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 Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Traci Sanders. I have lived in Walton County for more than thirty years. I come from a large family of eight children so I was always surrounded by children from a very young age. People have always told me that I would make a great mom and teacher one day because of how children respond to me. Well, I am now a proud mother of three beautiful children whom I have been blessed enough to be able to stay home with since birth by doing various types of “work from home jobs.” Even though these jobs provided ample income; I never really felt passionate about what I was doing. So when my youngest son was three years old, upon the advice of my sister-in law, I decided to start an in-home childcare business and see how it went for a few months. After about six months, I knew I had found my calling in life. I loved being around small children and watching them learn and grow and absorb everything in their environment. I was amazed to see a child come into my care at the age of two and progress from one day, and sometimes one year to the next. It seemed like such a short span between the time they took their first step to being able to write their name.
I truly enjoy early childhood education and the best part is that I have found a way to be home with my own children and still do what I am passionate about. What more could a person want from life? I feel as if I am contributing to this community in my own way, by molding and shaping some of the future citizens that will one day possibly be our mayors, sheriffs, and judges. Some of them have even said to me in the past “Miss Traci, when I grow up I want to be a teacher just like you.” Moments like that make me realize just how important my job is and they are what keep me going on days when I feel like nothing more than an object to be spit-up on, back-talked to, and tested to no end as any childcare provider, or even parent can relate to. Moments when a parent of a child I have cared for months ago comes to me and says “Thank you for everything you did for my child. His teacher said he exceeds the current curriculum and she is recommending him for the gifted program.”
So even when my own children are all in school full time I still see myself in this profession whether I am still operating from home or have realized my dream of owning my own center so I can share my passion with even more people. Until then, I am satisfied knowing that each moment a child is in my care, I am making an impact on their lives by showing them acceptance, praise and guidance. I take that responsibility very seriously.
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