My Name is Shontay Martin, I have been in the field of early education for the over twenty five years. Currently I worked at Pre-K University Academy as the Director and Lead Pre-K Teacher.   Prior to my current early education experience, I dedicated seventeen years to Mt Helm Child Care Ministry where I served as the Preschool Teacher for eight years and the Director for ten years.  I obtained a CDA in 2009 and renewal in 2013 before enrolling in Ivy Tech Community Collage to strive towards an higher education in Early Childhood Education and graduate with an Associate's of Applied Science December 2018. 

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I am a single mother of four amazing daughters Aunjamese, Shyanne, Makaela, and Faith. I am the second oldest of my mothers and father's five children. I am newly engaged to be married in November of this year.  I am a Christian with a desire to serve the Lord through my daily walk. I believe that knowledge of the Bible and God’s Word is essential for our children and believe that Christian education is vey important. A child’s spiritual foundation and worldview is largely developed during the early years of life. When children hear consistent messages about God at home, school and church, it solidifies their understanding of God’s love for His children, His plan for salvation, and their place in God’s Kingdom.”

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Educators play a vital role in the development of children.  As professionals, we introduce children to reading and writing, expanded their experience and knowledge of vocabulary, creative arts, science, and social studies. We use games, music, artwork, films, books, computers, and other tools to teach concepts and skills. I am currently a NAEYC member and use my membership to remain keep myself informed, trained, and knowledgeable about the children I serve. 

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I believe that children should always have a hands-on approach to learning. Using their imagination is an important skill children develop at a very early age,  when proved the materials, guidance, and learning environment .

 

I am very patient and creativity is one of my greatest strengths, perhaps why I feel working with children is as exciting for me as I hope it is for them!  I believe reading stories aloud, teaching and encouraging children to tell stories, and finding unique ways to illustrate them builds not only a great imagination, but also facilitates comprehension and literacy, two things I feel are waning in today’s technology driven world.  

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I learn more from children then they learn from me. I believe to teach is to touch lives forever.