TEACH Impact Story: Carrie

“I would not have even thought about starting this process without having a TEACH scholarship. I had thought about going back to college and completing ECE classes several years ago when my friend was doing it, but thought it wasn’t really necessary for my current position or that I wouldn’t have the time. I applied for a Spring 2013 semester TEACH scholarship on a whim. I was going to take just one class to meet a new licensing requirement for my license; I forgot how much I loved going to school and learning things. That one class turned into two; which turned into earning my ECE Teacher certificate from RRCC; which turned into me completing my Associate of Arts degree.

Taking classes on the college level has helped to re-excite me about what I do on a daily basis. I’m more conscious about what I’m doing and saying to the children and their families. I’m excited about doing more in my program and being able to explain to families why I’m doing these things based upon developmental theorists and research. I feel the families trust what I’m saying and doing because of my background and education. Family child care is often seen in a different view than centers. I want to show families that family child care can offer the same high quality care and program that many centers offer. My education helps me to do this as well as providing families with the degree to back it up. It was great being in a classroom with others working in the same field.”

– Carrie K, TEACH Scholar