Contributors to Early Childhood Education

"The quality of the early childhood workforce is a critical factor." Dr. V. Buysse

"I found that rewarding relationships with patients was the surest antidote to stress and burnout." Dr. T. Berry Brazelton
"A family's responses to crisis or to a new situation mirror those of a child. That is to say, the way a small child deals with a new challenge (for instance, learning to walk) has certain predictable stages: regression, anxiety, mastery, new energy, growth, and feedback for future achievement. These stages can also be seen in adults coping with new life events, whether positive or negative." Dr. Brazelton

Professionals in Early Childhood Education

"The reason some kids don't succeed isn't because of their lack of intelligence, but the lack of the tools they need."

"I want to make sure all children are taught in environemtns and ways that truly nurture a child to their fullest ability."

Special People in my Life

My husband, Jeremiah, is one of the most loving people in my life. We met three years ago when I began working at the school. He and I are really very opposite personalities - he is very outgoing while I am on the quiet, shy side. He's a big guy, but I call him a 'gentle giant' because he has such a kind, caring, and considerate spirit. That is a quality in him that I truly admire. He has taught me a lot since we've known each other and never ceases to amaze me with the amount of his time and energy he gives to others. He is certainly special to me because we each bring what we have to our team, making up for what the other lacks. We also have the future a head of us to grow and experience new things, a journey that I don't want to share with anyone else.

My parents has always been special to me throughout my childhood and into adulthood. I am so lucky to have the constant love and support I have from each of my parents in two very different ways. My father has always reached out to talk when he saw my need. He always shows love unconditionally and truly prides himself in supporting his family, wife, and three children. I feel very blessed to have him today after he battled heart problems and mending surgeries a few years ago. My mom is very different from my dad. Being her only daughter and oldest child, she and I certainly had our battles. Between the two of them, she was certainly the day by day disciplinarian to us kids, but I also learned from her as she prepared me to grow up and I've gained a lot of her best qualities. Most of my perfectionist habits come from her genes, but it's my organizational skills and persistence that have driven me to get where I am today. Through my childhood they both instilled family values in me that I will someday teach my own children and now after getting married, Jeremiah and I have the opportunity to view their relationship to learn within our own.

In addition to my parents, I have also had the great pleasure of knowing my husband's parents, who have both been a new blessing to my life. Now that I am working toward learning the livelihood they've had for the past 40 years, I'm learning more about them and about myself. They are both truly admirable people for the work they have done to build such a loving environment for children. They give more of themselves in more ways than I ever thought imaginable. Families come into the office with heartbreaking stories and they reach out to help without thinking twice. They live on the school's property and have even given up parts of their own home for the betterment of the children and teachers. They have taken in children and staff, and worked to put three of their own children plus five additions through a college education. Their greatest drive the inspires me is the faith that they both holdfast to through thick and very thin. They remind us whenever we need it that the Lord is our source and everything we do should be for Him.

Although I know I could go on with lists of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, the last and probably one of the most dear in the very different way, is my only female cousin on my mother's side. Her name is Avery. We are ten years apart and now she is 13, but I still remember the night we met. She and I have grown up together like sisters, since we're the only two girls among two brothers each. I babysat her, took her places, made art projects together, and constantly learn from her. She is very similar to my husband, very outgoing, social, and energetic. She has definitely influenced my life as my only "sister" and will continue to be a support to me whether or not she knows it.

A Child's Story

At The Curiosity Shoppe, we have two brothers that come to our After School program, the older boy 9 years old and the younger boy 7. They have been coming to the center since they were very young. Only a few years ago, they were on a family cruise with their parents and witnessed their father commit suicide by jumping from the deck they were all watching from. Both of them still struggle deeply with their emotions and behavior. One multiple occasions, typically around the holidays and Father’s Day, they still mention to the other kids that their father will be waiting for them when they get home. In the years that they’ve been with us, they continue to show progress every day. Their mother was absolutely devastated that her husband would choose to end his life in the eyes of their sons, but she confided to us all she had left and it’s been our pleasure to work with these boys and be an aide to her while she works to support the family.
Their story truly tugs on my heart strings every time I see them show improvements and I can’t help but feel honored to have been gifted the opportunity to take part in their healing.

A Favorite Children's Book

Edward the Emu was a book recently introduced to me by my husband, who teaches Kindergarten right now. Through this story, Edward begins to lose his sense of self when he overhears the zoo visitors say that some of the other animals are really neat. He tries to fit himself into the habitats of the "cool" animals, until someone claims the emu is the best animal at the zoo. He finally returns to his home to realize that he really likes just being himself, Edward the Emu.
This book came to mind a little late, but I thought I'd share it. I liked the sense of self it sends to young and old readers and that it's alright to be yourself. I've also seen the book performed by young theatre students, who did a great job adding a little humor to a good message.

Introduction

Welcome to my blog! This has been my first experience creating and using a blog, so I will definitely have to get used to the ins and outs. However, I'm really looking forward to using this new method to keep track of work and sharing with you all.