In honor of National Education Week (November 13th – 17th), we are excited to take this opportunity to feature the educators from our Head Start and Educational Services programs.
Kadejah Smith is being featured for her “teamwork, innovation, and excellence” in improving the education of children and youth throughout Chicagoland.
Learn more about Kadejah in this short interview:
How long have you been working with Ada S. McKinley?’
“7 years.”
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
“Seeing the children grow and being happy to come into our center is the most rewarding thing. I am grateful for meeting every child and every family and being able to assist them in anything I can and trying my best to be available to them.”
What makes you proud to work with Ada S. McKinley?
“Ada has been very beneficial in providing me with training to be able to support families and children. Ada has taught me so many things and I have meet so many great people who have shared so much information with me in the early childhood community and I am so grateful for all of the help and support!”
What is something that you’ve learned while working as an educator?
“The greatest thing I have learned was to support the whole child which means supporting the family by providing any resource that can be beneficial to the family. I have also learned that individualization is imperative when working with children because they develop at a different pace and need to be supported and met where they are.”
What is one piece of advice would you give to a person who is new to the education field?
“Be patient and lead with love.”
What is one fun fact about yourself?
“I’m a musician, and I like challenges.”
