Words of Inspiration and Motivation

"The best economic development strategy is investment in early childhood."
 - Art Rolnick, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

"Every early learning program should be staffed by teachers and providers who can and do establish warm and caring relationships with children, tend the fires of children's curiosity and love of learning, and foster their development and readiness for school."
-Marcy Whitebook, Center for the Study of Childcare Employment, University of California at Berkeley

"I see early childhood education as a civil rights issue."
-Renatta M. Cooper, Office of Childcare, LA County Chief Administrative Office

"When I think of the word passion, and the meaning to it, what comes to mind are, what are my values, what are my beliefs, what are the ideas that lead me to action, what do I do so naturally that perhaps seems natural to me but may be challenging to others?  What’s in my heart?"
-Leticia Lara, LCSW, Regional Manager, ZERO TO THREE

Personal Childhood Web

There are many people in my life through the years that have influenced my life tremendously.  The following five people are the ones that I feel has influenced me the most and are still to this day:
My father, Bobby Brooks, has always been one of the greatest influences in my life.  Throughout my childhood, he was always a great example of what a Christian should be.  He always took time out of his day to talk to me and ask me how I was and he always made sure that I knew that he loved me.
My mother, Regina Brooks, has always been a nurturer for me.  She has always showed me what a Godly woman should be.  She always made sure that I was taken care, met all of my needs, and loved me.  When I was a young child, she would always help me on my homework, talk to me about my problems and show how to solve them.
My sister, Andrea Pankey, has always been there for me.  She is older than me, and has always been a great listener.  As a little child, she always stood up for me, and always took care of me.  On multiple occasions, she made sure I knew that she loved me. 
My grandpa, Floyd Hudgens, has always been the wise person I look to.  He always seemed to have a happy outlook on life, which then made me have one as well.  I could always go to him with a problem and he would help me and guide me. 
My grandma, Pauline Hudgens, has been exactly what a grandmother should be.  She spoiled me, loved me, and always made me feel special (even though she had five other grandchildren).  She made me feel important and valued.
All five of these wonderful people are still in my life today, and still making positive influences in my life.  They all are praying for me and guiding me as I get my master's in early childhood education.  

The children's book, "llama llama misses mama" by Anna Dewdney is a wonderful children's book for early childhood.  Before my niece was born, I would read this book to her while in the womb.  Every time I did, she became very active and awake.  This book would also be helpful for my little ones at daycare because they really miss their mama's during the day.  The story would help keep their minds off of the absence of their mama's for a while.

When I was a teenager, I went on a mission trip to Amsterdam, New York. While in New York, we did a Day camp for the children at a church in the community that lasted four days. I met a young girl, about the age of 6, named Avery. For four days, Avery stayed with me every minute she could. I played with her, and talked with her. I had a wonderful time. When it came time for us to leave, and go back home to Arkansas, I realized how much of an impact on Avery's life I had made, and on how much she had made on mine as well. Leaving her was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. She was crying and begging me not to go, and hugging so tight I could hardly get her to let go. Finally when I was able to calm her down and ensure her that I would be back the next year to see her, I got on our bus and headed home. Most of my trip home, I cried and thought constantly of Avery. Thinking back on this experience now, if I can make such a huge impression on a young child's life after only four days, how much bigger would the impression be if I was a child's teacher everyday for months and months? Coming to this realization has encouraged me to work harder at my job, and to find ways to make each day a great learning experience for my babies in my class!

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world." - Maria Montessori

My name is Rachel Walters, and this is my first time to blog!  I am a early childhood teacher, and I work at a daycare.  I teach 13 mo. to 18 mo., and I enjoy my job everyday. I never dread a day of work and I find it more of a privileage than work.  I am in the process of earning my Master's in Early Childhood Studies.  My goal is to one day open my own childcare center!  I feel that by earning my degree, I will be better equipped to run a successful, educational, christian/family oriented childcare center.  I am excited as I begin this journey!