Rebecca Ruiz

 

This is one of a series of blogs featuring first-person accounts from early educators across Massachusetts.

* * *

I run my own childcare service directly from my home. In September, I will have been in the education and care field for eight years.

I support children by creating an academically and emotionally supportive environment. I do this by scaffolding lessons that educate the whole child, by giving my daycare children the tools they need to be socially and emotionally successful, and by creating a welcoming environment for all families.

I’ve had many Yes! I know you can do it moments in my career, and every single one of them can be considered my most proud moment. Most of these moments occur when I see the skills that my daycare children have acquired through hard work and persistence, such as when a child learns how to walk, say their first word, trace their name, and read their first word.

Currently I’m working towards my associate degree in Early Childhood Development. I’m taking one to two classes per semester at Springfield Technical Community College. I was fortunate to receive the Early Childhood Education Scholarship Grant, which has allowed me to continue my education.

I keep up with my CEU’s for my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. And I also take 30-plus hours of Core Competencies for Early Education and Care trainings to stay within license regulations. I receive a ton of support from Clarendon Early Education, a family agency I’ve been partnered with since I opened up my child care business. They provide voucher referrals, monthly visits, educator trainings at no cost, and, most importantly, emotional support.

Policymakers should know how important the role of an educator is, and how important early education is for children. It lays the foundation for the rest of their lives. I appreciate the raise that has been recently awarded, however we are still are behind on wages compared to other professions.

I love to read to children, and my favorite is anything by Dr. Seuss. Not only was he from my hometown, Springfield, Mass., but his books let you explore and imagine like no others. And with all Dr. rhyming silly words, the children engage more with the stories.