Cultivating Excellence in Early Childhood Education

As the owner of three early childcare centers, Babbette Woodbury knows how hard it is to find assistance and mentoring in her field.

“If you do find professional support and help,” she said, “it can make all the difference to the staff and children in our care.”

Not long ago, as Babbette was preparing to open her second center, she learned about training and opportunities offered by the Virginia Infant & Toddler Specialist Network (VA ITSN).

“I really needed help preparing my new center to open,” she said. Through the Network, Babbette not only received technical assistance, but found a mentor in Technical Assistant Coordinator, Janet Yang. Janet helped her envision what her new center could be and helped make it happen.

“She really came in at the right time,” said Babbette. “She had a vision and together we set up my classrooms and prepared them. She helped me create environments where the children would learn but also feel nurtured and at home while in my care.”

The two worked together to furnish the classrooms with shelving units, rocking chairs, manipulative toys, books, and other resources. Together they also provided resources to Babbette’s staff and to the parents of the children at the center.

“If I had questions about safety or hygiene practices, I would call Janet,” Babbette said. “My staff also took part in trainings on how to support breastfeeding mothers and practice safe sleeping habits. I’m so happy I heard about VA ITSN.”