Ms. Jennifer
Grafton Young Twos Lead
I chose to work in Early Childhood Education because I’ve always genuinely loved working with young children. There’s something really special about being part of those early years when everything is new and exciting to them. I enjoy helping children learn not just academics, but also how to be kind, confident, and independent little people.
I’ve been working in childcare on and off since 1997, so this field has been a big part of my life for a long time. I spent 15 years teaching 4K in North Fond du Lac, and I’ve also taught in Milwaukee and in a private 4K program in Germantown. Those experiences have allowed me to work with so many different children and families, and they’ve really shaped who I am as a teacher today.
What I enjoy most about working at OCC is the relationships. I love getting to know each child’s personality and watching them grow over time. Seeing those “aha” moments or watching a child gain confidence in themselves never gets old. I also enjoy being creative—whether it’s planning fun activities, encouraging imaginative play, or just making the classroom a place where kids feel happy, safe, and excited to be
Educational Experience
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Mount Mary College. My education gave me a strong understanding of child development and helped prepare me for creating meaningful, age-appropriate learning experiences. While my degree gave me the foundation, I feel like my years of hands-on experience have really shaped me the most. Teaching 4K for 15 years and working in different childcare settings has helped me grow in patience, flexibility, and understanding. Every group of children is different, and I’ve learned how important it is to meet each child where they are.
I still learn something new every day, and that’s one of the things I love most about this field. Working with children keeps me growing, both personally and professionally, and it continues to remind me why I chose this path in the first place.