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We've had Joy care for our children for the last six years and there has never been a time when I wasn't absolutely thrilled with her work. She loves all kids and has a gentle way with them that makes the love her right back. She has a strong work ethic and has always gone above and beyond to teach, entertain and support our girls in whatever was needed. On one such occasion, we had her watch eight kids from ages 1-8. She was completely at ease with it and the kids immediately followed her lead. We refer to her as the "child whisperer" with our friends. I can't wait for her to open her school, she is an absolute natural!
When I was asked to write a letter or recommendation for Joy Frank, I knew immediately how easy it would be. I know Joy not only as a co-teacher, but as a mentor,supervisor, and friend. Speaking from the position of being the assistant teacher in her classroom, I intimately understand Joy's teaching philosophy and approach. Since I've met her, I've known her to repeat the same phrase when describing the roots of her passion for children. She says, with conviction, that "children are competent individuals.They can do things independently. It's our job to teach them the skills and then let them use those skills." This philosophy shines through in her interactions with them everyday. Each child that steps into her classroom is regarded as being special, talented, and part of a loving community.
One of Joy's qualities that I have learned the most from is her ability to not become frustrated with challenging behaviors from the kids, but instead to listen to them with the same respect that you would use with a peer. This allows them to trust her, and ultimately take her suggestions. Problems are not solved with finger wagging and sternness. They are solved with role playing, redirection, and open dialogue between student and teacher.That same support and guidance is evident in her abilities as a supervisor and mentor. I feel I am given an appropriate amount of responsibility, and she makes a conscious effort to make sure of that. I am responsible for things that help me grow professionally.
Although Joy is running the program, she recognizes the importance of allotting time for our creativity, and for our personalities as staff members.Likewise, floaters and substitutes are treated with respect and as important parts of our classroom community. On a personal level, Joy is a friend to the parents and staff. She celebrates birthdays, takes interest in our lives, and shares jokes, stories, and every once in awhile Starbucks. Those around her will undoubtedly be treated with respect and kindness, and students will be guided through a program designed to help everyone involved reach their own potential.
Liz Martin
Liz Jayo
Joy is professional, warm and caring. You can tell that she knows what she is doing and the space she has created at Life’s Little Joys is simply amazing. Within the first week of starting with Joy my son was already coming home with new skills. He sat down to eat his dinner with utensils and even brought his dishes to me! Sadly we had raised a bit of a grazer and hadn’t really worked at sitting and eating. My mom brain told me he was too young, but he isn’t. Thanks for taking good care of our little man and teaching him life skills he needs!
Rachel Gustafson
Amy Steingrebe
Joy Frank has been a part of my two daughters lives since my now high schooler was a baby. She has shaped and taught them from the beginning using play and laughter as powerful tools to teach important life lessons. I’ve watched her passion for teaching and children grow as she pursued her dream of opening her own school. Everything she has been working toward over the last decade culminates in this opening. She has strong beliefs on how children should learn and be treated. I recommend her highly and cannot think of anyone else who I would trust more with the care and education of young children.
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