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

Chris McLaughlin, Penquis CAP and Waldo CAP

“I am very committed to building a strong emotional foundation for our youngest learners, so they have the support and tools needed to thrive from the very start,” McLaughlin said.

Courtney Wood, Down East Family YMCA

“I love the children, the families, the community that child care creates for everyone,” Wood said.

Crystal Parritt, YWCA Central Maine

“I love being an important part of children’s educational and social foundation to become life-long adult learners,” Parritt said.

Crystal Stanley, Alfond Youth and Community Center

“I love being a preschool teacher and preschool coordinator because I get to witness children grow and develop,” Stanley said.

Cynthia White, KidsPeace

“Nothing feels better than watching a child realize they are succeeding,” White said.

Daron Stryker, Smarty Pants Preschool

“In what other profession do you get to come to work every day and feel loved and appreciated by these amazing tiny humans?” Stryker said.

Darlene Bruns, Westbrook Regional Vocational Center

“I love what I do because I inspire new educators to enter the early childhood education field and help them navigate what they would like to do,” Bruns said.

Deborah Perreault, Child Development Services Preschool – Gray

“Being in a position where I can help guide children on their learning journey is an absolute joy and privilege,” Perreault said.

DJ Adams, Alfond Youth & Community Center

“Being able to watch children learn and grow and experience their personalities bloom is why I love working with children,” Adams said.

Elizabeth Cote, Falmouth Elementary School

“I love teaching pre-K because I get to witness the incredible growth and development of young children every day,” Cote said.

Erin Gaudette, Dayton Consolidated School

“I am grateful to serve children with a nurturing, caring, play-based learning environment to instill a positive first-year school experience as a classroom family,” Gaudette said.

Eva Lowerre, Laugh & Learn Preschool

“I have always liked what I do, but it was not until I moved to an island in Maine that I really, really loved what I do,” Lowerre said.

Grace McIntyre, Grace’s Busy Bees Learning Center

“I love what I do because one thing that will never change is that each day in the classroom is never the same as the last. That even goes for the business side of the operations,” McIntyre said.

Gabrielle Flewelling, Toddle Inn Child Care

“I love watching how proud a child gets when they have mastered a skill that was tricky for them and watching them grow a love and excitement of learning!” Flewelling said.

Hailey Dellarma

“I like to encourage children to try new things, make learning fun, and watch their confidence soar as they succeed,” Dellarma said.

Hanna Goodwin, Roselyn North Academy

“I’ve been in this field of work for almost eight years, and what has always been the best part for me is watching children become more confident within themselves,” Goodwin said.

Heather Bowen, Camden-Rockport Elementary School

“I am grateful to laugh and learn alongside my preschool students every day as I nurture their natural curiosity and sense of wonder for our outdoor spaces,” Bowen said.

Jackie Thibodeau, Educare Central Maine

“I know I am making a lasting impact on the lives of my students and their families through the connections and experiences we share,” Thibodeau said.

Jacqueline Duclos, MSAD 35

“The work that I do in the classroom gives me so much joy and truly impacts my life in every way,” Duclos said.

Chelsea Brewer	“Chelsea is an invaluable teacher and resource in early childhood education in Maine,” Brewer’s nominator said.
Chase Warren	“Chase consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to helping children overcome challenges and build the necessary skills for everyday activities, from fine motor coordination to self-care tasks,” Warren’s nominator said.
Cindy Lapointe	“Cindy is incredibly thoughtful, supportive, and reassuring,” Lapointe’s nominator said.
Cissy Jellison	“Childcare is hard to come by these days, but Cissy has built an amazing program to serve the children and families of this community,” Jellison’s nominator said.
Crystal Oliver	“Working with children and families to navigate the intricacies of early childhood education, particularly in special education, to best meet their needs is some of the most meaningful work,” Oliver said.
Danielle Pendleton	“The best part of my job is honestly playing with the children and knowing it isn’t just play to them; this is how they learn best – and watching them grow, as they develop more skills, and seeing their faces bright and shining with pride,” Pendleton said.
Danielle Ridlon	“Early care is such an important part of a young child’s development. I am proud to be a resource for families,” Ridlon said.
Delores Alberico, D’s Daycare	“I love what I do because it allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, including my own,” Alberico said.
Demika Stowe	“Demika is always in tune with children’s needs beyond the academic profile,” Stowe’s nominator said.
Donna Hinkledire, Children’s Center of Augusta	“I love to watch the excitement in the students’ eyes when I bring out a new toy or a favorite toy,” Hinkledire said.
Emily Gravel	“Emily is an amazing preschool teacher. She is creative, patient, and kind. She truly loves her job, and it shows!” Gravel’s nominator said.
Emma Boone	“She is always working to come up with new strategies for learning,” Boone’s nominator said.
Erin Ketcham	“From day one, Erin has made it clear that her number one priority is helping kids and their families get connected with resources and providers in their communities to ensure the kids are getting what they need,” Ketcham’s nominator said.
Haley Small, Somerset Preschool Inc.	“She is an instrument of laughter while maintaining a pillar of understanding for children, staff, and families,” Small’s nominator said.
Hannah Gundersdorf	“Hannah always puts her students’ best interest first. Her students feel safe and cared for, as they pursue their academic journey,” Gundersdorf’s nominator said.
Hannah Marshall	“She goes over and above to support my little guy and to make flexible options for him when he’s having struggles,” Marshall’s nominator said.
Heather Thurlow	“She is a dedicated professional who pours her heart into her work,” Thurlow’s nominator said.
Heather Umel	“Ms. Heather is more than caring and kind; she is empathetic and understanding,” Umel’s nominator said.
Heidi Campbell, Whatever Is Clever Family Child Care	“I love what I do because no day is ever the same. Children are very entertaining, keep you laughing, and keep you on your toes,” Campbell said.
Isabella Rand, Sacopee Valley Elementary School	“I love being able to show up for my students and them knowing they have me in their corner,” Rand said.
Jacky Swindler, First Step Learning Center	“There’s something truly magical about witnessing the growth and development of children,” Swindler said.