Meet Our La Petite Academy Staff – Ms. Jamie, Lead Twos Teacher

Meet Ms. Jamie, the lead teacher in our twos classroom at La Petite Academy in St. Joseph, MO! She has been at this location for two years and has a Bachelor of Science degree in theater and cinema, as well as her Child Development Associate’s credential. Read our Q&A to learn more about this wonderful member of our La Petite team!

Why did you decide on a career in early education here at La Petite Academy?

I started working for a different daycare before I started here because I liked working with kids, but I didn’t like the place that I was working at. I came and interviewed here because I still figured it would be really fun to work with kids, I just wanted to try something different. I was hired and started working in the one-year-old room and they then moved me to the two-year-old room.

What’s your favorite part about teaching two-year-olds?

I like that they can talk. I like that I can have a full on conversation and it can take a weird turn sometimes – that’s pretty fun.

How is being an early educator rewarding for you?

I get my students when they’re just turning two or they’ve been two for a little while, so they might not have the language yet. It’s rewarding being able to watch them fully develop strong language skills, especially using their words when they’re mad or when they need help. I’m a big manners person, so they know that when we’re eating at the table, they have to say “please” and “thank you.” When the lunch lady comes in and brings our lunch, we tell her “hi” and we always tell her “thank you,” and I think she really likes that. It’s rewarding to see them gain that respect and to be knowledgeable that other people are doing things for them and helping them.

Why do you feel our early education programs are beneficial to little ones?

I never really honestly ever noticed that we have such an impact on children. When I started working here, that’s when I really saw it, because when I was working at my other daycare, I wasn’t as responsible as I am here. Here, I feel like we’re responsible a lot more and that gives insight into what you can shape a small child into. I feel like that’s one of the really great things about La Petite – how much they care about getting that early education in, that way the kids are not behind when they go to school.

How is your relationship with your students’ parents?

Most of my parents I have really good relationships with. Most of them come to me and ask me questions or for advice, or even if I feel like something’s going wrong or something’s happening, I can openly talk to them about it. Then we can break it down and figure out the issue together.

What do you love overall about working at La Petite?

Even though it’s stressful sometimes because there are so many rules and regulations, I like the fact that there are so many rules and regulations, because instead of somebody doing something one way and then somebody teaching you another way, we’re all learning one way. None of us are separated; we’re all working as a team. We all have the same goals in mind, so I like being a part of a team with those rules so we keep kids safe and have fun doing it. That’s probably my favorite part.