PEOPLE
Detail of baby quilt by Pat Akers of the La Plata Quilters Guild
Preschool teacher and early-education instructor Becca Trefry reads to children at Durango Early Learning Center on Feb. 27.
Becca Trefry lays foundation in ‘critical years’
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ecca Trefry can’t get enough of babies and toddlers. She has one son, 13-month-old Nate, and told her husband that they are going to keep having kids until they have a girl or get to three – whichever comes first. In her eight years in Durango, she has been working at Durango Early Learning Center in various capacities: as a toddler teacher with children ages 18 months to 2½ years, preschool teacher with children ages 3 to 5 years and summer camp director. Trefry also influences and educates aspiring teachers in her role as an early-childhood education instructor at Southwest Colorado Community College. “I love working with the little ones,” she said. “Children all have such distinct personalities, and are so loving and accepting.” She says her job is fulfilling because she can have a big impact with this age group. “It’s empowering to know that I am able to set a foundation for a love of learning and support a child during the most critical years of their development. They are taking in everything around them. Everything is new and amazing.” At home, Trefry says she enjoys watching her son discover the world around him, like when he gets excited about playing with a spoon and a cup, or putting toys in
8 • Sunday, March 25, 2012 • Durango Living/Spring
a bucket and dumping them out again. Baking and dance parties are also some favorite family activities. Trefry loves the sense of community in Durango, and thinks it’s a great place for young families. “There are so many activities to take advantage of as a family. Many things, such as just walking or riding bikes on the river trail, are free; and the numerous downtown festivals are wonderful social opportunities. It’s such a young town, with lots of pregnant moms, babies in strollers and little kids.” Apparently, the word is getting out about the wonderful community, and many young families are moving here. Trefry has advice for new families. She says some preschools have a two-year wait list, and many infant and toddler care providers have closed. “Visit the centers and make sure their philosophy is a good fit for you, and then get on a wait list while you’re still pregnant.” Trefry also recommends learning about community resources and getting familiar with the La Plata Family Centers Coalition on Florida Road, which offers services and resources to families. (Visit www.lpfcc. org for more information.) And of course, she thinks it’s important for kids to have at least one sibling as a built-in playmate – or two, or three.
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