Kindergarten teachers play a crucial role in building the foundation for our children’s educational journey. Dedicated educators– like Hannah McVey from the Aurora Early Learning Center– are not just teaching the ABCs and 123s, they are helping kids grow, enjoy learning, and prepare for a successful future.
A Glimpse Into the Kindergarten Classroom
Every day in Hannah’s classroom is new and enjoyable. The first hour of her day is filled with the joyful buzz of chatter from the 5-6 year olds. They engage in building intricate structures with blocks, unleash their creativity through coloring, and share laughter while racing toy cars. During these moments of unstructured play, the children’s cognitive development is growing while they learn interpersonal skills through social interaction with their classmates and teachers.
As the clock inches towards 9 a.m., the transition from play to structured learning begins. The kindergartners make their way to their desks and go over what classroom responsibilities and learning are planned for the day. From there, the academic day unfolds–reading and writing, math, social studies, and science.
By thoughtfully crafting group activities tailored to each learning level, Hannah ensures that every child receives the attention and support they need to succeed, enabling her to accommodate the diverse needs of her students. The student’s classwork is designed to be split into two-week long units exploring how the world works with their learning group–a carefully curated team of students, selected to match progress while still allowing each child to be challenged.
The Impact of Early Education
Currently Kindergarten is not mandatory in the state of Illinois, but the impact of early education is profound due to its role in shaping crucial cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children. These foundational skills lay the groundwork for academic success, school readiness, and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. In a nation where over 2 million students drop out of high school every year in the United States, it costs communities approximately $272,000 per dropout in public assistance, healthcare, and incarceration expenses.
However, among these concerning statistics, research shines a hopeful light on the significance of early education. Research has shown, children in today’s early education programs not only experience personal growth, but also have greater chances of success. Children enrolled in early education programs today are 25% more likely to graduate high school and 4 times more likely to obtain a Bachelor’s degree.
“I love seeing how much the kids grow,” Hannah said. “Being able to see how much they change throughout the school year, how much they can come out of their shell since the first day of school and seeing how much they grow as individuals–socially and emotionally, but also academically–is probably my favorite thing about teaching.”
Embrace Your Journey At One Hope United
As part of OHU’s kindergarten team, teachers find a supportive and collaborative environment with accessible lesson plans at their fingertips. Just like Hannah, they are equipped to inspire learning and curiosity in their students, setting them on a path to success from day one. To offer full support, we include assistant teachers in the classroom to ensure both our students and teachers are supported.
But it’s not just about the classroom–it’s about being part of a community. Our regular events include art fairs, science fairs, and open houses, creating a genuine relationship between families and teachers. Through our parent portal, communication becomes seamless so parents and teachers are on the same page about their child’s education and developmental growth.
As a kindergarten teacher at OHU, your role extends far beyond education. You’re influencing and molding the next generation. If you’re ready to embark on your teaching journey with One Hope United, click here.
