For Angie Johnson and her daughter, Kenyatta Johnson, enrolling in South Georgia Technical College’s Early Childhood Care and Education program at the Crisp County Center began as a practical step toward advancing their careers. It has become much more than that.
The women operate a childcare center, and both initially planned to complete only a technical certificate of credit. With encouragement from Early Childhood Care and Education instructor Cambrette Hudson, they continued their education. Angie is now completing a diploma, while Kenyatta is on track to earn her associate degree. Both will graduate from SGTC in December.
Angie has worked in childcare for about 42 years and said she decided to enroll when her daughter and members of her staff began pursuing additional education.
“I’ve been working in the childcare field for about 42 years and have always had my CDA (Child Development Associate credential),” Angie said. “When my daughter and staff decided to further their education, as the owner of the daycare, I wanted to make sure I joined as well.”
Kenyatta entered the program for a different reason. She initially wanted to earn a TCC as she prepared to become director of a new center, but Hudson encouraged her to continue.
“I heard good things about South Georgia Tech and enrolled,” Kenyatta said. “I am so glad that I did, because Ms. Hudson encouraged me to keep going and now, I will have my associate degree in December.”
Going through the program together has added another dimension to the experience. Angie joked that she has her own personal tutor when she runs into a problem, while Kenyatta said their competitive streak helps keep both of them motivated.
“We are very competitive, so we always want to outdo each other on assignments and projects,” Kenyatta said.
For Angie, the program has also reinforced that even decades of experience do not mean there is nothing new to learn. She said she has been able to use what she has learned to modernize her childcare center and develop new strategies for supporting children’s individual needs, creating inclusive learning environments and keeping children engaged.
Kenyatta, who was newer to the early childhood field, said the opportunity to combine classroom learning with what she was experiencing every day at work has been especially valuable.
“Things that I was learning, I was also seeing every day in my work environment,” she said.
She said the program has also helped her better understand individual learning styles, support her teachers and create a positive environment for the children in her center.
Hudson said the Johnsons have demonstrated professionalism, growth, dedication, and motivation while balancing coursework with the responsibilities of operating their childcare centers and working with staff, parents, and children.
She also sees a personal connection in their story. Hudson said Angie and Kenyatta remind her of the relationship she shared with her own late mother, who also operated childcare centers.
“The Johnsons work so well together, just as my mother and I did,” Hudson said. “I see myself and my late mother in these two ladies.”
Hudson said that after losing her mother to cancer, she lost some of the enthusiasm she once had for the field, and seeing the passion Angie and Kenyatta bring to their childcare centers has been especially meaningful to her.
The Early Childhood Care and Education program at the Crisp County Center is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers working with young children. Depending on the credential earned, graduates may work as assistant teachers, lead teachers, paraprofessionals or childcare center owners. Students also complete internship experiences selected with employment opportunities in mind.
Angie and Kenyatta now plan to continue their education beyond their original goals. Angie said she intends to finish her associate degree at SGTC, while Kenyatta plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
Their experience, Hudson said, reflects the kind of determination she tries to encourage in students at the Crisp County Center: start with a goal, keep building on it, and use that education to strengthen both a career and the care being provided to children.
South Georgia Technical College is now accepting applications for spring enrollment in Early Childhood Care and Education and other programs in high-demand fields. Apply now at www.southgatech.edu.