INA, Ill. (August 28, 2024) — Paula Wilson, a graduate of RLC, draws on her extensive experience and achievements in the field of Early Childhood Education to share her expertise.
Wilson began her career in early childhood education after participating in her high school's Seniors Work Program. She has now worked in this field for nearly 45 years.
"I felt like it [early childhood education] was my calling," says Wilson. "I have been dedicated ever since my first job."
In 2020, Wilson enrolled in free courses through Project CHILD, a grant-funded initiative by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services aimed at improving the quality, affordability and accessibility of childcare. These college courses increased her confidence, inspiring her to pursue Director Qualification.
With this goal in mind, Wilson applied for and received the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program. This initiative was created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators by encouraging the pursuit of credentials and advancement of existing degrees in the field, with the aim of building a strong, well-prepared workforce.
"The ECACE lifted the financial burden and made it to where I could complete my goal of becoming Director Qualified."
She also offers advice to students entering the early childhood education field, "Working in Early Childhood is really rewarding even though it is a tough job. Just keep going and don’t stop going to school will benefit you."
