Here's a take on the #introduceyourself section that 
I work as an Educational Associate in the Pre-K "Play and Exploration" program. I love it!
I really find it a privileged to be working with these young kids, being a part of developing them and guiding them to grow to their greatest potential.
The "Play and Exploration" program is based on a "discovery" model, where students learn through exploration. Playing is critical for making social connections, using their imagination, developing language and motor skills. In play kids are trying out different roles and it's a great way for learning.
Language is so important at this age (3 and 4 year olds) and is one of our the main focuses. It is at this age that kids are just like sponges and are building their vocabulary rapidly. If this critical period is allowed to pass without exposure to language, it becomes more difficult to learn. So we talk lots to the kids and try to have meaningful conversations with them.
The other main focus is on behavior. The same is true with their behavioral patterns if they do not learn to regulate their behavior at this age it just becomes harder and harder. We are there for them to work through different patterns and show them different strategies (ways) that helps them get the desired results for their actions.
This program is very child directed, where we build on the child's interests (we have lots of flexibility here). We set out different invitations for the kids to explore and we are there to scaffold them to new levels. I love working with kids for they are so full of wonder and they help me see things through new eyes. They can be real funny too and oh, the stories they can tell!
A big part in working with kids is building there trust and we do our best to provide a safe and secure place for them. The Pre-K program was mostly developed for kids at risk ( not so much in small towns like where I work, where there is nominal kids at high risk.) It is really touching to know you have made a difference in some child's life, given them a better start to their lives. I get pretty close to these kids and I continue to get lots of hugs through out the time they are at the elementary school.
I have a couple of stories I must tell you about the kids perception of the Pre-K teachers -
I was attending an auction, when I ran into one of the Pre-k children. He looked at me and said "Is that you? Is that really you?" They can only relate to us as a part of the Pre-K class setting.
One other girl said when she saw me at a kids party, "You're the one who lives in my mom's (her mom was the Pre-K teacher I worked with) classroom." I guess because we're there in the morning when they come and we're there when they leave we must live there, at the school.
I never feel like I'm working, I'm having fun and building relationships with the kids. I've been at it for 11 years and I still love it!
I'll tag 