Kelley Eakins Joins #TeamKACC

Early Childhood Education Preschool Lab Supervisor

Kelley Eakins is one of our newest members of #TeamKACC.  Ms. Eakins brings a wide range of experience and education to benefit this fine program.

A graduate of Governors State University, Ms. Eakins holds a BS Degree in Education, with endorsements in both Middle School and Language Arts.  Her professional experience ranges from working for numerous institutions including Governors State University Smart Start Pre-K Program; Classroom Teacher; the Kankakee Area YMCA before/after school programs as both a staff member and then coordinator; an infant massage instructor; private tutor; substitute teacher; and, a small business owner. 

Ms. Eakins says she is grateful for having the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom for several years, raising her children and volunteering in myriad ways.  She served on several school and community boards and enjoyed coaching too. 

Ms. Eakins says she is "thrilled to be at KACC."  The preschoolers will begin the first week of September.  Until then, she is working with Ms. Kapidis learning the in's and out's of the Early Childhood Education program with Preschool Lab and KACC's curriculum plan and she looks forward to helping students from all around the area explore what education and teaching is all about. 

According to Ms. Eakins, her educational philosophy is knowing that children, whether preschoolers or high school students, are able to learn in an environment which is safe, supportive and caring stating "Students are naturally curious and love to be actively involved  in their learning.  If students can help make decisions in the classroom, they will feel responsible and benefit greatly from increased self-esteem."

On a personal note, Ms. Eakins has been married for 23 years and has 3 boys. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching her children's sporting events and traveling. Fun  fact, one of her children just so happens to be a KACC alumni from the welding program.  She says she was "thrilled" to be an active parent during those two years her son attended KACC.