources (e.g., articles, videos, blog posts, books, book chapters, modules) that are related to and align with the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. It is designed to support higher education faculty teaching early childhood education related coursework and those in the field providing training, mentoring and other professional development and technical assistance to early childhood educators serving our profession.
Fabulous Play Resources
Each issue of Play the Head Start Way is better than the last. The Fall 2025 issue focused on using loose parts to foster imaginative play. The publication includes activities, each of which features considerations for children of different experiences and abilities. Then there is additional content on asking great questions to promote a culture of inquiry, additional resources and how to use them, related children’s books, and more. Past issues have focused on topics like make believe, playing with blocks, storytelling, and messy play. All issues include resources in English and Spanish. Past issues are archived at Play the Head Start Way | HeadStart.gov Instructions for signing up to receive each issue directly are also at this site. P.S. To sign up for other free Head Start publications, including one focused exclusively on resources in Spanish, visit Office of Head Start Subscription Page | HeadStart.gov
DEC Inventory of Resources Will Help You to Support Each and Every Child and Family
A new resource for the Division for Early Childhood of the Council of Exceptional Children (DEC) pulls together everything from archived webinars and Recommended Practices to Learning Decks, CONNECT modules, and position statements, each with a direct link to access each item. DEC Inventory of Resources – October 2025.pdf
There’s a Video for That!
Between 2007 and 2023, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) produced over 700 videos to support the professional learning of current and future early childhood educators. The Video Clip Library for Faculty and Trainers is a searchable database of short video clips designed for reflection and discussion purposes and including footage from centers, schools, and family childcare homes. Users can search for clips by setting, age, developmental domain, and content area. Some resources are available in English and Spanish. Visit the general CECE site to access additional resources on teaching strategies, supporting play, and more.
I-LABS Learning Modules: Free Resources About the Science of Child Development
Each of these free modules takes an in-depth look at an aspect of the science of child development. A typical module includes a 20-25 minute set of content slides with embedded videos. Support materials include a discussion guide and handout. Topics range from attachment and language development to temperament, literacy, and STEM. A subset of resources addresses actions supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and focus on topics like supporting dual language learning, how race shapes children’s identities, and equity in the classroom by providing additional resources and evidence on each topic. Most learning modules are available in English and Spanish.
Natural Resources is a free, one-way listserv that is distributed monthly. Each issue features readily available and free resources on a specific topic related to children from birth through Grade 3 and their families. Resources available in Spanish are highlighted. Natural Resources is compiled and distributed by Camille Catlett. Past issues are archived at Natural Resources – Google Drive To subscribe or unsubscribe, suggest resources, or get more information, please contact Camille Catlett at camille.catlett@unc.edu
