GREDC

Tom Dodd

I moved to the US in 2016 from the UK where I had studied sustainable energy engineering, worked in economic development and was an elected councillor for the City Council. The plan was to continue along a similar path.

While waiting for my permission to work in the US I began volunteering at my step-son’s school (GRCDC) to pass the time and found an enjoyment of teaching. This took me to Rihab, in the Malaguzzi classroom at the EDC – who never let me leave!

I became fascinated by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood and their strong belief in the rights of children. I was also amazed by the dedication of the EDC’s teachers, despite the lack of recognition they receive.

Since starting with GREDC I have received my Child Development Associate (CDA), become a National Geographic Certified Educator, a certified WonderLed Play Based Educator and I am currently working on a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education Pedagogy through the University of Colorado and Boulder Journey School.

Lauren Huyck

Mentor Teacher

B.S in psychology and writing
A.A. in early childhood education
Teaching since 2010

My name is Lauren Huyck and I am the afternoon lead for the Scoperta classroom. I started as a teaching assistant when the center was still part of Aquinas in 2010. When we became the GREDC in 2012, I stayed on. In 2014, I was excited to accept the role of lead teacher.

I have a Bachelors in psychology and writing, and an associates in early childhood education. I am currently working on getting a Masters in psychology with a concentration in child development.

I love seeing the children grow and learn. There are so many developmental milestones that I get to see and experience. I fell in love with the Reggio approach and work to incorporate it in all my experiences with children. It has definitely taught me to treat children as citizens of the world.

I honestly could go on about how much I love the work I do and how passionate I feel about every child having quality care but that would take eons. So I will end with these two quotes:

“To take children seriously is to value them for who they are right now rather than adults-in-the-making.”

Alfie Kohn

If you trust play, you will not have to control your child’s development as much. Play will raise the child in ways you can never imagine.

Vince Gowmon