Toddle Inn South Portland

Erica B.

Education/Experience:
BA Early Childhood Special Education / 13 years

Current Age Group/Classroom:
Young Preschool

Years of Seniority at Toddle Inn:
Since 2019

Why did you choose a career in Early Childhood Education?
I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember!

What are your must have children’s books in your classroom?
Groovy Joe and The Very Hungry Caterpillar

What is your favorite age group to teach and why?
I love watching the joy on the faces of 2-4 year olds as they learn something new.

What is a valuable lesson you have learned in your teaching career?
Patience pays off and to always have a back up plan.

Funniest quote from a child in your classroom?
“Are you kidding me?!”

Outside of teaching what is your personal passion and/or hidden talent?
I enjoy painting.

What have you enjoyed most during your time working at Toddle Inn?
I have enjoyed creating a bond with each child as well as the class as a whole.

Elise Dadiego

Education/Experience:
BA USCD Theatre Arts Management – Stage/Theatre
Currently taking the Preschool CDA program and Maine Early Learning Developmental Standards (MELDS)

Current Age Group/Classroom:
Pre-K

Years of Seniority at Toddle Inn:
I joined the TI family in August 2021!

Why did you choose a career in Early Childhood Education?
I wanted a career where I could make and impact on the early generations of learners and help shape a small part of the future.

What are your must have children’s books in your classroom?
Ish – by Peter H. Reynolds
Not a Box – by Antoinette Portis
Sky Color – by Peter H. Reynolds
Stick and Stone – by Beth Ferry

What is your favorite age group to teach and why?
Pre-K – they are so excited to learn and so happy with their accomplishments!

What is the best learning moment you’ve witnessed in your classroom?
When teaching the concept of herbivores vs. carnivores – a child said, “So herbivores eat salads and carnivores eat hamburgers, right?”

What is a valuable lesson you have learned in your teaching career?
That there is an over abundance of magic when a child learns something new and that is the motivation that keeps me going!

Funniest quote from a child in your classroom?
“A fly? Do they fly because that’s their name?” – AZ, Room 8 – South Portland

Outside of teaching, what is your personal passion and/or hidden talent?
I LOVE theatre and stage and manage plays on the side for Portland Arts. I also love acrylic painting and hosting paint nights for friends & families.

What have you enjoyed most during your time working at Toddle Inn?
The amazing staff and administration who have been INSANELY welcoming!

Laureen Zappala

Education/Experience:
Associate’s Degree in ECE – I also have 33 years experience teaching in preschool settings as well as Head Start programs

Current Age Group/Classroom: Preschool – 3-4 year olds

Years of Seniority at Toddle Inn: 1 year

Why did you choose a career in Early Childhood Education?
I love watching children learn and wander about the world around them. I also love to see them learn about their skills and make first friendships.

What are your must have children’s books in your classroom?
Oh, my goodness! Too many to count, but for a start…
Shhh – by Sally Grindley and Peter Otton
The Gray Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher – by Molly Bang
And any book by Audrey and Don Wood!

What is your favorite age group to teach and why?
3-5 year olds – I love watching them grow and achieve their goals!
What is the best learning moment you’ve witnessed in your classroom?
When a child says, “I did it Ms.Reen!”

What is a valuable lesson you have learned in your teaching career?
That every child learns differently and at their own pace.

Funniest quote from a child in your classroom?
I once told a child that my Mom’s name was Bunny. She looked puzzled, so I asked the child what she was thinking about. She replied, “I’m wondering what her ears are gonna look like.”

Outside of teaching, what is your personal passion and/or hidden talent?
I love singing with my family and I love, love Karaoke! My brothers play guitar and we have fun house parties full of music!

What have you enjoyed most during your time working at Toddle Inn?
The opportunity to teach and share my experience of teaching with others. I enjoy my role as a mentor teacher and look forward to having more new teachers shadow me in my own classroom. I love having the opportunity to chat and answer their questions as they expand their teaching toolbox!

Amy Bilodeau

Education/Experience:
19 Years in ECE & Bachelors course work in Mental Health & Human Services

Current Age Group/Classroom: Director

Years of Seniority at Toddle Inn: Rejoined Toddle Inn in 2021 after teaching at the Gorham center from 1999-2008!

Why did you choose a career in Early Childhood Education?
I developed a love for working with children at a young age. The process of teaching and guiding children through their learning journeys is my favorite part of early education.

What are your must have children’s books in your classroom?
Nature and Science books are a necessity for my ECE classroom along with any Shel Silverstein books!

What is your favorite age group to teach and why?
I’ve always loved 4-5 year olds for their curiosity and eagerness to explore ideas and materials and engage with others!

What is the best learning moment you’ve witnessed in your classroom?
The “Aha!” moments children have when they’ve learned something in their guided play and express confidence and self growth.

What is a valuable lesson you have learned in your teaching career?
I learn as much, if not more, than the children when being present with them and open to seeing how they view the world.

Funniest quote from a child in your classroom?
“You don’t sleep here?”

Outside of teaching, what is your personal passion and/or hidden talent?
Raising my own four boys and being their mom – I love doing activities with them like sports, hiking, biking, and running! I also love traveling with them and watching them play in their sports events!

What have you enjoyed most during your time working at Toddle Inn?
Building relationships with staff, families, and the children. Watching children come into our program and grow as they become part of our center community. I love working as a team collaborating on ways we can grow and expand our programs!