From Lunch Aide to Lifelong Educator: Sarah’s Journey in Early Childhood Education
Published October 14, 2025 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.
For Sarah, a career in early childhood education started with something simple: playing with her nieces and nephews. Encouraged by her grandmother, Sarah stepped into the field first as a preschool lunch aide. From there, her passion for working with children grew, and so did her opportunities—moving from assistant teacher to lead teacher, and eventually, opening her own in-home child care after becoming a mother.
A typical day for Sarah begins the moment she opens her door to greet children and their families. She prepares meals, supports play and learning, and helps children transition through their day until it’s time to reunite with their families. For Sarah, the impact is clear: she provides peace of mind for parents, knowing their children are safe and cared for while they provide for their families.
The work isn’t without challenges. Meeting the needs of many little ones at once can feel overwhelming, but it has also pushed Sarah to grow. She’s learned to regulate her own emotions, develop strong conflict-resolution skills, and embrace life moment by moment. Through training, ongoing connections with other providers, and her TEACH scholarship-supported associate degree, she’s built the tools and confidence to thrive in her role.
For Sarah, this career is more than a job—it’s a calling. She treasures the small, meaningful moments: mending a child’s favorite shirt, celebrating milestones, and building long-term relationships with families. As she puts it, “Watching children grow and being part of that growth is the best part of life.”
Her wish is simple: that more people understood she is not “just a babysitter,” but an educator, nurturer, and trusted partner in children’s lives.