PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: PAIGE COLLINS
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 Paige Collins, an educator at Stationview YMCA Child Care Centre. Paige has been nominated for the level of care she demonstrates when working with children and families. Her nurturing disposition facilitates an environment where children and families feel seen, heard, welcome, and safe. It is obvious that these are innate qualities, and we will only see her level of care grow as she progresses in obtaining her ECE diploma.
Keep reading to learn more about Paige!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Paige Collins. I have been working as an Educator for the YMCA since 2019, however, my passion for what I do started long ago. I was born to a very large family, better known as the “Collins Clan”. This awarded me the opportunity and privilege of being an older sister, as well as the eldest of a very close-knit tribe of 11 cousins. I was born and raised in St. Thomas and take pride in working at Stationview in my own community. I currently still reside in St. Thomas with my boyfriend and adorable cat “Toe”, yes his name is Toe. I am a very adventurous yet still relaxed person. I enjoy being in nature and take any chance I get to plan a camping excursion or hike in the woods. When the day is done, however, and the time for adventures is over, you will often find me curled up with Toe reading a mystery novel or autobiography.
Tell us why you chose a pathway in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I chose a career in childhood education because as a young woman, I had always known that I enjoyed spending time with children. I coached soccer in high school and have been a nanny for families since the age of thirteen. These experiences sparked my passion for childhood education.
What does being an Early Childhood Educator mean to you? What is the best part of your role?
I truly love being a childhood educator and loving what you do means never having to work a day in your life, and that is what being a childhood educator means to me. Each morning I get to wake up excited to go into “work” and have the privilege of creating a loving and nurturing environment for the children.
What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re excited about…
Recently my boyfriend and I have started making our own candles. It all started with a beginner’s candle kit from Amazon and quickly spiraled into our newest hobby soon to possibly be a passion.
“I am sure many families say this about the professionals who care for their children, but Paige had a life changing impact for our family. Having our child during a global pandemic, in lock-down, we had a different experience to becoming parents than we imagined. At 17 months, when we enrolled our daughter in care, she had never been with anyone else for more than a couple hours. Paige was patient, kind, and supportive as we navigated the transition as a family. Most importantly, she was consistent in these things. Through her nurturing disposition, she got to know our family and quickly became a secure base for our daughter in care. As their relationship grew, our daughter thrived in risk taking, building friendships, self-expression, and confidence. It allowed her to open up and display her joy and excitement for life- just as she would with us at home. Our daughter’s experience with Paige was the bridge we needed between home and childcare. We are forever grateful for the impact she has had on our daughter’s life.”
- Kayla Bartlett, RECE
What is something you’re unlearning…
I have been unlearning self-criticism. In the past, I have always set a very high standard for myself. Most would say that holding yourself to a high standard is a good thing and in most cases, they would be right. The problem arises when I fall short of the lofty goals I have set ahead of myself quickly becoming my worst critic. That is something I am working on.
What advice would you give someone considering pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education?
The advice I would offer to someone considering a career as a childhood educator would be to go for it. This is truly the most rewarding profession anyone could hope to discover. Do not think rewarding, however, means easy. Educating children in their early years comes with many challenges, as every child is unique and possesses different needs requiring you to be adaptable and resilient. In the end, the privilege of helping the children grow and develop far outweighs any obstacles faced.
How has professional learning contributed to your practice?
I am a firm believer of continuous learning. At each and every professional development event I walk away with new perspectives, methodologies and practices to employ within my own classroom. The modern world is changing each day faster and faster. The only thing anyone can do is to change with it, by absorbing knowledge and the wisdom of experience with each and every opportunity.
Tell us about a recent professional learning experience that had a positive impact on you.
Recently I attended a conference that left a very lasting impact on me. The message of the conference was to always look at the 90% in life and not at the 10%. The 90% represents the good things in your life, the fact that you are healthy, have a home, and a family who loves and cares for you. The 10% represents the not-so-desirable things in life, the things that cause us to worry about the future or stress over things which we have no control over. This is something that I have employed in my own life with great success. Life is all about perspective, so focus on the good things in life.
What inspires you…
My Nanni, Lianne, is my inspiration! She is a very educated and career driven woman who strives to empower other women in business through workshops that facilitate positive and nurturing relationships between leaders. I have looked up to her my entire life and she continues to inspire me everyday.
Do you have a favourite quote…
My favorite is, “Just keep swimming” -Dory, Finding Nemo.
Tell us some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading and catching up on the latest reality television drama and of course spending time with family
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
If I was an ice cream flavor I would be Orange Sherbert. This is based on the sole fact that my favourite ice cream as a child was Orange Sherbert.
Thank you, Paige, for everything you do for children, families, and other professionals in this community. We are incredibly proud to know you.
Join us in celebrating Paige by dropping her a comment below!