Type Of Business:
Learning center
Expertise:
Education (K-3); English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
Major Product/SVS:
Pre-kindergarten; Preschool; Tutoring for people of all ages, including university level and learners of English as a Second Language; Programs for gifted children; Tune-up workshops
Hobbies/Sports:
Playing the piano; Biking; Yoga; Listening to her daughter sing in the Calgary Opera
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, Reading/Language Arts and Music, University of Regina (1984)
Date of Distinction:
11/30/2011
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career has been opening up her own instructional center. The enrollment has grown to capacity, and the center is now focused on the next stage of its growth plan. The most gratifying aspect of her career is being able to have a positive influence and make a difference in a child's life.
Charity:
Supporter, Kids Help Phone
Number Of Years In Profession:
24
Number Of Years In Current Position:
2
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her love and passion for teaching and working with children.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she always wanted to be a teacher and help children to build their self-esteem, confidence and experience success. Dissatisfied with the bureaucracy in Canadian schools, she decided to start her own business now that her own children are grown.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Harris' training focused on kindergarten- to third-grade education, but she has been a substitute teacher for kindergarten through grade 12. In addition, she completed the 100 hours of training that qualify her to teach English as a Second Language. Prior to establishing First Steps & Beyond, Ms. Harris taught in school divisions in Saskatchewan and Alberta. At First Steps & Beyond, she and her staff guarantee that they will provide students with the academic, social, emotional and physical readiness skills that will give them a strong, solid foundation for life success. First Steps & Beyond includes emergent curriculum in its yearly plans and is the only program in Red Deer, Alberta, that teaches pre-kindergarten children how to read. The small class size at the center enables the teachers to provide individualized instruction, so that when the child graduates from the pre-kindergarten program, he or she leaves fully prepared for kindergarten entrance and academic success.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Handling day-to-day operations of the business; Overseeing all the administrative work: Teaching the English as a Second Language program; Tutoring children who need a challenge
Awards/Honors:
Recognition, Ministry of Child and Youth Services, Canadian Government (2011)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Harris plans to expand her business. Part of her marketing plan is to partner with other companies and their employees and offer 24-hour day care. In addition, she hopes to open a private school; she has received requests to do so from her students' parents.