EAST HYDE PARK
INFANT-TODDLER TEAM
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SPARKLE JENKENS - TEACHER
Hello! My name is Sparkle Jenkins. I've been working with children for 6 years. I'm currently pursuing my BA in Early Childhood Development at Ashford University. I obtained my CDA in 2017. As a teacher I believe I am responsible for providing infants, toddlers and young children a safe, nurturing environment where they can have positive learning experiences. I strive to model respect for children as well as their parents. Respect for children as well as parents is important for the child to have a great learning experience. Children are motivated to learn when they have opportunities to make choices in an environment that is enriching and stimulating. I believe children learn best through play. They learn through all their senses by tasting, touching, seeing, hearing and smelling. By watching and imitating people close to them, they learn language and behavior. This is why it is important to model the behavior you want the children to display.
LONDON CASON - ASSISTANT TEACHER (EAST INFANTS/TODDLERS)
Hello, my name is London Cason, and I am an Assistant Teacher for Infants/Toddlers! I recently graduated from National Louis University with a B.A. in Applied Educational Studies. However, one day I plan to go back to receive my B.A. in Special Education. Why Special Education? Because it has been a dream of mine to work with children with special needs, especially deaf/hard-of-hearing children. My disability is a big inspiration for that. I am hard of hearing myself, which sets me apart from the Little Inspiration staff in a big way! However, I don’t let my disability stop me from reaching my goals. Working with young children gives me such a high as an educator because every day is new. Every day I see growth in every child, and that growth is always celebrated in their learning. I choose to teach because of the simple fact that I want to help. I want to help grow their little minds and as well as grow within themselves. You will be surprised at how much growth happens within a month of an infant’s or toddler’s life! When I am not working, I am a daughter, big sister, aunt, and friend who loves to read, write, and just live life with a smile 😊
TINY TURTLES (Toddlers)
PLAYFUL PANDAS (Infants)
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SPARKLE JENKENS - TEACHER
Hello! My name is Sparkle Jenkins. I've been working with children for 6 years. I'm currently pursuing my BA in Early Childhood Development at Ashford University. I obtained my CDA in 2017. As a teacher I believe I am responsible for providing infants, toddlers and young children a safe, nurturing environment where they can have positive learning experiences. I strive to model respect for children as well as their parents. Respect for children as well as parents is important for the child to have a great learning experience. Children are motivated to learn when they have opportunities to make choices in an environment that is enriching and stimulating. I believe children learn best through play. They learn through all their senses by tasting, touching, seeing, hearing and smelling. By watching and imitating people close to them, they learn language and behavior. This is why it is important to model the behavior you want the children to display.
BRIANA PORRAS - TEACHER
Hello my name is Briana Porras! I am super excited to be a part of the Little Inspirations family. I am excited to work with all the lovely children here at the center. My experience in childcare has grown. I started off babysitting for my own family and then got into the field and studied to be in the Early Childhood Field at Malcolm X College, I studied here for 3 years.
A little bit of background about myself: I was born and raised on the southside of Chicago, I am the youngest of three, and a first time aunt to 2 beautiful girls. I have two little ones of my own, a boy who is 2 years old and a three month baby girl, the best of both worlds! I love sunsets and enjoy visiting new places. A fun fact about me is I love traveling and collecting souvenirs from everywhere I have visited.
TINY TURTLES (Toddlers)
LASHAE PIERCE - INTERIM LEAD TEACHER
Hello Everyone, My name is Lashae Pierce, and my dream has always been to work with children and owning a child care. I always love speaking positively into them, showing affection and giving them words of affirmations. Unfortunately life can be tough despite who you are and how old you are, so my goal is to make sure every single kid knows what love is, how it should be shown, and knows what it looks like in others.
I currently have my associates degree, but plan on going back next fall to get my bachelor’s and master’s degree. I’m excited to work with the Tiny Turtle’s and meet all the parents!
SHANICE SMITH - ASSISTANT TEACHER
Education: Pursuing a BA in Nursing. 5+ years experience in ECE
Tell us something fun about yourself: My family and friends nicknamed me “detective” because I can always find or figure out things given minimal details.
What do you love about teaching or early childhood? What I love the most about teaching ECE is being able to see a child develop and grow. I absolutely love to see when a child has grasped a concept and is eager to learn more.
What’s your favorite area of play and why? My favorite area of play for children, without a doubt, is dramatic play! This is my favorite because dramatic play gives children a chance to use their amazingly creative imaginations to place themselves in their own world of play. Dramatic play is also my favorite because it is a time where children can interact with other children freely.