Meet Celia Almanza
A Quarter Century of Nurturing Young Hearts
With 25 years in early childhood education, Celia Estrada brings vast experience and spiritual guidance to her role at A Child’s Touch. Her journey is shaped by deep faith and a commitment to nurturing environments where children grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Teaching is not just a career for her but a calling she embraces wholeheartedly.
At A Child’s Touch, where Christian values are foundational, Celia’s mission of sharing God’s love aligns perfectly with the center’s philosophy. Her extensive experience makes her a valuable asset and a trusted figure for families. Her ability to connect personally with children and families has made her a cornerstone of the community.
Specialized Training and Leadership Experience
Celia’s professional development includes training in Conscious Discipline, a program that empowers teachers to create safe, connected environments. This training enhances her ability to foster positive relationships and guide children through emotional challenges. Her expertise allows her to address behavioral issues with compassion, helping children develop emotional skills and healthy relationships.
Her spiritual education includes a Bible seminar, deepening her understanding of scripture and how to share biblical teachings in age-appropriate ways. This knowledge serves her well at A Child’s Touch, where Christian education is integrated into daily activities. Celia’s ability to weave biblical principles into her teaching ensures children learn academic skills and grow in understanding God’s love.
Beyond the classroom, Celia served as a Leader of Youth Ministry for seven years, demonstrating her commitment to guiding young people spiritually. This leadership experience honed her ability to connect with diverse backgrounds while maintaining Christian values. Her time in youth ministry provided insights into young people’s challenges, enabling her to offer practical, faith-based guidance.
Creative Teaching with a Spiritual Foundation
Celia’s teaching approach is marked by creativity and adaptability. Recognizing each child as uniquely created by God, she employs various methods to engage every child and foster a love for learning. Her ability to tailor strategies to individual needs reflects her respect for each child’s uniqueness.
“I believe God has given each child special gifts and talents,” Celia shares. “My role is to help them discover these gifts while creating a classroom environment where they feel God’s love.” This philosophy drives her daily interactions, ensuring each child feels valued and supported.
Her classroom reflects a strong sense of community, embodying the Christian principle that we are all part of God’s family. Children and teachers feel valued and supported, creating ideal conditions for growth. Celia’s ability to foster belonging helps children develop confidence and a positive self-image, laying a foundation for lifelong success.
Mentorship and Dependability
Colleagues at A Child’s Touch value Celia’s dependability and willingness to mentor less experienced teachers. Her quarter-century of experience makes her a fountain of wisdom for those beginning their careers. Her mentorship extends beyond practical strategies to integrating faith into the classroom, helping new teachers nurture students’ spiritual development.
This mentorship role extends Celia’s impact beyond her classroom to potentially hundreds of children taught by those she has guided. Her consistent presence provides stability for children and staff, creating secure attachment relationships crucial for healthy development. Colleagues describe her as a pillar of strength, someone they can turn to for advice and encouragement.
Family Values in and out of the Classroom
Outside A Child’s Touch, Celia prioritizes family time, mirroring the center’s family-centered approach. Her dedication to her family enriches her understanding of the families she serves, allowing her to empathize with parents and create meaningful partnerships that benefit the children in her care.
Celia’s ability to connect with parents is a testament to her commitment to building strong relationships. She understands parents are integral to a child’s educational journey and works tirelessly to ensure they feel supported and involved. Her efforts to foster open communication and collaboration contribute to the overall success of the children in her classroom.
Living by Faith and Divine Timing
Celia’s favorite motto, “Trust God’s Time,” reflects her faith-centered approach to teaching and life. She often references Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time,” reminding her of patience and trust in God’s plan, a lesson she imparts to students and families.
This philosophy influences her patience with children’s development, understanding each child grows at their own pace—a pace divinely determined. It also guides her interactions with families, offering reassurance during concerns about their child’s progress. Her ability to provide comfort and encouragement during challenging moments is one of her many exceptional qualities.
At A Child’s Touch, where the mission includes providing quality care in a Christian environment, Celia Estrada embodies the values that make this center special for children to begin their educational journey. Her faith, experience, creativity, and genuine love for children create a classroom experience that nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Celia’s unwavering dedication ensures every child who enters her classroom leaves with a sense of God’s love and a foundation for lifelong learning.