There’s a new initiative at the Beloit Public Library, and a Blackhawk Technical College alumna is heading up the effort. Becky Wilson, who graduated from Blackhawk in 2006, has been hired as the manager of the library’s new Discovery PLAYce, which opens Nov. 14.
Wilson, who grew up in Janesville, got started on her career path in Blackhawk’s Early Childhood Education program. She said she always wanted to be a teacher and was looking for a high-quality early childhood education program. When she had her first child during her senior year of high school, she realized she needed to continue her education on her terms.
“As a young, working mom, I was interested in becoming a teacher but needed a campus close to home and a very flexible schedule,” Wilson said. “Blackhawk allowed me to begin my higher ed journey toward my desired career path at a nearby campus with a flexible schedule.”
After graduating with her associate degree from Blackhawk, she went to work teaching preschool at Janesville's Montessori Children’s House from 2005 until 2014. She continued her education at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater through the ECE4U articulation agreement and earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education. She then taught for 11 years at Todd Elementary School in Beloit before joining the Beloit Public Library for her new role.
“I care by nature and have a passion for working with young children. I’ve wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember,” she said. “Positive and playful interactions in the early years are imperative to brain development and school readiness. Discovery PLAYce at the Beloit Public Library provides the perfect setting for such interactions.”
Wilson said high-quality early childhood education has a lasting positive impact on the community. Barriers to educating youngsters include fewer service providers, the affordability of childcare, and reduced federal funding. Combined, these issues have resulted in fewer early childhood education programs. For anyone looking at a career in that field, she shared her appreciation and offered some advice.
“Thank you for doing this work! It’s hard, but our kids are worth it. Always remember, behavior is communication. Avoid taking things personally and try to approach difficult situations and interactions with curiosity over judgement.”
Wilson and her husband, Ryan, have three children ages 23, 21 and 7. When the entire family can get together, they enjoy hiking and cheering on Wisconsin’s sports teams.