In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, brought to you by the Early Childhood Christian Network, host Monica Healer talks with Jesse Lambert, a childcare coaching specialist from West Virginia, about the importance of knowing your "why" in early childhood education—especially during seasons of spring fatigue, difficult days, and burnout. Jesse shares how a moment driving past a church for sale sparked her path into early childhood, leading her to earn an associate's degree in early childhood education and a bachelor's in child development and family studies. Together, Monica and Jesse explore how purpose fuels motivation beyond a paycheck, how your "why" can shift with different seasons of life, and how prayer and staying in tune with yourself help you recognize when you're drifting or simply going through the motions. They discuss navigating hard interactions with parents, coworkers, and children, choosing to "rise above" by turning to God, and practical ways to reset classroom routines—like changing tone of voice, singing directions, or adding playful elements—to reignite joy for both teachers and children. The conversation also highlights the role of school leaders in creating supportive environments, the value of a school-wide "why" alongside each staff member's personal purpose, and Jesse's experience of burnout during COVID that ultimately led her to make a job change. Monica closes by encouraging listeners to pause, ask God to renew their passion, and remember that thriving educators help children flourish.

00:00 Welcome to Reimagine Childhood: A Calling to Shape Hearts

01:32 Meet Jesse Lambert: From a Church-for-Sale Moment to Early Childhood

04:20 Find Your "Why": Purpose, Seasons, and Staying in Tune with God

13:11 Hard Days & Healthy Culture: Resilience, Faith, and Leading Staff Well

19:12 Create a School-Wide "Why" (and Make It More Than a Mission Statement)

22:10 Are You Drifting? Signs You've Lost Motivation + How to Check In

23:28 Burnout, Needed Shifts, and Simple Classroom Resets That Reignite Joy

30:04 Break the Generational Cycle + Final Encouragement to Rediscover Your Why

Connect with Jessie on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jessie.lambert.2025

Need some tools for identifying your Why? Try this activity - Finding Your Roots