This is the way we Buzz!
Meet Latoya
Program Director
LaToya Hicks is an accomplished early childhood educator with over 30 years of experience. Her passion for working with young children is evident in the way she approaches her work with them. She firmly believes in creating a respectful and nurturing environment that encourages children to self-advocate and become independent learners. Throughout her career, LaToya has had the opportunity to work with children from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of developmental needs.
LaToya's approach to teaching is guided by her belief that children are capable and competent learners who should be respected and valued. She believes that every child has unique talents and abilities that should be recognized and nurtured. Her focus is on creating an environment that is safe, stimulating, and supportive, where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
LaToya is known for her ability to connect with children and build strong relationships with them. She is a patient and compassionate teacher who takes the time to understand each child's individual needs and interests. She also believes in working collaboratively with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to support the development and well-being of each child.
LaToya's passion for working with young children and her commitment to creating a positive learning environment has made a significant impact on the lives of countless children and families. She continues to inspire and empower others in the field of early childhood education, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and compassion.
Philosophy
Respecting Young Ones
Jess Lair said it best “Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded”.
As a teacher it is important to encourage children to be themselves, to appreciate them as individuals as they learn at their own pace, to discover the “good” and the “bad”.
This is how we all grow, it is my job to guide young children and take advantage of all teaching moments.
Children unfold best in comfortable, safe environments with a variety of materials that are inclusive of all cultures.
My philosophy is learning and playing are the same, with young children everything is a teaching moment.
It is important to me as an educator to provide a safe, positive environment where children feel free to explore, discover, and ask plenty of questions.
Children gain confidence and understanding of their emotions through playing with their peers.
This to me is more important than academics at a young age.
Through play children use their creativity while developing their imagination, cognitive, physical, problem solving, self-relation skills and they also learn to self- advocate.
This is the resiliency they will need to face future challenges.
Academics will be welcomed once a young child is confident in her/himself.
There is a quote by Stacia Tauscher that says, “We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today”.