Meet Our Childtime Staff – Ms. Michelle, Infant Teacher

Meet Ms. Michelle, lead teacher in the infant 2 room (nine to 15-month-olds) at Childtime in Flemington, NJ! She has been at Childtime for eight years and is a two-time recipient of her school’s Teacher of the Year Award! Read our interview with Michelle to learn more about this amazing member of our team.

Can you tell us some more about your background?

I have my Child Development Associate’s credential and have been doing child care for 18 years. The only job I’ve ever had was in child care.

Why did you decide on this career path?

One day I went to work with my mom and I thought it was really fun being able to play with little kids. It just kind of stuck. And I come every day now with a smile on my face.

Was your mom an early educator, as well?

She started off as a pre-k teacher and went all the way up to director. She was the director of her own school.

Take us through a typical day in your classroom.

I welcome all the parents as they drop off. After that, I do circle time, we sing songs and tell stories. Then we have snack and after that, I work on some fine motor skills with them. I try to do a lot of one-on-one work because I want to know each of their strengths and weaknesses. After that we do music, which they love. We have scarves and I put on a song and they go to town. I get a little crazy with them! We go outside if it’s nice out, and after that we come inside, wash up, have lunch, and get ready for nap. Then in the afternoon when they wake up, we give them a snack and I do story time, we do art activities and sensory play, and we go outside.

How do you ensure strong communication with families?

I always use the brightwheel mobile app and I send lots of pictures and videos all day long. I tell them that they can contact me any time during the day. I let them know that I’ve been on both sides. Being a teacher, I say, “Oh, your child will be fine don’t worry!” But I also have the experience of being on the opposite end when my daughter went to daycare, and being on the opposite end, it’s, “Oh my goodness, I’m dropping her off with someone I don’t know!”

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I just joined Pilates so I enjoy exercising. I do love watching my kids play soccer and basketball, and my daughter is a gymnast. I’m really just all about my kids!

Why do you love coming to work here at Childtime?

Just the kids. And the other teacher in the infant room with me, she’s been my go-to person and my rock. So I’d say just being with her and the kids.