Holland Konc

Credentials: Lead Teacher

Position title: Chipmunk Classroom

Email: konc@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-890-4992

When did you begin working in Early Childhood Education – was there a moment(s) that made you realize you wanted to work in this field? Have there been other roles in the field that you have worked in?

My love for childcare started when I was probably around 8. My mom gave me all her Babysitter’s Club books and I was determined to one day stat my own babysitting business. I started to babysit for my mom’s friends when I was 12 and have been doing it ever since! I started at the CDL as an intern in the Honeybee room during the summer of 2022 and stayed there for 2 years before accepting my full time position in the Chipmunk room this past May!

What are your educational philosophies?

I care deeply about having strong relationships with all the children I work with. My last semester as a student I was a float for part of my shifts. I loved this because it helped me develop relationships with all the kids at the CDL and their families! I love feeling connected to the kids in my care and having this as a foundation in my care. In my classroom I value independence. I love encouraging them to do “hard things” like putting on their own shoes or working hard to climb to the top of the dome climber. Celebrating these victories are some of my favorite moments in our day, I love watching them learn and work through their problems. I also care deeply about being their emotional support. In our classroom we always validate their feelings and give them a space to voice them and be a guide as they work to identify how they’re feeling.

What is your favorite thing about working at the CDL?

I feel like I have grown up here! I started as a sophomore in college and it has been so wonderful growing as a little teacher here surrounded by my amazing colleagues and the wonderful kids and families. I love being a part of this community!