|
"Some people say I'm obsessed with early childhood . .
. What other job is as important in our society?"
|
Wendy Mertes
Coordinator
Harper College Child Learning Center
|
"Initially I thought the process was overwhelming, but the
feeling of accomplishment I got when I received the credential made it all
worthwhile."
|
Wendy was awarded the Level II Illinois Director Credential in January 2002. She
has been the Coordinator of the Harper College Child Learning Center for 4
years.
Being a new mom and bored with being isolated at home, Wendy jumped at the
chance to help out with a parent day out program through her local church. The
decision certainly changed her life and got her thinking about a career in
early childhood education. After many years of schooling and working through
the system, Wendy is proud to be coordinating an early childhood education
program at the community college where she began her education. Wendy writes,
"Some people say I'm obsessed with early childhood, but I like to think of it
as advocating for our profession! What other job is as important in our
society? We are shaping and molding future generations through our involvement
with the children and their parents."
When asked about what receiving the Illinois Director Credential means to her,
Wendy says that at first she thought the process was overwhelming. She goes on
to say, however, that the feeling of accomplishment that receiving the
credential gave her made it all worthwhile. Wendy also feels that raising the
level and professionalism of directors will have a direct impact on increasing
the quality of child care.
In her free time, Wendy enjoys hiking, golfing, boating, reading, gardening,
doing word puzzles and caring for her three cats and one dog.
|