Ms. Emory
/
Birthday: April 13th
Hometown: Orange Park, FL
Favorite Crayola color: Dandelion
Background: I'm currently at Florida State University studying Elementary Education with a minor in Museum Studies. My first interest in childcare and development began as a young teen when I started working as a volunteer for local church day camps and after school programs. In this capacity, I predominantly assisted a group leader or served as co-counselors with another teen/adult doing activities such as: organized play, crafts, and other group activities. While this was the beginning of my experience, I didn't start working with children more professionally until I was a sophomore in high school. I then acquired a job at another church as a Sunday School teacher and substitute for their daycare/early childhood program for children ranging from infant - 6th grade. During my time there, I worked either by myself or with a peer, teaching lessons and leading organized crafts and learning activities. After working in this position for about a year, I received an offer to go to a different church and work as a permanent substitute teacher for their early childhood program. This gave me my most independent and hands on experience where I was the sole caretaker for classes of children ranging from sizes 4 - 20 kids. I filled in for teachers either the whole day or half-days depending on their needs. I carried out instructional lessons, held free time, organized crafts, supervised meals, watched over nap-time, and assisted children in the bathroom. Through this job, I gained many independent babysitting jobs for children I taught, which helped me work on my one-on-one skills with kids. Because of this experience, I'm confident in my ability to potty train as well as help transition children to eating solid foods, not using a pacifier, self soothing, and minding dietary restrictions.
She’s cared for children as young as: 5 months old
Future plans: Once I have my Bachelor's degree, I'll begin teaching full-time in an Elementary School somewhere in Leon County. During my first year teaching, I'll finish my remaining credits in school to obtain my Master's in Education and my minor in Museum Studies. I plan to stay in the classroom for a couple years to help grow my skills working with children and in lesson planning and utilizing the curriculum. After a couple years, I hope to transition from the classroom into working in the educational sector of a children's museum with a focus on life sciences and history. In this position, I'll work to plan children's events and activities as well as curate child friendly interactive exhibits.
When she's not babysitting: I love using my free time for a healthy combination of both indoor and outdoor interests. I'm a big advocate for the importance of understanding the natural environment around you, so I've really enjoyed all the parks and conservation areas throughout Tallahassee. Whether it's exploring the animals in the Tallahassee Museum or playing pickle ball in the park, I love finding ways to incorporate the outdoors in my day-to-day routine. I also enjoy reading or exploring museums. Tallahassee and FSU, especially, are both rich with history and have a surplus of libraries and museums focusing on cultural and historical information regarding the areas historical significance. That said, sometimes the best wind down from a long day of working is getting together with friends and playing video games and watching movies.
Defining quote: “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” — Winnie the Pooh
“Emory worked at my child’s daycare as one of the assistant teachers. She was always on the playground engaging with the kids and everyone wanted to be with her. We loved seeing Ms. Emory working with the kids because they were happy to be around her. We eventually asked her to come babysit for us in the evenings. She was an outstanding person to have caring for our children and we never worried when we left them in her care. At work (daycare) she was always smiling and engaged with the children. I never saw her distracted and was constantly looking after children and playing with them. She is also so friendly and sweet. She is polite and excited to work with kids. She even comes back to work at the daycare on her time off from school when she is back in town. We were sad to see her go when she moved to Tallahassee because we lost a very reliable and loving babysitter.”
“Emory is very confident and gentle with children. We met Emory through our child’s daycare at our church (where she worked). She babysat for us on several occasions for lengthy periods of time. We always felt confident leaving our child with Emory as she would prepare meals for our child, engage our child in play, and ensure our child’s safety. She is a trusted caregiver for us. We wouldn’t hesitate calling on her in her future to care for our child again. She always arrived on time and was very professional and kind. We highly recommend Emory for any child care job she may seek. We just wish she hadn’t moved away!”