Awilda’s Pathway to the ECE Profession

My early childhood education journey began in Chicago, Illinois when I was 3 to 4 years old. I attended the Head Start program at the local YMCA while my mother worked at a nearby Puerto Rican restaurant. The program provided quality education, free childcare, and helped me develop socializing skills.

My family moved while I was in elementary school, and i started the path in higher education and obtained a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in public administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration.

After completing my studies, I unexpectedly found myself working for the same early childhood education agency that had been so valuable to me and my family. I joined Head Start as a family advocate in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this role, I supported families and teachers at the site, connecting them with community resources. I also assisted families in accessing quality child care while they worked or attended school.

Although I had no formal teaching experience, my previous involvement in caring for children at my church provided some background in early childhood education. I occasionally filled in for teachers in the classroom. As a family advocate, I knew that I was indirectly helping the young lives at the site by supporting their parents and teachers.

After my time at Head Start, I obtained my real estate license in Michigan and worked as a real estate agent. Surprisingly, I found that being a real estate agent was like my previous role as a family advocate, as both involved assisting families in finding suitable homes and neighborhoods. During my time as a real estate agent, I came across a job opportunity as a Bilingual Project Coordinator for First Step Kent. This allowed me to merge my business background as a real estate agent with my passion for early childhood education by supporting Early Childhood home providers in the Kent County region.

Overall, my journey in early childhood education has been diverse and unexpected. From my experiences at Head Start to my career in real estate to working with in-home child care business owners, I have gained valuable skills and knowledge working with children and families.

Not all pathways look the same. There are several ways to get into the field of early childhood education. The qualifications and requirements for early educator roles may vary, so start by researching the educational and experience requirements for the career you're interested in.