Teacher Spotlight: Miss Chloe from Our Kirkland Daycare
At Lil’ People’s World, we are so fortunate to have such outstanding teachers who deserve to be recognized for their greatness. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight Miss Chloe from our Kirkland daycare center. (See our previous Teacher Spotlight posts to get to know more members of our amazing team — we’re confident you’ll feel the love!)
Miss Chloe is a dedicated lead teacher to The Dragonflies, our Kirkland preschool class. Her expertise lies in planning in-depth child-led circle times, imaginative curriculum, and writing. The progress children continuously make under her care is remarkable!
Joining Lil’ People’s World two years ago, Our center is her first full-time teaching role — although you wouldn’t even know it. “I started my work journey at Safeway, where I met my fiancé, David, so it wasn’t too bad,” she laughs. “I even managed my own section of the store. I worked there for almost two years then worked in optometry.” In fact, she leans on her experience in optometry, where she often worked with young kids, teaching them how to put in and take care of their contact lenses for the first time.
We’re very thankful that Miss Chloe’s prior childcare helped lead her to our team, as she is a wonderful and beloved teacher! But how did she choose this career? “I always wanted to work with children, and I have been a babysitter and a nanny,” she says. “Nursing was just too hard! Children are hard to care for when they are sick, and it would break my heart. Daycare was the best option for loving and helping children, simultaneously.”
Miss Chloe enjoys individual moments with each of her dragonflies!
Growing up, her mom was Miss Chloe’s biggest influence.
“My mom inspired me to be a better person for children,” she explains. “I can help make a brighter spot for them in the world, help them to trust adults, and give them the inspiration to have a voice of their own.” Sometimes it’s the little things that inspire us to be better! One of her favorite things about being a teacher at Lil’ People’s World is promoting an individualized approach to learning and play. “Small, rotating teach children independence in their choices, which is so important for their overall development,” Miss Chloe says. “If we give children more time to learn at their own pace without micromanaging, then we can provide the support they need to thrive.” Other advice that Miss Chloe has for parents: “Be kind to your children. They are just here to love us. We see you, through them. They are so real and authentic. Don’t miss a moment!”
When it comes to working in childcare, Miss Chloe wishes people knew that it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. “It’s not playing all day — I’m always wiping noses or tears,” she says with a smile. “I am teaching children self-regulation at the same time as I self-regulate.” Miss Chloe understands each child’s growth toward self-regulation is different, and the amount of patience she has with each child is undeniable.
Happy faces with big smiles are the norm at Lil’ People’s World! Miss Chloe does a great job of encouraging happy and kind attitudes into each of her dragonflies.
Not surprisingly, then, if Miss Chloe could have any superpower, she said she’d want it to deal with emotions, especially helping others with their emotions. “I want to help others in a moment of crisis — happy, sad, or excited,” she says. “I could simply exude happiness or acceptance, and it would be true.”
A few of Miss Chloe’s favorite things:
- Children’s Book — it’s a three-way tie between I Love You This Much by Lynn Hodges and Sue Buchanan (she has a nostalgic connection), No Elephants Allowed by Jerry Smath (such an inclusive message.), and Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin (the sound effects are so fun to read).
- Collecting — odd figurines, especially glass roses and animals.
- TV Series — Phineas and Ferb
Currently, she is re-reading the complete Harry Potter series, which she had been reading to her aunt, who passed away recently. Miss Chloe says that reading the books lift her spirits and help her to mourn her aunt’s passing.
On a lighter note, is she Team PB&J or Team Grilled Cheese? “Is that even a question?” Miss Chloe proclaims. “I want a ton of cheddar grilled on sourdough, served with tomato bisque. It’s just amazing!”
Thank you, Miss Chloe, for all your hard work and magical words. You could talk a kiddo out of any emotional situation with virtual ease. You do such an incredible job with our blossoming minds, and we are so grateful!
