I did a 4-credit internship at the Aspen Center for Child Development and words can’t describe how amazing my experience was. I fell in love with the center the moment I walked in. You can tell that the teachers care deeply about the children and their education. I came in with some experience in child care and no experience with the Reggio Emilia approach. Through weekly meetings the director, assistant director, and mentor teachers gave presentations about Reggio topics like the image of the child, how to document, setting up provocations, and more that expanded my knowledge greatly. I felt empowered by the idea that teachers are co-learners in the classroom and are considered researchers. The people who work at the Aspen Center are so genuine and welcoming. I was so happy with my experience I decided to apply for a full-time position and am happily working as an older toddler teacher. Taking the internship led to so many opportunities to grow as a teacher and a human. It was such a great experience, and I cannot recommend being a part of the Aspen Center community enough!
–CSU Intern Linden (2023)
My husband and I began to send our daughter Dylan to the Aspen Center when she was five months old. The longer we spend with this community, the more we are convinced we get to send her to one of the best schools there is. Not only are teachers and administrators calm, warm, kind, and thoughtful, but they also treat Dylan and the other children as smart, capable, citizens. And, we see the results for that. Dylan is constantly coming home with new skills, singing new songs, and talking about all the interesting things that happened throughout the day. The moments I get to watch teachers interact with children, I am continually impressed and inspired by the way that they can guide while also letting the kids lead. It is truly remarkable. I also love how both teachers and directors make an effort to bring children into the community with trips to the library or walks around downtown Longmont. Moreover, when challenges arise – be it classroom transitions or Dylan being nervous at drop off – I have always felt that teachers have partnered with us to find solutions that are best for Dylan. Lastly, I was blown away with how our Director and the teachers navigated COVID. From communicating to parents clearly, to putting in place safety percussions that also took into account children’s developmental and emotional needs, it always felt that they were dedicated to the wellbeing of children first and foremost.
–Laura Eppstein