The Sunshine House wouldn't be the house that feels like home without our amazing teachers and Center Directors. They're what makes our program special, while keeping everything in order. Get to know the people making a difference in your child's life -- one question at a time.
Get to know Debbie Carver, Center Director of our Easley, SC school! She’s been with The Sunshine House for more than 20 years, and we are so lucky to have her.
1. What made you want to have a career in education?
Honestly, I took this job 23 years ago because the computer company I worked for closed. I stayed home for a year and was bored. I took a job teaching in the toddler room with The Sunshine House to have something to do while my child was in school. WOW, what a rewarding job it was! I became immediately engaged, fell in love with the kids, and what can I say? 23 years later I’m still here.
2. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of this job is being able to show the children they are loved and matter! It’s priceless to see their smiles when they see me greeting them in the morning.
3. What’s your favorite memory with your students?
During Christmas time, my husband and I dress up like Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and we read to all the classrooms and spend the day here making memories with the children.
4. How have your students impacted your life?
No matter how bad a day I’m having -- and we all know sometimes it’s the smallest things that can cause a bad day -- the children always have a hug, a smile, and a big hello for me. They have taught me you don’t sweat the small stuff!
5. What part of the curriculum do you enjoy the most and why?
The learning experiences. I love to see the children do hands-on experiments so they can see how things work and grow. They get so excited about the outcomes.
6. What are your goals for 2020?
To reach more children here in Easley and to continue to make a difference in their lives. I love being able to work with the foster families here in Easley! We are able to bring foster children from Pickens County to our school. Giving them love and making them feel like they belong makes my heart smile!
7. Why do you think early childhood education programs are important for students?
A child's early years are the foundation for his or her future development. Providing a strong base for learning, including cognitive and social development, will help children learn how to form relationships with their peers and teachers.
8. What is one lesson or thing you want to make sure your students take with them when they leave?
That they matter! Never let anyone steal your joy!
9. How do you celebrate success with your students and teachers?
We have FUN days. We celebrate even the small stuff! Ever heard of the potty dance? We celebrate when a child figures out how to use the potty for the first time! To be able to share that experience with the child is priceless.
10. Why choose The Sunshine House?
The Sunshine House has become my family, and I have always tried to make every family that comes through our doors feel important, and know they are a part of the family here!
11. What is something about yourself that would surprise others?
I married my high school sweetheart 35 years later.
I’ve been with The Sunshine House for 23 years, and I still have children come back to this day that I had in my first classroom and throughout the years. This speaks volumes to me. I always said I was changing the lives of children here in Easley but honestly, they were changing me. Wow, what a testimony! I love what I do here in Easley!
