Erica Crystal
Infant Teacher At First Steps Learning Academy
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Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Working With Children
What gives me the drive and passion for Early Childhood Education is knowing I am making a difference in the lives of the children I teach and care for. For some of them the child-teacher relationship that is formed in my
classroom is the only positive relationship they experience in their lives. Being able to show them that they have someone who cares about them and being able to contribute to their future success by giving a successful early
start gives me the most joy and satisfaction as an Early Childhood Educator.
About Me
My name is Erica Crystal and I am the Lead Infant Teacher for the Tiny Cubs Classroom. I have an Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development and Education, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, both completed at Northwest Florida State College. I have 7+ years experience in professional childcare and love having the opportunity to teach the babies in my care the necessary physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language, sensory, mathematics, and creative skills to help them grow and develop
successfully. Outside of FSLA, my calling, gifts, and hobbies include: Youth Ministry at Park Street Church of God In Christ as a Youth Worker and Nursery/Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher (19 years). I Love to write and draw when I have the opportunity to do so as it gives me the outlet to express myself without speaking words. I also love playing Hidden Object games and Trivia games because of the cognitive challenge, and I enjoy putting things together to keep my fine motor skills and eye/hand coordination strong and because it is fun to do.
My Family
I am 41 years old and I was born in Wyandotte, Michigan but raised in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, after my parents moved back there when I was 4 months old. I am the youngest of four children, I have two older brothers and an older half sister. I myself am currently single with no children but look forward to having a family in the future. I do have 3 nephews and 1 niece. My parents have been married for over 50 years and raised me and my older brothers in a Christ centered home, leading us in the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both of my parents are retired from the Walton County School District. My father worked in maintenance at Walton High School and my mother worked as the Guidance Counselor at West DeFuniak Elementary for 15+ years at the time for their retirements. My older brother is currently serving as a City Councilman for the City of DeFuniak Springs and also has a Real Estate Venture.
My Experience
I have 7+ years experience in the Early Childhood Education field, and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development and Education, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I also hold Staff and Director`s Credentials and am CPR/First Aid Certified. I have been employed as a teacher/caregiver at
First Steps Learning Academy for almost 5 years and it has been one of the best employment experiences I have had this far. I have been able to grow more professionally at FSLA than at any other center I have been employed at.
Working At FSLA
I Love First Steps Learning Academy because there is a family atmosphere and we truly are a family and team here. As long as a teacher is willing to learn and grow, there is always opportunities available for growth at FSLA. Some of my best experiences have been the positive relationships I have developed with the children and families that I serve.