Meet Our Children’s Courtyard Staff – Ms. Tracey, Infant Teacher

Read our Q&A with Ms. Tracey, the talented lead infant teacher at The Children’s Courtyard in Suwanee, GA! She has been at this location for seven years, has a Child Development Associate and many years of experience working with little ones. Read on to learn more about this fabulous teacher!

Why did you decide on a career in early education?

I had always enjoyed doing playgroups with my own children – I have three grown children. There were so many of us that we ended up having a mom and tot playgroup and actually, that group is still together 27 years later. But I just enjoy children and I chose newborns because these moms that were having to bring their newborns in and feeling like they weren’t able to see all these milestones, they needed encouragement and some advice, and I feel pretty confident being able to interact with them and putting them at ease. It’s my passion. That’s what really brought me into child care.

How is it rewarding for you?

Honestly, just getting the joy in seeing those first, the first roll over, the first sit up. It shows you your purpose in life, to give them the best education you can right t from the start. And they love you. They reach out for you when they come in in the morning and that’s the sweetest thing. It really is.

Your little ones learn all day long in your classroom – can you explain the different ways our curriculum helps them reach milestones?

First, putting them on a schedule, that teaches them what’s coming up next. They’ll learn baby sign language, they’ll learn some of their first words, and they’ll learn how to interact with others and how to play. You encourage them every step f of the way, and those milestones you do hit with them, it’s a joy. You encourage them, you cheer them on. We have some special needs babies in our room and one baby of ours who has Down syndrome, she’s learning to clap her hands and to sit up without support – those are big milestones!

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with your students’ parents?

The brightwheel mobile app is a great one, being able to communicate back and forth with the parents throughout the day. I have a good rapport with the parents. I feel that they trust my judgement because I’ve been here so long and it puts them at ease knowing that.

What is one of the fun holiday activities you do with your students?

We do a Santa baby photo shoot! I take the newborns and the older babies and I put Santa hats on them and we take pictures. We laminate them onto a plate with mod podge and I love just seeing the parents’ joy in getting those special pictures. If you have a professional photographer come in, you’re not going to get those moments because they don’t have that bond with them. You’re going to get that joyful experience.

Why have you chosen to stay at this school for all these years?

I love the campus! The rooms are bright and big, lots of windows, lots of opportunities to see things. Being part of this big team, it’s a joy. I don’t think I could do it if I didn’t enjoy being here. If you love your job, you’re going to stay. For me, I’m doing it for the children.