Hello! Here is a little bit about me. I began my childcare journey as a teenager, I babysat around town and became the #1 recommended babysitter at my non-denominational church in Champaign, Illinois. Soon after, I secured the position of early childhood Sunday school teacher. In this classroom, we focused on care and consideration for yourself and others. We read books, explored materials —art to pretend play to fine and gross motor— and worked on collaborative communication skills. During this time, I also worked M-F at the Montessori School of Champaign Urbana located in Savoy. I was initially hired as an on call substitute, working with all ages from 18 months to 12 years. After only a month of subbing, I was called into the full time position of interim assistant teacher in a 3-6 year old classroom. I prepared materials, observed work time, and taught simple spanish language lessons. After a beautiful school year discovering the magic of child led learning environments, I was promoted to a full time aftercare position, (also with 3-6 year olds) where I truly flourished. Alongside an equal co-teacher, we provided safe and procedural lunch and nap routines and worked to create an afterschool care curriculum. I implemented daily movement and gratitude practices, all while abiding by typical montessori guidelines, to ensure consistency between classrooms. I am so thankful for my time in montessori classrooms where I first learned the importance of a prepared environment and discovered my passion for lifelong learning.