How do we get there?

"Begin at the beginning," the king said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end:  then stop."
                                                                                            --Lewis Carroll

I can honestly say that my career in Early Childhood began in...early childhood.  At about the age of 7 or 8, I realized that I could get out of going to "Big" church if I volunteered to help out in the nursery.  I loved spending time playing and caring for all the babies.  Soon, my interests expanded as I watched them grow from week to week.  I began spending more time in the toddler room and was fascinated to see how they played, spoke, and interacted with each other.  Looking back, I suppose this is where my calling began.  By the age of 14, I was given the role of teacher paid only in love and kisses, but it was my first real job.  By 16, I was a paid employee of the church and became a favored babysitter among many families.  I was even trusted enough to give full time care to 3 small children while their parents were out of town for a week.  (I think I did a pretty good job, though I'm not sure their jacuzzi tub ever recovered from the dish soap the kids talked me into using.  Honestly--I've never seen so many bubbles!)  I continued working with children any chance I could get including vacation bible schools, summer jobs in local preschools, and babysitting in many different households.  It all came very naturally to me; kids are my favorite people.  In college, I worked as a preschool teacher, babysitter, and soon after, took my first nanny job.  However, It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I realized Early Childhood was to be my career...and I was already in the middle of it!  I suppose it's a testament to following your passion.  A calling never seems like work!!  I began working and studying more alternative educational philosophies like Montessori, Waldorf, and Constructivist.  I also began working with families of diverse cultures through a French International School and soon began traveling the world seeking teaching opportunities in Australia, Guatemala, France, Czech Republic and Japan.  The picture of me seen above was taken while living in Santa Fe, New Mexico where I was engaged in a Parent Cooperative Preschool/Community Center and seeking to deepen my understanding of Native American Cultures and Head Start Programs on the reservations.  Today, I'm more committed than ever to continue exploring the wonders of early childhood and all it's marvels through this blog and my Master's in Early Childhood program.   I hope you will join me and share your stories on the endless and exciting road to Wonderland!