Early Childhood Educator

                       
Kay Sikich B.A.
Phone: 952.431.8340
Voicemail: 651.683.6969 Ext. 94921
Building: Early Childhood Learning Center, Apple Valley

About Me
I am an Early Childhood Educator in the Yellow Room at the ECLC in Apple Valley. I teach ECFE classes, Preschool Discovery and a Bridge to School preschool class. 

I  received a BA degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Cloud State University.  After college I began my teaching career at the Bloomington/Richfield Family Center.  I taught regular ECFE classes and was instrumental in helping start the Preschool Plus program.  I worked there until my sons were born. In 1996 we moved to Apple Valley and years later when my children were older, I returned  to work in a part time capacity at the Early Childhood Learning Center, and also teaching  full time at St. John Neumann Preschool.  In the fall of 2008, my career with ECFE came full-circle as I once again began teaching full time in ECFE!

My sons are now 18 and 15!  They love watching and playing sports.  Both are very active in baseball.  After 14 years of watching them play, I still look forward to every game. My oldest son is in the process of choosing a college for the fall of 2009 to begin his new journey in life and my youngest is about to get his drivers license. It is a very exciting time for our family.  Gone are the days of ECFE classes, Ninja turtles, backyard baseball and reading millions of books together!  Enjoy your children, they grow fast!

Favorite Children's Books:

"I Love You the Purplest", by Barbara Joosse
"The Mitten, The Hat and Gingerbread Friends", by Jan Brett
"Little Quack and Little Quacks New Friend", by Derek Anderson
"Owl Babies", by Martin Waddell
"Stranger in the Woods", by Carl R. Sam II and Jean Stoick
"The Kissing Hand", by Audrey Penn
"Something From Nothing", by Phoebe Gilman

Philosophy
I believe that parents and teachers together can foster a life-long love of learning. Working with a great team of professionals, I try to create the best learning environment for both parents and students. A child's first school experience should encourage positive feelings about ones self and others. Every child is developmentally different and deserves the opportunity to develop and learn at his/her own rate. My environment is full of genuine affection and warmth so each child is able to learn, grow and develop in their own unique way. It is my belief that children learn best by doing, so I promote a hands on approach to learning.  PLAY is LEARNING.  I respect children by encouraging them to think for themselves, make decisions, work toward their own solutions and express their own ideas and feelings.  I embrace teaching and learning and children.

Topics to Grow On

The Importance of Play

The Four Stages of Play

Choosing a Preschool

Classroom Connection