I am overjoyed to begin a new position here and be a part of this community!  I am equally filled with joy to explore my new home in Illinois, as my fiancé and I have recently relocated from Minneapolis, MN, where I was teaching in a small private school for over 2 years.  Though I loved exploring the world with my 2nd-3rd graders, it gives me pleasure to find a home with preschool again!  Prior to teaching elementary school, I had taught preschool, ages 3-4 for over a year, and miss this exciting time immensely.  I completed my Bachelors Degree in Foundations of Elementary Education through the University of Minnesota at the Twin Cities campus, and continued into a pre-masters program on a graduate level.  During this time I worked at after-school care facilities and as a camp counselor, where I also specialized in preschool day camps.
     Without knowing much about the area, or Illinois in general, I happened to find Tiny Tot and immediately felt a connection.  With the rapid relocation I feel blessed that I have been able to find such an embracing family here are Tiny Tot.  I am thankful for this due to our families being in Minnesota and Iowa, including a three-year old niece whom I will miss terribly.  Yet, I look forward to encouraging and nurturing new youngsters in this adventure we are on together; embracing them as my new Illinois Family.
     I enjoy communication, so please feel free!

                                       Take care,

                                         Sarah Joy Braton

This is part of a poem that parallels my view of parent-teacher involvement :) :

                              "And each agreed she would have failed
                                       if she has worked alone.
                               For behind the parent stood the school,
                              and behind the teacher stood the home!"
     

Excerpt from ~ Unity  by Cleo V. Swarat