2009 4-Star Accreditation Essay Contest Winner – Robyn King
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This year’s winner is Robyn King from Antioch, California. Robyn was honored at this year’s annual conference in Baltimore Maryland. She received an award at the Accreditation Reception and VIP seating with Sue Stevens at the conference luncheon. This year Child Care Consulting and Training Services, Inc – CATS –contributed $500 to help offset travel and lodging expenses for Robyn. |
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Robyn's Essay
Of the many positive changes that have occurred from becoming accredited, the most rewarding is a boost to my self-esteem and purpose. In finding myself and validating what I do on a daily basis for the children that I serve I have learned to once again love myself and my decision to care for other people’s children. For as long as I can remember I have concentrated on the children that I provide for and what is best for them. In doing so, I, like so many other providers, have allowed what’s best for me to become second, third and often non-existent.
Each day I would plan lessons, meals, and activities to empower and educate the children. In retrospect, I now know that although I was doing a good job I was not doing the best job I could. How could I if I was not fully engaged and mentally able or prepared as a whole? I spent so much time concentrating on establishing myself as a good educator and provider that I lost my vision and some of my spirit. There were many reasons for that loss. I knew that my chosen profession was not always well respected and sometimes I allowed that to influence how I felt about what I was doing. However, accreditation changed all of that.
The accreditation process reaffirmed my commitment and strengths, not only as a provider, but as a person as well. The process required so much of me and my staff that I knew this is what I needed to boost myself BACK to where I once was. For many years, I had wanted to own and operate a private preschool. Once I became involved and accepted the challenge of improving my program through accreditation I was instantly excited about the prospect of how this would enhance the children’s environment. I looked forward to the challenges, changes and [unknowingly at the time] the work and learning that would be required to show such improvement.
I met a group of women that were just like me! We shared stories, experiences, problems, and concerns and networked to encourage one another. What a delight to no longer feel alone! This group of women lent themselves in an unselfish manner that made me want to stay a part of this newfound circle. I learned that I also brought a wealth of knowledge and information to the group as well. This experience was so rewarding on many levels.
Upon completion of the many stages and my official observation visit I felt a sense of calm and completion that rejuvenated my soul. When I learned I had indeed met the requirements to become accredited by NAFCC I was boosted even further. There was no stopping me now! I knew that I was the best, which correlated to me bringing the best back into my program which would benefit my children as well. I was rejuvenated with a new sense of purpose and direction. Although I have elected to concentrate on how accreditation affected me personally it also boosted my program in the same way.
Once I was made to feel whole as a person again, I was able to extend that feeling of purpose, hope, encouragement and awe to my children. Our lesson plans, activities, field trips, meals, and everything else that encompasses our days are filled with a new sense of wonder. We all are excited about learning and experiencing through the eyes of each other and respect each other’s views, ideas, and questions, which in turn inspires our learning and lessons.
Because of my accreditation journey, my program received an overhaul both internally and externally that is reflected in the many happy spirits and smiling faces that I see daily. My children share in this rebirth and reap the many benefits that accreditation has brought us. I thank you for the opportunity and experience that helped me once again find myself while validating my life time commitment to improving the health, welfare, and lives of children. I would do it again in a heartbeat!