Grow Smart Children's Academy - Partner Highlight

Monthly, we like to take the time to highlight our partners to share what wonderful programs and directors they have.  For May, 2020, we'd like to focus on Grow Smart Children's Academy, located in La Mesa and Spring Valley, California.

GSCA Director, Cinthya Beaz

To answer our partner highlight questions, we worked with Center Director, Cinthya Beaz. 
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You can visit their website at growsmartacademy.com for more information on their programs or center hours.

​How many years have you been in the field of early childhood education?

• I have worked in this field for over 10 years. I actually started my first job as a teacher assistant in August 2007.

 
What is your education level...do they have a BA, MA, child development permit?

• I completed a Child and Family Development Bachelor of Science Degree from San Diego State University in 2015. I also hold a Director’s Permit through the County of San Diego, Office of Education.

What are you most proud of with in your center?

• Well, I was recently transferred to this location from La Mesa location in which I was the Director for five year, so within a month of being in charge of this center, I believe that the team is what makes me the proudest. We definitely had encountered more than a few challenges, but we did not give up. Despite all complications, we all showed that we cared and were ready to support one another, and for that, I am so proud of my team.

When did you know you wanted to work in early childhood education? What drew you to child-care?

• I have always been a caregiver. Since I was little, I remember playing that I was the teacher, the nurse, the mom, the babysitter, you name it, but whatever I was, it always had to do with caring for others. Working with young children is definitely my passion because of the science behind it. Learning about their growth and development it’s so enchanting, not to mention seeing it; experiencing first-hand what you read in your books. It’s amazing how they develop from conception to birth to adolescence.  

What is the biggest challenge you've faced while working in child-care? How did you handle it?

• Right before I was transferred to this new location, the owners of the company had terminated the entire prior team due to unsatisfactory results for the center and children’s learning goals. Therefore, with only a few days of having met one another (during the interview actually), and some of us meeting for the first time as we began to work, all new staff was brought in on the same day. So, for starters, the children were presented with a complete new batch of teachers, which created a little confusion, insecurities, and fear during the first weeks (not only the first days). Then, the parents. Most of them did not react as positively as expected due to the drastic change of staff, but thankfully, after explaining the owners reasons for such sudden staff modifications, they were a bit more welcoming. I was so discouraged by so much negativity from parents (because oh, they were tough), but I had to demonstrate respect, consistency, and commitment. The level of stress and difficulty this experience put me through was completely new to me. I believe I handled it with all the respect that the children and families deserve, but I was also firm with whatever changes I was there to make. Even though I felt extremely weak on the inside, I stood my ground and that helped demonstrate that we are a good change for the school.  

What is the most important thing a classroom needs to run smoothly?

• The teacher. A leader that understands child development. Someone that knows and respects children as a whole (including challenging behavior). A role model that promotes positive social interactions. You can have the prettiest class because the teacher does great at decorating it, but if she lacks knowledge and understanding of child development, the class will not run smoothly. For a classroom to run smoothly you need a teacher that will successfully engage the children to participate. The children will, at the end of the day, be the ones putting (for lack of a better word) the flavor to the class, but the teacher is with no doubt, responsible for setting the expected atmosphere in the class, and a passionate and dedicated teacher will give you that.

 
What do you consider key elements in a high-quality daycare operation?

• Communication (among the team AND with customers)
• Commitment, consistency & improvement (from teachers to children and the business goals)
• Respect

How can parents help keep the pick-up and drop-off of kids running smoothly?

• Respect business hours. Respect teachers’ personal time. Respect children’s educational experiences. Just one example could be that sometimes parents drop off a bit later than everyone else and expect everything to adapt to their own child’s drop off experience. Be mindful of everyone around.

What do you like most about working with children?

• Being part of such important stage. Knowing that I can help make a positive change in this world. I can plant a seed in each child’s mind and society will harvest it in the future by having decent and respectful adults.  I know this to be true because I can still remember my teachers; all those who said or did something that I never forgot. Weather it was good or bad, it is  still on my mind. So, I like the fact that I am shaping little minds. 

What has been the most formative experience you've had in your work with young children and families?

• All courses and seminars I have taken throughout my career have helped me as much as the actual working experience. However, the most formative experience had to be when I was unwillingly put in charge (as a Director) back in 2015. I had just graduated and received my Bachelor of Science Degree, so the owners promoted me to the Director position. All my experience was with children, so I was a bit nervous, and actually had in mind that if I didn’t like this new position, I would resign. Being a Director has been so rewarding and therefore, formative in my career because I am not only helping shape little minds, but this is now bigger. I can help change the world one family at a time. Not to mention the fact that I get to mentor the teachers. Guiding my staff and modeling what I expect in order to provide high-quality early educational experiences is extremely important for my professional growth.

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