Together Family Child Care, Townsend

I started thinking about working as an early childhood educator when my twin sons started preschool. Before I had children, I used to work as a structural engineer and enjoyed designing industrial structures. But my favorite part of working as a structural engineer was designing foundations. I was so fascinated by the modesty and strength of a structure that was holding all the load, without being seen or admired! When I was volunteering in my sons preschool class, I did see how the foundations of their lives were being built in their tiny preschool class, under the supervision of a few adults. I wanted those adults to have all the passion, love, and knowledge they could for their job, and that is why I decided to be one of them. For me, early childhood education is the foundation of life. I see all the problems of the world connected somehow to poor early childhood education. Arent we, as early childhood educators, supposed to teach young children to understand and value diversity, to listen, to use words describing what they need instead of using violence, to think and work together to solve problems, and to be respectful? Wouldnt we have a peaceful world if all the leaders of the world could learn what we teach in preschool? I want to create an environment for children and adults to feel safe and supported for doing anything in their power to create a better world. I want to build a foundation for a better future! My program takes place in the finished, walkout basement of my Townsend home. I want the children to feel like their classroom belongs to them, so the space is child-friendly and stimulating, with designated areas for music and movement, arts and crafts, dramatic play, circle time, and projects. When the weather cooperates, I also take them outside to get fresh air.