Her Story
About Crystal
My journey into early childhood education began when I got pregnant with my son. I wanted to know everything and be the best mother I could be, and I figured the best way to do that was to learn from those who have the most knowledge - the teachers. Before that, I was actually a bartender studying mixology, but having a kid and being in hospitality doesn't really mix well with the hours. I started filling out applications to get out of hospitality, and a childcare facility reached out and offered me a job. I thought I needed to have a degree, but they walked me through everything and helped me get my CDA certification. I've been doing in-service hours online every year to keep that up, and they showed me how to do all that. I've been going to school trying to finish my degree as I've been going through life, but life happens, so that's been an on-and-off journey. I'm currently in school at St. Pete College to finish my bachelor's - my husband works there, so it helps with cost. It's been 8 years now in this field, and I've made myself a professional in the 1, 2, and 3 age bracket, working with that transitional age when they start learning autonomy and gaining their personalities. I worked with that age bracket for like 5 or 6 years, doing potty training and teaching parents all kinds of stuff and helping families through things. I've always told parents we're a team, we're here to get the child to where they need to be to succeed in VPK, to succeed when they go to school and out in the world. I came to love it, and I wanted to make a difference in a lot of children's lives and be that positive influence to help parents make good changes and help their kids succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to say that my greatest achievement is the children themselves. They prove themselves every day, and it's amazing to see. It feels good that I gave them that opening and let them know it's okay to show who they are and try their best. They can fall down as long as they get back up again. I always get compliments about how well-behaved the children are, how well they do in academics, how happy they are, and how confident they are. I help them feel empowered, and I help the parents feel empowered too. I've always told parents that we're a team, we're here to get the child to where they need to be to succeed in VPK, to succeed when they go to school and out in the world. I came to love it, and I wanted to make a difference in a lot of children's lives and be that positive influence to help parents make good changes and help their kids succeed and know what they're doing and feel like they can do it.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are empowerment and teamwork. I believe in helping children feel empowered and helping parents feel empowered too. I want to let kids know it's okay to show who they are and try their best, and that they can fall down as long as they get back up again. I've always told parents that we're a team, we're here to get the child to where they need to be to succeed. I also believe strongly in self-care because I've got to be in the right place to be able to guide them. I can't be getting frustrated and upset and have my nerves on edge because I didn't take that time to myself. Whether it's playing piano, playing video games, reading books, gardening, or baking with my kids, I need that separation to really reset myself. My kids are my driving motivation in life, and I wanted to make a difference in a lot of children's lives and be that positive influence to help parents make good changes without them feeling shameful or embarrassed.
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