Week of the Young Child®: Monday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights

The Week of the Young Child® highlights the importance of early childhood education and the foundational role it plays in a child’s success. This week also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the early care and education professionals who nurture and support children and families during this critical stage of growth and development.

This year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is teaming up with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child and Family Services – Early Care and Education Division to honor dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.

Each day of the week during the Week of the Young Child, the Maine DOE will highlight early childhood professionals who have been nominated by their colleagues and the communities they serve.

Here are the Monday Early Childhood Professional Spotlights:

Aileen Breault

“Day by day, it is a growing, wonderful feeling for me, realizing that I am actually doing something inspiring and [providing] meaningful learning development for each child in my class,” Breault said.

Allyson Barnard, Starfish Academy

“I love being able to create an inclusive environment with my incredible staff that supports early intervention and the social-emotional growth for all children who attend our academy,” Barnard said.

Allyson Casares, Libby Tozier School

“I love being able to use my creativity and my compassion for the young child in order to start them off with a strong foundation of academic and social-emotional skills,” Casares said.

Amanda Cyr, Roselyn North Academy

“I love being a daycare teacher because I get to be a source of stability and care in a child’s early years, shaping their love for learning,” Cyr said.

Amber Smith

“Amber is a skilled, loving, gentle preschool educator. We have been fortunate to have her care for both of our children,” Smith’s nominator said.

Anna Dodge, Windham Raymond School Aged Child Care

“There is something so fulfilling in life, knowing you are actively shaping kids’ lives,” Dodge said.

Annabelle York, Albion Elementary School

“As early educators, we play an instrumental role in guiding children through their emotions and fostering friendships,” York said.

Ashley Bottomley, Tiny Toes Childcare

“When I wake up every morning, I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” Bottomley said.

Beth Glidden, Little Buddies Child Care, LLC

“It is about having a good day but not just for the children. Having a team that knows that their time and family matters and are there for one another is seen in their passion every day, as they have a good day,” Glidden said.

Brianna Carr, KidsPeace – Old Town

“I love the field I work in because every day I’m here, I get inspired by the resilience and strength of the future generation we serve,” Carr said.

Brianna Thomas, Miles of Smiles Childcare and Preschool

“I love bringing magic into the classroom and creating a hands-on learning experience for all children to flourish,” Thomas said.

Brittany Woolley, Smarties Early Learning Center

“I love being a positive influence on children’s lives, modeling kindness, patience, and to love learning, but my favorite part about my job is making a difference in the children’s lives that I work with,” Woolley said.

Brook Cruz, Pumpkin Patch Preschool and Childcare

“I enjoy getting to know each and every child, along with creating a successful learning experience that is suited for each individual child’s needs,” Cruz said.

Caroline Saucier, Gallant Therapy Services

“I am overjoyed to be part of something truly extraordinary, where I can nurture and guide young individuals toward their full potential and independence,” Saucier said.

Charlotte Jacobs, Seedlings to Sunflowers Non-Profit Childcare and Family Center

“As I enter my 14th year in the field of early childhood education and care, I believe that we can help children to become life-long learners in our approaches to teaching,” Jacobs said.

Alexis Tozier	“Alexis is the lead teacher behind our work to provide special education services to all 3- and 4-year-olds in our district,” Tozier’s nominator said.
Alicia Grindle	“She makes sure that every child is seen and heard and works hard to give them a positive experience and a safe place to express themselves,” Grindle’s nominator said.
Allison Keenan	“Allison deserves this honor because she works daily with preschoolers who have special needs,” Keenan’s nominator said.
Alyx Carbone, Spring Point Children’s Center	“It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of a family’s village, sharing moments of celebration when their children reach new milestones,” Carbone said.
Amanda Barnes, Cornerspring Montessori School	“I love watching the children learn and grow. The children bring so much joy to my life. They teach me independence, patience, kindness, and love daily,” Barnes said.
Amanda Jolly, St. Louis Child Development Center	“It makes it all worth the craziness when I walk in every morning, and they run and hug me every morning,” Jolly said.
Amber Dawn Doiron	“Amber Dawn approaches each family with empathy, a smile, and a perspective that affects change in many families’ lives,” Doiron’s nominator said.
Amber Lombardi	“Amber started Mainely Teeth, a non-profit mobile dental clinic, to bring community access to quality dental care,” Lombardi’s nominator said.
Angela (Angie) Tibbetts	“The love and care Angie has for every student at Jumpin’ Jax is evident every morning at drop-off and every evening at pick-up,” Tibbetts’ nominator said
Anita McCurdy, Anita’s Home Childcare	“I love working with children of all ages, but the younger ones are my favorite,” McCurdy said.
Ann Chase, Kate Furbish Elementary School	“I love being part of the amazing pre-K team at Kate Furbish Elementary School. They are some of the most supportive and dedicated educators I have ever worked with,” Chase said.
Ann Goodwin	“She opens her home to every family she provides care for and each of the children are ‘her children,'” Goodwin’s nominator said.
Anne Bachner, Bachner Beginnings Family Child Care	“I feel that children deeply benefit from being around friends of different ages and abilities, and it is a joy to watch them teach and help each other,” Bachner said.
Annie Boitz	“Annie plans so many wonderful enriching activities for the toddlers in her classroom and focuses on nurturing their cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development,” Boitz said.
Annie Colaluca	“Annie works tirelessly to improve the quality of care for not just children in our program at the Bath Area Family YMCA but across the state,” Colaluca’s nominator said.
Annie York	“Annie commits to making sure all her students have all the tools necessary to make sure they are successful and goes out of her way to make learning fun for her students every day,” York’s nominator said.
Ashley Stanley	“Ashley Stanley is an amazing educational leader who teaches kindergarten at the Tremont Consolidated School. She is passionate about Early Childhood Education and the needs of all students,” Stanley’s nominator said.
Barbara Koch	“She creates a safe space for them to melt down or to be happy, to stim without judgment, and she loves them without judgment. She is really great in the community with advocacy, as well,” Koch’s nominator said.
Becky Lewis	“Becky is a great team member and extraordinary teacher,” Lewis’ nominator said.
Bri Mayberry, Windham Raymond School Aged Child Care	“I have worked in this field for almost 15 years, and I have loved it every step of the way,” Mayberry said.
Camelia Babson-Haley, Youth and Family Outreach	“I love what I do because I have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families who face significant challenges,” Babson-Haley said.
Catherine Laweryson, Mobius Inc.	“As a children’s case manager, I love helping parents and guardians with accessing needed and beneficial resources,” Laweryson said.
Catherine Thompson, Patricia A. Duran School	“I love teaching pre-K for so many reasons, but the most important one is the children I get to see every day!” Thompson said.
Charlotte Ala	“This educator has shown patience and understanding during difficult situations. She is an amazing role model for future educators and always shows compassion for others,” Ala’s nominator said.