Staff Spotlight of the Week: Inside the World of a Preschool Teacher

Meet The Early Childhood Development

Teacher, Miss Amy Collett

Amy has been a passionate

and treasured member of the

Red Bird Mission staff for an incredible 31 years!

Both former and current Preschool students hold Miss Amy dear to their heart for her loving and kind nature in the classroom. She is truly one of a kind. At the exciting start of her journey as Preschool Educator at Red Bird Mission ECD (Early Childhood Development), Amy began as an aide and home visitor in 1994.

Working closely with Shirley Crouse and Betsey Jack, Amy gained valuable insights and skills from her mentors. 

The commitment to nurturing young minds often extends beyond the standard school hours. Whether it's organizing the classroom, setting up engaging learning stations, or preparing for the next day's activities, these late nights are filled with purpose and passion.

For Amy, weekends, too, are often dedicated to the preschool. While many are enjoying their days off, Amy can be found deep in preparation. From planning thematic units to decorating the classroom with vibrant displays, these weekends are a labor of love.

The joy of seeing the children's faces light up as they enter a beautifully

arranged room makes every moment spent worthwhile. It’s not just about

maintaining the space; it's about creating a magical atmosphere where

learning feels like an adventure.

Additionally, the financial commitment often goes beyond what is budgeted.

Miss Amy, along with many teachers, find themselves reaching into their own pockets to purchase toys, books, and educational materials that will enhance

the learning experience for their students.

These investments are more than just expenses, they are contributions to children's growth and development. Every toy purchased and every book placed on the shelf offers a child the chance to explore, learn, and grow. The joy of watching a child engage with a new toy or become captivated by a story is an unparalleled reward, making every dollar spent worthwhile.

The late nights, weekends, and money spent are all part of the dedication that goes into making a preschool a nurturing and enriching environment. It’s a testament to the passion and commitment of those like Amy, who work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the best possible start to their educational journey.

Ask a Preschool Teacher

What is the daily schedule like for the children?

Amy- We begin the bus route at 8, and by 9:30, we reach the preschool to start our day. The children first wash their hands, and then we gather for circle time with a good morning song. Following that, we have "free choice," where the children can select arts and crafts, sensory play, or interactive play with toys. We have lunch at Red Bird Christian School, then return to the preschool building for "small groups," which involves one-on-one activities with the 4-year-olds and outdoor play. We have snack time just before our day ends at 1:15.

What types of activities do you incorporate to promote learning and development?

Amy- I include weekly themes! Each week, we explore something new. Currently, for spring, we're planting flower seeds. The children will enjoy watching them grow and bloom. We also have a tank of tadpoles to learn about the life cycle of a frog.

What is your approach to fostering social skills among the children?

Amy- Attending preschool daily is a crucial part of learning social skills. I encourage parents to send their children, as interacting with other kids regularly helps develop these skills.

How do you accommodate different learning styles and needs in your classroom?

Amy- Each child is unique and has their own way of learning, so I adapt to what suits them best.

What role do you believe play has in a child's learning process?

Amy- Children learn everything through play, which plays a significant role in teaching them sharing and kindness.