Nice to Meet You!
My name is Brooke Collinsworth, and the kids like to call me Miss Brooke. I am the owner of Brooke's Neverland Play-School. I'd like to take this time to tell you a little about myself. Below is my brief autobiography.
I have an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Butler Community College and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. When I was younger, I always said I would never attend college. I also told several family members that I would never be a teacher. In 2012, I started to volunteer in the family ministry at my church. I enjoyed working with the 2–to 3-year-olds best. As I began to babysit in middle school, I remained adamant that I would not become a teacher. Everyone made the joke that I was a “kid magnet” wherever I went. In 2020, I was hired to be a childcare worker for the family ministry at my church. It felt like a true miracle, and I knew this opportunity was all in God’s timing.
While employed at my church, I worked with a wide range of ages, from newborns to 11-year-olds. I recognized that I loved working with many age groups for different reasons. Each age group had something unique to offer. I loved watching the children learn from each other, and we all felt like one big family. After a few months, God showed me that I feel closest to Him when I am working with children. I accepted that this was my God-given gift and the path I was meant to follow for my career. I have fallen in love with this rewarding yet challenging career field and all it has to offer. I will continue to follow God’s plan for my career as I pursue my dream of operating a family childcare program. In summary, the faith and knowledge of the next generation are worth everything to me!
Outside of my career, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, dogs, and other family members. I love to attend concerts; most of the concerts I attend are country artists; however, I am also a big fan of Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and the other members of the boy band One Direction. Each summer, I go on a family vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, or another fantastic destination. Most of the destinations I go to are tropical, and I love to soak up the sun! That's enough about me. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!
My Philosophy
My image of the child is that all children are capable of learning in a manner that works best for them. Children are like sponges and absorb everything in the environment around them. In the eyes of children, the world is full of endless possibilities that must be explored. However, each child is unique with different backgrounds, interests, and learning styles. My role as an early childhood educator is to encourage children’s learning by providing a safe and nurturing environment full of endless possibilities. Children will learn through discovery, exploration, creation, and most importantly, imagination.
Imagination can help children develop a variety of different life skills. These skills include decision-making, problem-solving, and other social-emotional skills. I believe that children should be able to truly enjoy their childhood and I recognize that the primary learning of a child occurs through play. Kids should be allowed to be kids. I will ensure that my program is a place full of love, kindness, and acceptance that promotes the safety and overall well-being of the children.
Within my daily work, I will emulate enthusiasm, curiosity, and happiness for the children. As an educator, I will promote the use of natural curiosity and exploration. I will provide a variety of activities for each child while modeling participation enthusiastically.
I will collaborate with parents because I believe the best support a child can have comes from their family. Parents possess knowledge and expertise regarding their children that benefits everyone involved. I strive to build a network of support with parents. I value ongoing, two-way communication. Children need consistency within their lives to truly flourish. I will do everything I can to ensure that every child I provide care for has a truly magical childhood.
Core Beliefs
Children learn best through play!
Susan Isaacs paved the way for this belief to become a core belief in the world of early childhood education. Now, universally recognized, we know that it is developmentally appropriate for children to learn through play. I believe that children are born ready to learn. It is our job as early childhood professionals to foster and nurture the instinct for learning. It truly is such a joy in life to work in a career that allows you to "act like a kid" again. Childhood should be an unforgettable magical time for all children. In my practice, I vow to always let my kids "be kids" as they learn.
I believe in the power of imagination!
The use of imagination in child development is irreplaceable. It is an incredibly powerful tool that allows children to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, social skills, motor functions, and everything in between. Without imagination, our world would be dull. All of our modern inventions, music, and art came from somebody who was encouraged to use their imagination. Throughout my career, I will always encourage children to use their imagination. Thinking outside the box doesn't hurt anyone.
Parents are a child's first teachers!
Lev Vygotsky was the catalyst for the belief that parents are a child's first teacher. This now normalized idea strongly shapes my identity as an early childhood professional. Parents know their children best, they should be treated as the valuable resource that they are. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child. Children learn best when the adults around them form collaborative partnerships. The photo above is of my father holding me when I was just a few days old. He is a great example of being a proper "first teacher" to his children. I will continuously strive to support the child and their family at all times. I will advocate for programs to provide more events and resources for families continuously.
The milestones that children achieve are all interconnected.
Jean Piaget created the theory of cognitive development, describing how children's cognitive abilities are linked and progress through distinct stages. In simple terms, the skills developed in one stage form the foundation for the skills developed in the next stage. I believe that this theory provides great insights for educators on how children's learning should be scaffolded. In my career, I will celebrate the big milestones and small milestones of each child because they all contribute to development. Children develop new skills and understandings based on their interactions with the environment, therefore, I vow to make their environment a positive one!
There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to learning.
In 1987, educational theorist Neal Fleming came up with the "learning styles". Children can be visual, aural, reading and writing, or kinesthetic learners. Many children are a combination of these types. Educators need to understand that children have specific talents and skills, taking a strengths-based approach to learning. I believe that children all learn in a unique way that works best for their personality and development. Our education system should not force children to sit and regurgitate information for 8 hours a day. Within my learning experiences, I will provide resources for all of the learning styles. There is no "universal design" to learning that will be deemed effective. So, I'm going to create one that is effective for each student because I believe that all children should be set up for success.
Questions? Contact Me!
My mission is to provide local families with a quality, safe, affordable kids-day-out program, all children deserve to be set-up for success.
If you would like to know more about my program, qualifications, or have any additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I love making connections with new individuals.
316-806-0301