Sarah Crampton, Valley Pride Publications
Published 08/27/2010 - 5:49 p.m. PST
A teacher may have a positive influence, maybe even a life-changing effect, on a young person’s life. “I hope I make that kind of impact on children,” said Rhonda Schock, owner of the newly-opened great Beginnings Childcare & Preschool. Schock recently purchased the building and the business, previously called Rogue River Rascals, from Char Lovie, who is retiring. Schock is a parent and member of the Rogue River community. She has five children; the youngest is 11- years old and attending Rogue River Middle School.
She feels strongly that the hours children spend every day at preschool and afterschool care can make a difference. Her motto is “Loving and learning go heart to heart, and hand in hand.” She feels great Beginningsshould provide a warm, loving, welcoming, safe spot for children---and, not just safe physically, safe emotionally as well. “I’m a co-partner in raising your children. They become a part of my family.” “Just a few weeks ago, I went to the wedding of a child that I had cared for,” she recalled.
“You build a relationship with them.” Schock has been involved in child care for 20 years. great Beginningswas the name of the preschool she previously operated in Medford for 10 years. For the last six years she has been employed by the Rogue River School District. One year was spent as a substitute teacher for Rogue River Middle School and Rogue River Elementary School. She was a teacher’s assistant for five years at Evans Valley Elementary School in Wimer. Two hours each day were devoted to Special Education; four hours per day she worked closely with the principal in behavior management in the Learning Center. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she volunteered extensively to put on the Halloween Carnival, Talent Show, Bingo Night, and other fund raisers.
“Preschool is an important part of developing social skills,” said Schock. “I feel kids need any advantage we can give them to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Preschool teaches kids about sharing, waiting your turn, compromise, learning what you like and making choices on your own. I even sent my kids to another preschool, so they could disassociate from me. “In preschool they learn to get along, even with difficult people,” she added. “It teaches you empathy and sympathy... also the art of negotiation is huge! I like to say you need to learn that you can think what you want, but don’t let it come out of your mouth. These are skills you need for the rest of your life.” Schock went on to discuss her passion. “Working with children… I feel like it’s not a job, it’s a calling,” she said. “I am drawn to kids, and kids are drawn to me. I hope I can make a difference. Kids make a difference for me. Some things kids say are so profound … we adults just muck it up.” great Beginnings Childcare & Preschoolcan accommodate 10 preschoolers and up to 15 after school children.
It is located in a charming house at 227 Pine Streetcomplete with fenced yard and playground jungle gym. The attractive and colorfully decorated house is divided into activity areas. There is a reading area with books, craft tables, and a small love seat where DVDs can be viewed. There is also a kitchen and office area. great Beginningsis a certified family child care facility. It is monitored for safety and sanitation by the Oregon Health Department and the Department of Human Services. Both departments conduct an inspection before issuing certification. A criminal background check is also required, as well as hours of training and education in the child development field. Schock has two Child Development associate degrees from Rogue Community College --- one is center- based and the other is home-based.
Great Beginnings will be on the food program monitored by the USDA. All meals are at no cost to the parents, and the school is partially reimbursed by the program. With changes in the kindergarten class schedules in the Rogue River School District, great Beginningswill offer kindergarten enrichment programs. Schock also plans to be open during the summer. You can contact great Beginnings Childcare & Preschool at 541-787-KiDS.
From Rogue River Press published on 08/27/2010 - 5:49 p.m. PST