Briya CDA Student Paulette
Briya CDA student changes lives at childcare home
Paulette Sansbury, a student in Briya’s Child Development Associate program and a participant in Mary’s Center, is a shining example of how dedication and care can make a difference in people’s lives.
Sansbury cares for infants and toddlers at God Is So Good Child Development Home, which she opened five years ago.
“Showing children love is very important,” Sansbury said. “If children feel secure and loved, then they won’t have a problem with learning.”
Eager to increase her child care knowledge, Sansbury applied to be part of DC’s Early Learning Quality Improvement Network (QIN). Her home was selected and she began working with Mary’s Center, which serves as a training and support center for providers in the QIN. As part of the QIN, Sansbury participates in one-on-one mentoring and monthly trainings, and is enrolled in Briya’s Child Development Associate program.
“Paulette has truly opened herself up to learning new information,” said Yael Kiken, Child Care Licensing Program Coordinator at Mary’s Center. “She approaches the learning process with eagerness and joy that translates to high-quality care in her child development home.”
“It’s rewarding, the things I’m learning,” Sansbury said. “You have to let the child show you what they’re interested in. Doing that, you peek into who they are. Once they guide you, you follow their lead.”
Sansbury’s care and generosity have a big impact on the families she serves. Two of the children who recently began attending Sansbury’s home are 22-month-old twins. Their mother, Kidste Mekonnen, had lost her restaurant business because she didn’t have childcare.
Sansbury worked with Mary’s Center staff to help Mekonnen apply for the childcare subsidy that enabled her children to go to Sansbury’s home.
Because she now has childcare, Mekonnen is able to attend Briya’s Family Literacy program, where she learns English, digital literacy skills and parenting in the Advanced II class. She hopes to get her high school diploma and get a job again.
“I’m so happy,” Mekonnen said. “I see my life’s changed already. I was two years in the house, alone with my kids, no going out. I was very depressed. And I came here and I have a lot of friends and I love class so much.”
Mekonnen feels confident and secure leaving her children in Sansbury’s care while she studies.
“I feel like they are at home,” she said. “She’s like a mom.”