Delaware Stars for Early Success
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” – Where Learning and Fun Meet at the “top of the coconut tree.”
September 2019
When you enter Rhonda’s Little Angels Daycare & Preschool in Seaford, Del. you immediately notice the smiles on her students’ faces. Whether they are working on a puzzle or looking at a book, there is a spirit of happiness that permeates this family child care program.
“Every child loves to play and we make it fun while they are learning,” said Rhondalin Cannon-Tingle, program owner. “For example, if we are playing with Lego blocks at center time, I ask a child that is learning colors to build me a red boat or a green house. They are learning, following directions and not even realizing they are identifying colors too!”
Miss Rhonda is very intentional about the use of play in accomplishing goals for each of her students in all areas – cognitively, socially, and physically. In fact, she utilizes the curriculum FunShine to develop lesson plans and assessments that are individualized for each student.
The 22-year veteran in early childhood education straddles the balance of teaching and nurturing perfectly. Parents often describe “Little Angels” as “a loving family child care program with a preschool touch.”
“My mission is to provide the highest quality of child care and education for my children and to be a strong support system for my students and their families,” said Miss Rhonda.
To accomplish this mission, Miss Rhonda actively reaches out to her Stars Technical Assistant for support even though she is a Star Level 5. “Rhonda is committed to her personal growth and the quality improvements of her program,” said Hayley Waters, Stars TA.
“The quality of Rhonda’s program is reflected through lots of positive provider/child interactions and daily fun ways of learning through play – both indoor and outdoor,” added Hayley. “Her program is unique in a musical aspect as well. Throughout the day, you can always catch the children and Miss Rhonda starting a song utilizing all their musical instruments.”
Miss Rhonda is so committed to teaching that the centerpiece of her home is the “coconut tree” from the beloved children’s book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. At this program, there is always “enough room” for love and learning.