Shelly S.
ECA
I started out at St. Michaels’ Daycare as a volunteer. I was first introduced into the field by a family member who had worked at St. Michael’s for some time.
Once I was given the opportunity to explore the centre and the environment as a whole, I fell in love with the people that I met and the love that I had for the children. I started this year ( 2023 ) and it has become very life-changing for me.
Getting to interact with the children and watching them grow day by day has been one of the biggest reasons why I love working at the daycare.
Kristine L.
ECA
Before I graduated high school, I was uncertain of which program to apply for in college. My Co-op teacher recommended studying Early Childhood Education because I mentioned that I love kids and I have a niece that I have to take care of, and that’s when I started my first placement at St. Micheal Daycare.
I started in June 2021. I remember starting my placement in the toddler room with Lea, it was a fulfilling challenge. Over time I have learned a lot being a part of each age group’s room.
I can do what I truly love to do, which is working with children. They are the ones who will help you reach your goals and future, and it is kind of nice to know that we have had an impact on their lives and can watch them as they grow and learn from us.
One day when I graduate from being an ECE I would love to start a small daycare to teach all the kids back home in the Philippines.
Angelica C.
RECE
Since I can remember, I’ve been surrounded by children; hugging, playing, talking, sharing, and pretending I was a teacher. I’ve always felt a lot of tenderness and love for children. As a teenager, I used to design and sew clothes for them. I grew up looking at my mom preparing classes, and correcting tests (She was a primary school teacher) she was my inspiration, that little seed was planted deep inside me.
I have studied Journalism and Advertising but in 2003 the little seed inside me had grown and I returned to university, receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Having graduated at the top of my year, I was awarded a role with the Red Cross Daycare. As I gained experience, I expanded my involvement as the church’s school teacher.
I have worked on various projects between the government and the municipality, but always with children and their families. From teaching classes for low-income children and families to pedagogical daycare support educators for the protection of the rights of children and teenagers.
After coming to Canada I continued looking for a way to work with children, studying English and completing my early development courses towards receiving my Early Childhood Educator Diploma. My placement was at St Michael and All Angels Daycare Centre. After graduating, I landed the opportunity to work in this beautiful place.
I feel at home here, sharing with all the precious children that make my days shine with their marvelous smiles. It is beautiful to see them growing, learning, and being happy in an environment that allows them to feel at home too. Families can trust knowing their children are cared for in a safe and comfortable environment.
Milca Solórzano O.
ECA
My name is Milca Solórzano. I am from Perú. I have worked in childcare since 2015 and at St. Michaels and All Angels Daycare since 2022.
When I arrived in Canada I had the opportunity to explore different fields. One day a friend told me about a volunteering job in a daycare. I volunteered and later got a part-time job at that daycare where I worked for 6 years.
Coming from a family of 6 children, looking after children is second nature to me. As a teen, I volunteered at my Church Children‘s school teaching kids aged 3 to 8. It was quite an experience. More recently, I have been blessed to take care of my niece and nephew.
Children are very special to me, as they are all unique in their own ways. They discover and interact with the environment through play, learning to problem-solve, explore, and express themselves.
I find working with children to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience as it is a continuous learning journey for both the children and me. As educators, we get rewarded every day by children’s smiles and the excitement on their faces when they have learned or achieved something new.