Employee Spotlight

Describe the day in the life of your role at Horizons.
We open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m., but our typical day depends on the shift we work. The children usually have breakfast before 9:45 a.m. We then let them play and they sit at the tables for activities. At 10:00, we start with circle time and then go outside either on the playground or for a walk. If it’s raining, we play in the gross motor room. Then we change diapers, have lunch, and brush teeth before nap time, which last until about 3:00 p.m. When the children wake up we change diapers again and they have a snack. After that they have more play time and at 4:20 p.m. they go outside or to the gross motor room to play and end the day.

What do you like most about working at Horizons?
My favorite thing is the way we treat the children. I like the mission of the organization and the way we work with the families and support the parents in different ways. I love to work and play with the children.

What’s a goal you hope to accomplish while at Horizons?
I would like to continue to be a teacher. I really love this age group, and I would like to continue to stay with the 2-year-olds. I also want to go back to school. I have my Associate’s degree, and I’m only 10 credits away from getting my Bachelor’s degree!

What is something you’ve learned at Horizons that has affected you the most?
I like telling people I work at Horizons of Homeless Children because I am proud of what I do. The families need help to be successful and I like that we are able to help them. This organization has a good mission and the work I do comes from my heart.

I feel like I am doing something great by teaching these children and helping their families.

Favorite/most powerful Horizons moment?
When children age out of my room into preschool, I get a little sad. However, we form a special relationship when they’re in my classroom, so they continue to stay connected. One girl is in the preschool class now and every time she walks past our room she runs and gives me a hug. I love how the bond with the kids continues. They don’t forget us.

Why do you think people should support Horizons?
I really believe in the mission. We give the kids a lot of love because they need a lot of extra love while their parents work so hard to get their family back on their feet.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
When I was growing up, I didn’t know I was going to be a teacher, but I remember I would pretend I was a teacher. I would go to my friends houses and they were a little younger than me, so I would help them with their homework and draw letters and numbers on the chalkboard. I would play teacher all the time and I loved this game. It’s funny to look back on these memories – and now look at what I do!

Horizons for Homeless Children’s passionate employees embody the Horizons’ mission every day in a vast array of ways. The Horizons’ staff is uniquely specialized in several areas to serve to the needs of young homeless children and their families. To join our team, check out our career opportunities!

by Maggie Cunha, Marketing & Development Intern
Published on July 12, 2017