Early Childhood Educator Experience

This week I asked Ms. Marrella if she would be willing to officially introduce herself on this blog, and write about her experience as an Early Childhood Educator in our class. 

 

I hope you enjoy this blog post as much as I do!

Elissa Iagallo

Hi Everyone,

          My name is Nadia Marrella and I would like to share with you a bit of information about myself, my past work experience, and finally, my experience working with Elissa in the kindergarten classroom.

          Where to begin… I live in Toronto with my husband and children.  I am a graduate of George Brown’s Early Childhood Education program.  This is my first year working as an ECE in a Full-Day Kindergarten classroom. 

I have over ten years of experience working in a daycare/nursery school as a RECE Teacher and Assistant Supervisor.  During that time I was responsible for children between the ages of 18 months to 5 years old.  As a teacher at the daycare, I was responsible for delivering the curriculum and ensuring that the program stimulated the children’s overall development.  As an assistant supervisor, I was responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the daycare.  This included a balance between administrative duties and responsibilities related to clients, staff and children.

Though this is my first year working as an ECE in a kindergarten classroom, I feel that my past experience did prepare me a great deal. 

As with any new position I felt both excited and nervous.  I was excited about the new opportunity, responsibilities and change.  I was also looking forward to working with a kindergarten teacher as an equal partner in the classroom.  Having said that, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I was also very nervous about how successful our partnership would be.

From the beginning Elissa welcomed me as an equal member of the staff and classroom.  As the “new” person coming in, she really took the time to explain the school culture and daily procedures.  She introduced me to other staff members and parents in the community.  Most importantly, she quickly made me feel like part of the team!

Elissa often uses the phrase “we are a team,” and she actually means it.  We have been equal partners in curriculum planning, student assessment, parent communication, and classroom set-up.  We team teach on a daily basis, and share classroom responsibilities and chores.  I feel that we have great communication with each other in that we are able to confidently share ideas, suggestions and opinions.  We definitely collaborate, and our shared goal is the happiness and education of the children in our class. 

  I’m happy that this transition from daycare to school has been a nice and satisfying experience for me.  

Nadia Marrella