The picture to the
left tells the story of a young girl full of dreams (not to mention a head
of hair). I can still remember that little girl and
the joy she received from others. The very day that picture was
taken, I stood on a stage and sang Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog to a
large crowd and loved every minute of it. Today, you won't find me singing
on a stage, but I still receive great joy from others. Keep reading
to find out what happened in between...
| My
Favorite Links
I must start this recommendation list with my favorite publisher in the world, Gryphon House. If you need a book in the field of early childhood, this is the place to go. Check them out at www.ghbooks.com. MaryAnn Kohl has been one of my favorite early childhood authors for many years. I have used many of her books as a teacher, an administrator and as a mom! Check out her site for a complete listing of books, activities, and speaking engagements. www.brightring.com. Rae Pica has a passion for active young children. Her newest book, Your Active Child recently hit the bookstores. Check out her site, www.movingandlearning.com, to find out more about her many books and products. Hugh Hanley is hands down my favorite children’s musician. His approach to music is developmentally appropriate and fun! My own children love moving and singing to Hugh’s Circle of Songs. Their favorite song is Blow the Balloon. To find this song and others check out www.hughhanley.com. The National Association for the Education of Young Children can provide you with books and journals to aid in your pursuit of quality for the young child. Check out www.naeyc.org for more information. This site is also great for helping parents looking for a quality early childhood program. As a mother of three adopted children, I cannot say enough about my favorite adoption attorneys. Ruth Claiborne and Lori Surmay (affectionately known as Auntie Ruth and Aunt Lori) are the best in the business. If you have a desire to see your family grow through adoption or if you have made the life plan to place your baby for adoption you can read more at www.gababylaw.com. Bethany Christian Services is an
adoption agency that supports domestic and international adoptions. We
have several friends who have used this agency and speak very highly
of them. You can check them out at www.bethany.org.
Also, check out www.shaohannahshope.com,
it is a foundation that works with Bethany Christian Services and was
started by the singer who has most influenced my husband’s life, Steven
Curtis Chapman. In
fact, my husband and I first met because I thought he sounded like SCC
(how’s that for juicy info). Steven
and his wife have adopted two beautiful girls from China. Ken Rutherford is a very talented graphic artist and has helped design this very site. To check out his other works visit his site, www.ARTenterprises.com. Check out sites for early childhood products: |
When I graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Child Development, I had no idea the journey my degree would take me on. First, I had the privilege of working as a toddler teacher, preschool teacher, and after school counselor gaining experience in the classroom. I enjoyed working with all of the different ages, but my favorite to this day remains those toddlers. Their search for independence and their passion for discovery just keep me smiling.
When I moved to Texas I had the opportunity to work in a non-profit/corporate child development center and start two for-profit centers. I gained so much knowledge managing a child development center. When my husband and I loaded up our cars and moved to Atlanta, Georgia my path changed a bit. I switched from the corporate and for-profit world into the non-profit church based world. Even though it did take some time to get used to a new way of managing things, the experience I continued to gain has helped me understand the stories and struggles of most directors. I continued as a director until 1998 when I founded my own company, Early Childhood Resources, to help carry out my passion to see quality early childhood training offered to administrators, teachers and parents who work with and have young children. I have been honored to speak to thousands of adults and share my enthusiasm for children.
In addition to speaking I enjoy writing. In 2000 my first book, 101 Easy Wacky Crazy Activities for Young Children, which was co-authored with Carole Dibble, was published and in 2003 Solutions for Early Childhood Directors was released. Gryphon House, which is a great source for any early childhood advocate, published both books. I have often been asked why I decided to write a book. I must confess that I don’t enjoy writing because of the technical aspects (my editors know that best), but I write because of my passion for the information. I want people to read the books I write and immediately put the information to use. I want the books to be fun and practical, much like my workshops. I want people to get a sense of me from the books I write.
Grace, John Michael holding Henry, Jackson and Ellie
As much as I love training and the field of early childhood, I must confess I have a passion stronger than them both, my own family. God has blessed me far above my wildest imagination. I am married to the love of my life, John, and have been blessed with five amazing children, John Michael, Grace, Jackson, Ellie, and Henry. As a teacher first, I still enjoy teaching my own children through home schooling. Many people ask me why I chose to home school since I train educators and I simply share with them that I couldn’t think of anything more fun than watching my own children live out my philosophies of education.
When I am not speaking or home schooling I enjoy playing tennis, studying God’s Word, inviting moms and kids over for play dates, taking on decorating projects at home (with the help of talented friends), baking, going out on movie dates with my husband, and exploring life with my sweet family.
Well, that’s about it – my story in a nutshell. Thanks for taking the time to get to know me. Feel free to drop me a line and tell me your story. You can e-mail me at kathy@earlychildhoodresources.com. Oh yeah, I almost forgot… No, I don’t know Regis and I have never had children work in a sweatshop.
Until
I get to hang with you in person…
Kathy
