When did you start in the early childhood field?

2015

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

I decided to go into early childhood when my own daughter was having her first baby in 2016. I thought this will be a new career for me after I worked in a call center for 16 years. I always had a passion for kids and now being an early child care profession I am grateful that this was chosen as my new career path.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

50

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Northwest side of town in Grand Rapids, MI

When did you start in the early childhood field?

1997

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

Raise my own kids and passion for teaching and learning!

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

GOOD QUESTION! Maybe couple hundred since they had stayed in my program from infant until they are ready for kindergarten.

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Byron Center, MI.

When did you start in the early childhood field?

I started in the early childhood field in 2023 when I opened my family home daycare in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession

I was inspired to create a nurturing environment where children could feel at home while learning and growing, which led me to open my daycare. My passion for supporting children’s development and fostering a love of learning drives me every day in this profession.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

I have provided care for approximately 15 children since starting my daycare in 2022.

What area of Kent County do you serve?

I serve families in Grand Rapids and the greater Kent County area through my daycare, By His Grace Daycare LLC.

When did you start in the early childhood field?

I have been working in different environments since 2002 and I started my early education degree in 2006.

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

I had always wanted to be in education, but I always thought it would be as a social studies teacher at the high school level. While I was in college, I signed up for a child development class and I really enjoyed it, so I stuck with it and eventually earned my child development degree.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

350

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Comstock Park, Sparta, Rockford, Kenowa Hills area (I'm on the border of all 4 school districts)

When did you start in the early childhood field?

1993

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

To provide children with the opportunity to be engaged in a safe and enriching, early childhood care environment.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

150+

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Grand Rapids

When did you start in the early childhood field?

1996

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

I have always loved caring for children and when I found myself needing childcare I decided to stay home and provide care for myself and other parents in need. I also wanted to have a positive bond and impact on the children and families I care for through providing a reliable safe learning environment.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

300

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Southeast Grand Rapids

When did you start in the early childhood field?

2003

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

As a new mom I knew I wanted the best care possible for my own child. I entered the field as a licensed provider, hoping to earn a salary while caring for my own child.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

120

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Northwest Grand Rapids

When did you start in the early childhood field?

2022

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

Teaching and caring for children is a profession that I have always been interested in, and my biggest influence was my mother, who taught for more than thirty years. When she passed away, I decided to keep her legacy alive, becoming an Early Child Care Educator and to honor her memory I named my program "TATA" like her nickname.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

41

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Grand Rapids

When did you start in the early childhood field?

2018

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

To support the parents who need help. And it was always my dream to become an early child care professional.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

40

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Wyoming

When did you start in the early childhood field?

2018

Tell us your 2-sentence story about why you decided to enter the early care profession.

I decided to enter the early childcare profession because children are my passion. I want to help our children develop early on readiness skills so that they are being educated before Pre-K.

Approximately how many children have you provided care for over the course of your career?

60

What area of Kent County do you serve?

Southeast Grand Rapids