PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: BECKY MATTHEWS
Child care and early years professionals are a precious commodity and essential part of happy, healthy, and successful communities. Now, more than ever, we know how important it is to have caring adults supporting young children and families.
We are so proud to be a part of this vibrant community and this Professional Spotlight Series aims to recognize the outstanding efforts, innovations, and contributions of our treasured colleagues from across the sector.
We are delighted to introduce you to Becky Matthews, Site Supervisor with the YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin and a leader of the Before and After School Program at Elgin Court Public School. Becky is an outstanding role model and leads with such care and compassion.
Keep reading to learn more about Becky!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Hello. My name is Becky Matthews. I have been a childcare professional for 18 years. I have worked for the YWCA St Thomas/Elgin for the past 13 years as a Before and After School Care Supervisor. Previously I operated a daycare from my home for 5 years while my children were young. I absolutely love what I do for a living!
Tell us why you chose a pathway in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I chose this as a career after watching my parents raise and teach a multitude of children. My dad was a beloved school teacher and my mom operated a home daycare in my home growing up. Guess what my summer jobs entailed? I loved working with all her kiddos. I saw how my parents nurtured, supported, and enjoyed what they did-even with the tough days. I wanted to be that person.
What does being an Early Childhood Educator mean to you? What is the best part of your role?
I am proud to work in this industry. It's challenging but rewarding. I am so grateful to be a part of the children's and their family’s lives. Even just for a short while it has a huge impact on me. The best part of my role is PLAYING of course! How fantastic is it to come to work and laugh, climb, create, and share in all the little joys?!
“I nominated Becky because she is the kind of caring adult we all needed when we were young. Becky has proven time and again that she is a committed Educator who cares deeply for all the children in her program. Becky has been an outstanding role model to staff over the years. She has stepped into leadership opportunities and thrived with her keen eye for quality, attention to detail, and her ability to see the good in all she does. Families trust Becky. They go to her with concerns, challenges, and successes they want to share. She sees the good in all her program children, even when challenged in a busy room. Becky has integrated her passion for the outdoors into her program and shares her love of adventure with her program children every chance she gets.
Becky is committed to lifelong professional learning. She digs into many of the opportunities shared by our friends at Strive. Whether it’s having breakfast with Rosita Hall, getting Messy on Purpose at the Masonic Centre, or Embracing the Journey in our system wide Professional Development Opportunities, Becky has been present, engaged, and role models her bravery to try new things with honesty and integrity.
Becky shows evidence of her understanding of “How Does Learning Happen” in her classroom by how she captures simple but magical moments with her program children. Becky can be found jotting down these joyful gems onto sticky notes and photographing them to reflect on and expand upon in her programming.
During the Covid pandemic, Becky navigated new challenges with grace and showed her true heart. When program families were struggling, Becky advocated for them from the goodness of her heart, time and time again to see they got the supports and resources they needed from the community.
I am proud to call Becky a mentor in our programs.'‘
– Jackie Anger, RECE
What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re excited about…
I love the outdoors. I'm outdoors typing this up at the moment! I want to bring my passion for the outdoors to my program. I have been participating in online sessions and other learning opportunities via Take Me Outside, The Outdoor Teacher, and Outdoor Learning Team. I am hoping to bring as much as I can of what I have learned into the program. Outdoor education and just bringing awareness of nature to children is so important. Fostering my love of the outdoors hopefully will offer opportunities to learn outside.
What is something you’re unlearning…
I am unlearning the need to have a perfect day and a perfect program. Some days are messy and chaotic. Do the kids even notice? Likely not. They are loving the energy and having a really great day. When the day is complete, I reflect back on it and tell my coworker "You know, it was a pretty good day!"
What advice would you give someone considering pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education?
Every day is a new day! Every day will be different in some respect. You must have the ability to laugh and be silly on demand! Learning never stops. The growth in me from the start until the present has been huge! Also be flexible, adaptable, and patient. These qualities will go a long way.
How has professional learning contributed to your practice?
I love connecting with other childcare professionals. In a Before and After School setting, we don't often get to engage with other professionals. It is great for support. I also enjoy the learning opportunities. Childcare is in constant motion and raising children in today's world certainly can be challenging. Also-I have learned some great creative ideas to bring to the program.
Tell us about a recent professional learning experience that had a positive impact on you.
I was ever so lucky to attend Changes, Challenges & Choices - Unleashing the WOW Factor with Rosita Hall. She was so inspiring and her outlook on life was admirable. She played the song "It's a Good Day to Have a Good Day". I had never heard it before. I have had some challenges lately and found it hard to get going in the morning. I completely changed my first thought after my alarm to this song. It's a positive way to begin the day and sets the tone for the rest! I should actually change my alarm to this song!
What inspires you…
My husband. He has had some major health issues. But he has never let them bring him down. He is constantly optimistic. He also challenges himself daily by being incredibly active. He eats healthily. He is a caring human and he just came home after circumnavigating Lake Erie on his bicycle!
Do you have a favourite quote…
"Into the Woods, I go to lose my mind and find my soul" - John Muir.
The woods are incredibly healing and grounding and I go there often.
Tell us some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
Camping, hiking, cycling. Paddling kayaks with my husband. Playing board games with my kiddos. Reading!
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
Unicorn Toots of course! It's colourful and silly and let's face it-toots are funny!
Thank you, Becky, for everything you do for children, families, and other professionals in this community. We are incredibly proud to know you.
Join us in celebrating Becky by dropping her a comment below!