| NAME | Jennifer Calvert |
| CENTER | Calvert’s ABC Preschool and Nursery |
| TOWN | Aberdeen, MS |
| LENGTH OF CAREER IN CHILDCARE | 30 years |
| EDUCATION | Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from Itawamba Community College BS in General Studies from Mississippi University for Women |
| FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK | Pete the Cat: I love My White Shoes |
Jennifer Calvert, a newly appointed State Early Childhood Advisory Council member, didn’t start her career in early childhood. However, her initial beginnings in bookkeeping and business set a strong foundation for her work as the owner and operator of Calvert’s ABC Preschool and Nursery. Jennifer has worked with families and has provided quality care for children for over 30 years in Aberdeen, MS. She received an AA iEarly Childhood Development from Itawamba Community College and her BS from the Mississippi University for Women in General Studies.
When she reflects on her work and what she loves most about childcare, she says, “I love the curious minds of children. As I watch the children interact with their classmates and play in various learning centers, I actively listen to their conversations.” She continues to say, “Children never cease to amaze me with their creativity and imagination; their minds are extraordinary!”
Jennifer believes wholeheartedly in the importance of strong early childhood experiences for children. She says, “I have seen the importance of a child being in a quality childcare setting and how it helped them get ready to transition into schools. So many children fall through the gap if they aren’t given a great start. That’s been my passion–working with children and getting them ready for Kindergarten. I was a teacher and director at the same time, so I know how important it is and what it takes.”
Calvert knows that childcare is about educating children and has experienced other aspects of the work that can be challenging for teachers and directors alike. Teacher turnover, parent engagement, and financial stability are issues that she deals with and understands that other childcare centers face these challenges. With these issues as top-of-mind, she says that as a member of SECAC, “I want to support our children. I want to advocate for staff and financial stability for our childcare centers. And I want to encourage the state to find matching funds to help increase teacher’s salaries.”