Y Stories: Katie Provence
When Katie Provence was a student at South Albany High School, a teacher—her best friend’s dad at the time—told her she should pursue a career path as a teacher. “He said, ‘You should really think about becoming a teacher, whether with littles, like preschool, or kindergarten, first, or second grade, because you are really good with kids,’” Provence said.
That advice and encouragement led her to an associate’s degree in childhood development and her current role as the Assistant Director and Coordinator of the YMCA Growing Leaders Early Learning Center. “I am so thankful he suggested it,” she said, “because I absolutely love working with kids."
Provence was born and raised in Albany. She started her career with several other preschools in the area before landing at Growing Leaders in 2021. Initially, she was a teacher before applying for the assistant director role. Now, her job encompasses much more than just teaching. She supports Lindsay Ornelas, our ELC director, and the ELC staff; she trains new teachers; she communicates with parents and helps plan events; and she provides additional support in the classroom.
Growing Leaders ELC serves kids 2-5, including a toddler classroom for ages 2-3, and preschool classrooms for ages 3-5. The school’s mission is to provide a holistic educational experience and a supportive, nurturing, and safe environment that fosters the development of each child.
Provence noted some important aspects of the ELC's curriculum: name recognition, numbers and counting, arts and crafts, sharing, outdoor play, and socializing with others. The goal, ultimately, is to prepare students for the world ahead of them.
The values Provence and the ELC staff bring to the classroom include a curiosity for learning, acceptance, and caring for all.
"We love everybody regardless. We are a family. We take care of each other. And we are here to support everybody, whether we are supporting the children or the staff in the classrooms,” Provence said. “We are very much a family center. We really care for these kids. We want to be there for them.”
These values are present in many ways. Children participate daily in hands-on activities, including planting and tending the ELC garden and harvesting fruits and vegetables together each year. Growing Leaders ELC also hosts several events with families throughout the year, including dances, carnivals, and more.
“Some of my favorite memories are whenever we have our family events,” Provence said. “Last weekend, we had our carnival, and I could hear all the families outside—there was a humming, like a beehive, a buzz of everyone talking. And it warms my heart, knowing the kids are playing and the families are socializing and making connections with each other.”
Additionally, Provence said one of her favorite aspects of her role at Growing Leaders is her relationship with the kids and seeing the growth and development of students over time.
“Seeing them grow and achieve the goals they have worked so hard for and seeing them finally accomplish the thing that they have been trying so hard to do—that’s my favorite part,” Provence said. “It’s just so rewarding. I love my job, and I love working with kids."
To learn more about our Growing Leaders ELC, click here.
