story by Claire Miller
Keyonta Brown knew early on that becoming an early childhood educator was the right fit for her.
She vividly remembers her 21-year-old daughter’s earliest milestones, and she saw firsthand how much of an impact parents and educators have on the youngest learners.
“Reflecting on my daughter’s early years, I realized just how foundational those formative years were in shaping her cognitive, emotional and social development,” she said. “Understanding the critical role of early childhood education in nurturing young minds – and wanting to contribute to this field – became a passion of mine.”
Brown enrolled in the College of Education & Human Development’s undergraduate program in birth through five education, which gives students the research-based content knowledge and teaching skills needed to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten-aged children.
During her student teaching experience, she applied the concepts and theories she learned in class while working in a kindergarten classroom at Humphries Elementary School in Atlanta.
“Watching the children engage in various activities, seeing their eyes light up with curiosity and witnessing their incredible capacity for learning was truly inspiring,” she said. “This experience also highlighted the significant impact that early childhood educators can have on a child's development. I learned the value of patience, creativity and adaptability in working with kindergarten children.”
Brown was recognized for her academic achievements at the College of Education & Human Development’s annual Honors Day Ceremony on April 1.
She is the inaugural recipient of the Best All Around Birth-Five Educator Award, which recognizes a student in the birth through five program for outstanding academic excellence.
“I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as immense appreciation for everyone who supported me along the way," she said about receiving the award. "It feels incredibly special to be the first person to receive this recognition, setting a benchmark for future recipients. It’s both humbling and inspiring, as it motivates me to continue striving for excellence and innovation in my work."
Brown’s hard work and dedication in the birth through five program have prepared her to confidently take her next career step and serve as a role model for her daughter.
“Graduating this May, being considered for this award and becoming its inaugural recipient have proven every doubt about my abilities wrong,” she said. “More importantly, it has provided my daughter with a living example of resilience and strength. For that, I am truly grateful.”