I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Havana, Cuba where I worked for 26 years until I resigned and left the country. I had no hope that I would ever use my diploma. Fortunately for me, this did not occur. The Early Learning program has provided me with the opportunity of taking 18 college credits.
What I learned and taught in primary and elementary education in my country for so many years is very different in the United States. For this reason, these courses are so important to me. The courses have helped me understand the characteristics elated to the development of young children, and helped me recognize the profound differences in cultures, languages and societies that manifest in children. Furthermore, I better understand what young children know and what they can do, the correct procedures to observe, and attend to the needs of disabled children. These are some of many aspects that I have learned and that have been very helpful.
I consider these courses to be excellent. It would be good to continue to provide this opportunity to the many people that teach the children in our county, and to make a reality of the phrase of our noble program, Early Learning.
All the experiences I have encountered in my coursework, made possible through the Early Learning Career Center, have been excellent. Not only have the courses helped me to be a better teacher but I also learned much more. Taking online classes and using the computer to present projects have been new learning experiences. I now feel better prepared to work with the children. I believe it has helped me grow professionally and personally.
I feel very happy to have received a scholarship from the Early Learning Career Center and complete my coursework in early childhood. I have incorporated my new understandings by expanding and implementing teaching strategies with the children in my classroom. This class has provided opportunities to interact with teachers from other centers, experiences that I consider very positive. The teachers are well prepared and are working diligently to help children and their parents in the learning processes.
I began my career in child care as a floater and then became a teacher’s assistant. Because of help from the Early Learning Career Center, I am now a lead teacher. The program has helped me gain knowledge and also awakened my creativity that has served as a tool for a fun, safe and educational environment.
The program has really helped me achieve my one dream, which has been to be a teacher. It has also given me the opportunity to demonstrate my ability and my skills in such a delicate and important career. Not only have I gained the tools required for teaching but I also have developed a new family with the professors and classmates. These are advantages that only a few can cherish and enjoy in their lives. I am proud to be one of the few that has had the opportunity to enjoy these advantages.
Recently I was observed and assessed by a Early Learning Quality Rating Improvement team member and I am happy to say that the class was up to standard requirements with just a minimum amount of faults. Through the observations, it was mentioned that my skills were the quality of a teacher that has been in the system for 15 or more years. All thanks to the program and those who believed in me.
Therefore, it is in my opinion that the program has been a success in providing me with the knowledge and the skills that have afforded me technical and tactical proficiency in my career as a childcare provider.
I really can’t thank my employer and all of the Early Learning staff enough for the opportunity that they have given me – to be able to develop and grow personally and professionally through this program. I believe that many other classmates can feel as proud as I am to say that Early Learning made the difference of being just a good teacher to have become a well prepared, excellent, safe and caring teacher.