Rosanna Acosta. Photo courtesy of Rosanna Acosta.

My name is Rosanna Acosta. I work in Springfield, Mass., as an early childhood educator in my own home daycare, Little Star Daycare. I have been in the field for four years.

The important part of my work is providing the foundational principles of education for young children in a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow and learn. I encourage parents and families to continue this education at home and to nurture their children to support their growth and development.

As an educator, I am always proud when I see my students grow each and every day. One of my favorite memories is when I went grocery shopping once and was hugged by one of my past students who said how much they’ve missed me. The parents told me that even after leaving my program, their child would talk about me and the things they learned and did. This showed me that my work really has an impact on the lives of my students. Regardless of the time that has passed, their early education experiences stick with them as they get older.

My own education started in the Dominican Republic, where I went to elementary and middle school. My family migrated to the United States, where I earned my GED. In 2020, I decided to go back to school, and now I am continuing my education at Springfield Technical Community College, where I am working on earning my CDA (Child Development Associate) certification as well as an associate degree in Early Education Childhood Development. I am also participating in a professional development program. We meet regularly every two months to discuss new activities and developments.

My favorite children’s book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” by Eric Carle. It’s one of the books I read to almost all my new students because it teaches a valuable lesson that children can learn from. In this case, children are learning the difference between good food and bad food, and they’re learning about the lifecycle of butterflies. This book also helps adults learn how to properly explain things and how to teach children about the world around them in a creative and educational way.

One challenge that I need support with is having enough school supplies for the children in my program and covering the expenses of buying more toys and materials. Having more funding would enable me to buy better supplies, which would improve my students’ learning experience.

During the pandemic, I have learned that I shouldn’t overwhelm myself with work. I take breaks and enjoy the little things in life such as the serious conversations my toddlers have over their dolls. I have learned that every family has their own daily difficulties that they go through, and just being there for them and supporting their children is part of the battle.

Policymakers should know that my work plays a fundamental part of society. I wake up in the early mornings to provide a safe space for the children in my community to learn while also taking care of my own children. I support parents who are working to provide a better environment for their children. Because they know their children are in good hands, these parents can contribute to society.

People may think my work is not important because the children I work with are young, but early educators have a significant impact on children as they develop. I hope that in the future, early education will be in the limelight, recognized as one of the most crucial jobs in society, and given more funding for the important work we do for children and the families in our communities.