Educator
Spotlight
Help us celebrate the important educators who are working to make the lives of children and families better every day!
Sharon Curcuru
Sharon Curcuru is an infant and toddler educator at Trinity Christian Academy in Holland, PA, where she has worked in early childhood education for the past four years. She began her career working with infants and now works with toddlers ages 13 months to 2½ years. Sharon holds a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and has earned her Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Committed to her continued growth as an educator, she draws inspiration and new ideas from books, professional development workshops, colleagues, and online early childhood communities.
What is something you love about your work with infants and toddlers?
I love that each day they achieve more and more independence. I was proud when I saw a child attempting to help put another's shoe on, even though they still needed my assistance. It was a cute moment.
Is there a specific project, routine, or strategy you've used lately that you are excited about?
For circle time, I let the children each pick a song by pointing to laminated "song cards". They stay more engaged when it's a song they actually want to sing.
What does "intentional teaching" mean to you?
Intentional teaching to me is purposeful and practical teaching. I consider children's interests to help me create intentional lesson plans and experiences they will relate to.
How do you create inclusive and welcoming spaces for all children and families?
I make sure to have diverse books and pictures in my library and around the room. I also make sure the space is welcoming in that it is colorful and engaging. I have student's pictures are hanging on lots of posters and bulletin boards!
What's something new you've tried in your practice?
I'm making my own materials for lessons instead of always buying new things. I reuse or upcycle materials for my lessons. I recently used a cereal box for a lesson. Laminating materials sometimes helps those things last a bit longer.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in early childhood education?
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Be patient
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Remain calm in the chaos
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Always communicate
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Follow a routine
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Children thrive with routines
What insights can you share about your CDA journey?
It is worth it! You'll learn a lot about how to run your classroom, how to lesson plan with more purpose, and how to manage transitions times.
Make sure to make a friend in class in case you have questions. Don't be afraid to ask the instructors questions, be thorough in your portfolio planning, and stay organized!
