MOUNT VERNON — Jamey McCarthy’s job is to leave a lasting impact on toddlers.
Around her, 2- and 3-year-olds laugh, running around with multi-colored plastic lawn mowers in a grassy play area. There they can drive an ambulance, be a groundskeeper or build castles in a sand pit.
McCarthy is simply there to witness their dreams.
Absolutely Loved Learning Center, located at 1200 West Chestnut St. in Mount Vernon, is a child care center that provides educational opportunities for kids, from infants to elementary-aged youth.
The child care center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
I find the work rewarding.
Jasmine Arvizu-Moreno
Jazmine Arvizu Moreno, 20, fell in love with early childhood care while at the Knox County Career Center, where she earned her certificate in the profession.
Arvizu Moreno has worked in every age room at Absolutely Loved Learning Center. She now focuses primarily on infants and toddlers.
“I find the work rewarding,” Arvizu Moreno said. “The children, making an impact … some children that don’t have a good home life — (I’m) here to make them feel welcomed.”
A time to eat
Around 11:15 a.m., Arvizu Moreno opens a small plastic cup of pureed butternut squash. She brings a nutrient-rich spoonful of the orange mush to the mouth of a small girl with rosy cheeks and curly black hair.
The girl looks amused. She slowly opens her mouth.
After the puree is demolished, McCarthy grabs a homemade sensory toy — a watercolor paint bag — for the girl to play with. She watches pockets of paint float around in a Ziplock baggie.
In-between activities, McCarthy and Arvizu Moreno grab a bottle of sanitizer spray and clean the toddler room. On the walls are lesson plans for the week, mandated by the state of Ohio.
Bulletin boards are spring-themed, showcasing flowers with lessons of the day and pictures.
“We’re going to change it to the summer board soon,” Arvizu-Moreno said.
A time to learn
“What’s this letter?” asks Taylor Witt, another teacher at Absolutely Loved Learning.
She holds up a piece of paper with ‘Rr’ on it.
“Reindeer, rhino, radish,” the near-kindergarten-aged class responds.
Witt started in the child care field out of high school as a nanny. She stayed in the field because she finds it fulfilling to watch children grow and learn.
Now she works in the 6- to-8-year-old classroom at Absolutely Loved Learning Center, where there’s a ratio of 11 kids to 1 teacher. Witt leads the students in social learning, literacy activities and crafts. Students also have time for free play.
Witt said she loves watching the “light bulb” moments — when, after a few weeks, a student finally grasps a concept for the first time.
“What is ‘J’ for?” Witt asks the class.
“Juice, joy,” the class answers.
The class is playing alphabet bingo. If a student wins, the youngster gets a sticker.
Before accepting the prestigious award, students stand up and shake their arms and torsos in a frantic manner that can only be described as “The Bingo Dance.”
The kids enjoy alphabet bingo, but there are benefits beyond fun.
We’re not just babysitters.
Taylor witt
Students retain knowledge better when they learn through play rather than completing a worksheet, Witt said.
Workers like Witt are doing more than just providing a safe space for children — they’re helping them build foundational knowledge and skill sets.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) research, early childhood care supports both learning and social development.
Research published by the American Psychological Association shows that children who attend high-quality child care programs during infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool perform better in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) throughout high school.
This positive effect is even more pronounced for children from low-income families, the research shows.
“We’re not just babysitters,” Witt said.
Susan Martin, a data manager for YWCA Northwest Ohio, said child care workers at licensed providers are required to complete at least six hours of professional development each year.
That training might include topics like developmentally-appropriate practices, behavior management, the science of reading and supporting children with special needs.
“Child care providers are probably the most dedicated group of people you’ll find,” Martin said.
“Not only are you trying to teach children the skills they need to be ready for kindergarten, you’re almost a counselor of sorts, because children share and want to talk about everything.”
A time to rest
After the class eats lunch, teachers pull sleeping cots and blankets out on the classroom floor. Ambient music starts playing in the background as kids rest their heads under the low lighting.
Witt said she’s seen several changes at Absolutely Loved Learning Center since she was hired, including more personalized learning opportunities for kids.
Dana Zeigler, owner of Absolutely Loved Learning Center, said these individualized teaching experiences help students learn in ways that honor their unique needs.
For instance, if students aren’t interested in reading bingo, they can choose alternative activities such as coloring or engaging in other supportive learning tasks.
If it takes a village to raise a child, Witt said she’s glad Absolutely Loved Learning Center is a part of hers.
“I do feel like my kids are absolutely loved,” Witt said. “We’re one big family here. It’s a great support system for the kids and my daughter. I think I’d be at loss without some of the people here.”
The village mindset values consistency, support and love, Witt said.
“We’re their first experience,” she said. “We set the tone for the rest of their education.”