Ellen M. Drolette

Biography

Ellen brings over 29 years of experience to the early childhood field. Her enthusiasm and passion for working with young children and families are as enormous as her passion for working with early childhood teachers, directors, mentors, administrators, and the entire team of early childhood educators. In addition, Ellen is passionate about advocating for children and families, the early childhood workforce, and equal access to high-quality, affordable child care.

Ellen has had many roles in the ECE profession, including owning a family childcare program, being a Global Leader with the World Forum Foundation, engaging as a past Board member of the National Association for Family Child Care, and authoring several articles for Exchange Magazine. In addition, she was a monthly columnist for local newspapers all over Vermont, writing a column called "Positive Parenting” for several years. Her first book, Overcoming Teacher Burnout in Early Childhood: Strategies for Change, was published in 2018 by Redleaf Press and focuses on how early childhood professionals can battle burnout and low morale in the workplace. 

Ellen is known widely for her commitment to children and families and was recognized as a Master Leader by Exchange Magazine in 2016.

Ellen is a certified Appreciative Inquiry practitioner and has found innovative ways to work AI into the practices of early childhood education. She earned her certificate at Champlain College under the direction of Dr. Lindsey Godwin.

  Ellen has spent several years training, mentoring, and consulting with early educators from diverse economic and educational backgrounds, which helped her develop a broad understanding of the early childhood workforce needs and a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals and organizations.