Marla Stephens, a head teacher in the toddler classroom Care Bears, was selected as the Employee of the Month for June 2008. Marla meets and exceeds the criteria for employee of the month. She is a positive influence on the children she is caring for and dedicated to that position. She is a hard worker and is committed totally to the children, and this is evident by her interactions with her families, toddlers, peers, and program administration.

“The children in my class are 18 to 24 months old. I provide an environment that is nurturing, consistent, and loving. The children learn to trust me and become competent learners. I have always loved to work with children, and have 3 children of my own. I started babysitting when I was very young, and was a state certified home daycare provider for 5 years. The thing I love the most about my job is that I get to spend my day playing with children; it is also very rewarding to watch them grow and learn. I get just as excited about their milestones as if they were my own children. I believe that the ability to teach young children is a gift that is given to those who teach because they are driven by a passion for learning and a love for children. My advice for mothers is to enjoy every moment, don’t sweat the small stuff, in time everything will find its place and be as it should be, and never stop telling your children, ‘I love you’.”