Caroline ’28 is working with CJEAA Group Family Daycare to support early childhood education and promote equity by providing culturally relevant books and reflecting on how community support is vital to sustaining quality care and preventing educator burnout.
At CJEAA Group Family Daycare, I’ve had the privilege of observing firsthand how crucial this center is to both the children it serves and the families who depend on its services. The children, ranging from infants to school-age, are constantly engaged in learning, whether they’re exploring new sensory toys, practicing early reading, or interacting with one another in group activities. One moment that stands out to me is seeing how the older children gravitated toward the multicultural books we recently brought in, which were both bought and donated from closing schools in our area. I even donated my own books to them, including one from last year’s summer reading: How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents. It was heartwarming to watch them discover characters and stories that reflected their own backgrounds. These materials weren’t just educational—they were a bridge to their own cultural identity.
As I reflect on my observations, I find myself wondering how we can better support these passionate educators to prevent burnout and equip them with the tools they need to continue providing such high-quality care. This experience reminds me of the broader challenges within many educational programs, and I think back to my own early learning experiences, where I was fortunate enough to have access to a variety of resources that helped me develop a love for learning. I often wonder what my experience would have been like if I had been without those resources. It also makes me think about the larger issue of equity in education—how, without support and funding, some children and communities get left behind.
When I think about what’s happening at this daycare, I’m reminded of the importance of community support. It’s not just about my project—it’s about a network of people and organizations that need to work together to ensure every child has the best start possible. In a world that’s so often focused on the academic achievements of older students, the foundation built in early childhood education is equally essential—and it needs our attention.
