Project Description

1+1=2

2+2=4

It’s amazing how a math equation may seem simple now, yet at the age of three it was impossible. What helps bridge that gap? Often times it is a teacher — one of the biggest influencers in a child’s life.

Jorian Lavender first became interested in teaching early childhood after she enrolled her son in daycare; she found herself not only checking up on her son often, but also the other children, sparking a lasting interest in early education and encouraging her to pursue it as a career. Ms. Lavender is currently a teacher at COA’s Burke Early Education Center. She is a mother to five children and understands the importance of educating children at a young age.

Children are constantly looking for answers and clarifications. Ms. Lavender remembers when she taught a class what it meant to have good hygiene. “I think the children enjoyed the class because they knew I wasn’t judging them and wanted to help them,” said Ms. Lavender. “Since most kids didn’t have supplies for basic stuff like deodorant, they really wanted help on alternatives,” which inspired the intrepid Ms. Lavender to make take-home hygiene kits that included toothpaste, deodorant and wet wipes.

COA’s Riverwest and Burke Early Education Centers strive to help children succeed as students and learn positive social behaviors. The Early Education Centers focus on providing children with quality education that enhances the development of young minds starting as early as six weeks old. At the heart of these centers are the many teachers that dedicate every day to improving the lives of the children in their classroom.

Ms. Lavender feels that she is here to guide the children to be individuals because after all “We follow them”. Remember, teachers are one of our first influencers in life. #WeAreCOA

 

About COA’s Early Education Centers

COA’s Riverwest Early Education Center is one of the few early education centers in Milwaukee that has been nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), earning it a 5-star Youngstar rating. And the new Burke Early Education Center (where Ms. Lavender works), is already being recognized for its high quality and is being fast-tracked towards NAEYC accreditation.

Want to join the team? COA is currently hiring passionate Early Education Teachers! Click here for more information.