Happy October! This month we're kicking things off by celebrating someone who has spent more than 30 years showing up for young children. Shannon Jones, director of FUMC Child Development Center, has built a career on the everyday moments that shape little lives, and we're so glad to share a bit of her story with you.

What brought you to work with children? Have you always wanted to or did it just happen?
It kind of just happened. It started with babysitting and grew from there.

What are some of your hobbies?

Spending time with my husband, baking, cooking, traveling, re-learning how to play the piano, and trying to learn Spanish.

What is your most treasured accomplishment?

Marrying my best friend (married 38 years in June) and earning my Bachelor's degree.

What is your favorite thing about working with children?
Their pure hearts and unconditional love.

What has been the most significant or memorable moment in your job?

When one of our parents told me that we do things differently from other centers, and to keep doing what we're doing because God shines through us.

Do you have any dreams or aspirations you want to share?

My dream isn't career-oriented. I've always dreamed of being a homemaker and doing things like baking and cooking meals for others to brighten their day, and volunteering for my church.

"When my oldest was 4, I took her to preschool.  

Just typing this sentence brings up so much for me.  

My Jaden was extraordinary, as all moms think their daughters are! But she had some special qualities that made this first school experience especially scary for me. She was very reserved in new spaces. It took a while for her to warm up to new people. She didn’t like a lot of noise or crowded spaces. She was very specific about what she would eat without gagging. She wouldn’t ask for help when she needed it from unfamiliar adults. 

I was not yet an early childhood professional with hours and hours of training and learning brain development. My child was smart, funny, happy, and healthy. I didn’t know enough about sensory disorders to recognize what was actually going on with her in those moments of complete shutdown when she was overwhelmed. That knowledge came later with some really big feelings we can discuss another time.  

What I DID know was my child. I knew how anxious I was to be leaving her with someone unfamiliar with all of her “quirks.” I knew that my anxiety came down to one question: “Would her new teacher take the time to get to know her and love her since she didn’t make new connections quickly or easily?” 

I met Ms. Amy at open house. In that moment, I knew Jaden was going to be ok. Ms. Amy had a four year old daughter. Her child also struggled with new environments. She knew what it took to draw out a scared little girl without overwhelming her. I would not have known any of that if Ms. Amy had not taken the time to talk to me. She put me at ease by listening, really listening. She made a point to ask me what things Jaden liked and disliked. She acted as if she couldn’t wait for the school year to begin.  

I am still friends with Ms. Amy. I still make a point of reminding her how much I appreciated her caring heart at that open house all those years ago. She made a true difference in my daughter’s life by making her first school experience amazing and helped me learn there are people in the early childhood world who genuinely care.

Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give a parent is simply taking the time to see them, understand them, and meet them where they are. I will always be grateful that Ms. Amy did exactly that for me."

- Julie Rich, Professional Development Coordinator at Curricula Concepts

If you're looking for ways to nurture connection at your center, we're here to help! Email us at info@curriculaconcepts.com to get started!