Celebrating 15 Years of Unwavering Commitment to EarlystART

Big cheery smiles, loud belly-aching laughter, and the sweet sound of “You are My Sunshine” are all tell-tale signs that you’ve just walked into Mrs. Bonnie’s toddler classroom. This month, Mrs. Bonita “Bonnie” Conley will celebrate 15 years of service as an EarlystART educator. That’s right. 15 years! During Mrs. Bonnie’s tenure, her positivity has become a staple for the EarlystART community.

Mrs. Bonnie’s journey in early childhood education began with a seemingly simple aspiration “to make a difference in a child’s life.” Growing up, Mrs. Bonnie experienced a happy childhood with supportive parents who instilled confidence in her at a young age. Having no children of her own, becoming an early childhood educator allowed her to pass that love and support down to the infants and toddlers in her care. 

It’s no secret that caring for young children can be challenging and oftentimes thankless work, but for a decade and a half, Mrs. Bonnie has made it look effortless and rewarding – successfully creating an inclusive environment where little learners feel valued and their families feel supported. A place where toddler tears turn into high-pitched giggles, and cries for mom turn into snuggles at circle time. 

In a lifetime of dedication to early childhood education, Mrs. Bonnie shares her most valuable lesson learned, “Each child is unique in their own way, and deserves an educator who celebrates that and encourages them to reach their full potential.” 

Research indicates 90% of a child’s brain develops by their 5th birthday, and Mrs. Bonnie intentionally uses this time to instill confidence and ignite curiosity in her students. 

EarlystART students become independent and inquisitive learners because of teachers like Mrs. Bonnie – teachers who know that fostering enthusiasm for learning looks different for each student. Teachers who prioritize meeting their students where they are and supporting them in whatever way works best for them.

Mrs. Bonnie’s warmth and empathy make her classroom more than a room in a building, but a loving home away from home. When one thinks of our mission– building bridges, inspiring minds, and impacting futures, one might think of EarlystART. For those of us that know Mrs. Bonnie, we think of her. Many thanks to all of the devoted early educators, like Mrs. Bonnie, who are making our community brighter one little learner at a time.