Early Childhood Educator

                       
Mary Whitfield M.Ed.
Phone: 952.431.8340
Voicemail: 651.683.6969 Ext. 94941
Building: Grace Church, Apple Valley

About Me
I’ve been in the Early Childhood field for 30 years and have been a teacher in this program since 1993.  In this district I teach off site at Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley. The two programs I teach there are: Family School (a program for immigrant families who are learning English or working on their GED) and Bridge to School (a program for 4-year-olds.) I also teach an ECFE class in the Yellow Room at the ECLC.

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa.  I earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. 

My husband and I moved from Iowa to Minnesota in 1987.  Our two children are both in their 20’s now and attended schools here in District 196.  I began my experience with ECFE as a parent when my children were young.  I valued the classes not only for the content information but also for being able to connect to other parents who were handling similar developmental issues with their children. 

Personally, I enjoy reading and in the warm weather I love planting and weeding my flower beds and flower pots.  My favorite activity is to spend time with family and friends.

Philosophy
In working with young children my goals are:

• To help them develop their own abilities and to feel good about their accomplishments;
• To give them opportunities to discover, explore, be challenged and to problem-solve through hand-on experiences;
• To create a classroom environment that is both educational and engaging where children can explore and learn;
• Along the way I hope children have lots of fun in my classroom.

Topics to Grow On

Cooking with Your Child

Gross Motor Activities

How Preschoolers See Color and Race

Homespun Science

Classroom Connection