Melody Padgett

Title
Preschool Teacher

Education
University of Arizona BA in Elementary Ed
K-State 12 credits in Early Childhood Education

Years at CCD
37 years

What do you want people to know about your teaching philosophy?
I am a lifelong learner. I encourage children to explore. discover and learn through child-led, play-based opportunities. Play is a child's work. I use children's literature to support children's interests, social/emotional development, sense of story and sense of their own story. We learn and grow together.

Why do you find the work you do important?
I help children build and strengthen their foundation for learning in all areas: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, language, literacy, mathematics, science and the arts. I support families as we support their children's growth and development.

Anything else you'd like to share?
You do not just get a child in your class, you get a family. You navigate development, life and change with the family. It is important to build strong relationships and communicate with each other.