Meet Crystal Barnes

Finding Treasure in Every Child’s Journey

With bright eyes and a gentle voice, Crystal Barnes welcomes children into her Intermediate 1 classroom at A Child’s Touch, creating a space where learning feels like an adventure. For 11 years, she has poured her heart into nurturing young minds, guided by her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover their God-given potential. Her classroom hums with the energy of children engaged in meaningful play and learning—a testament to her gift for making education both joyful and purposeful.

When you ask Crystal what drives her passion for teaching, her answer reveals the heart behind her dedication: “Helping and watching them learn.” These simple words reflect a profound understanding of her calling as an educator. She finds particular fulfillment when children master concepts that initially challenged them, celebrating these victories as stepping stones in their educational journey. For Crystal, these moments of breakthrough are like discovering hidden treasure—more valuable than silver or gold.

Creating Magic Through Nature and Discovery

Crystal’s teaching approach seamlessly integrates our three-acre campus into daily learning, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary discoveries. Under her guidance, children develop a deep connection with the natural world as they plant seeds in our garden plots, observe insects on our playgrounds, or collect leaves during seasonal changes. These hands-on experiences nurture both curiosity and wonder, helping children understand their place in God’s creation.

Inside her classroom, the magic continues as Crystal creates learning environments that invite exploration and discovery. Whether they’re building structures in the block area, experimenting with textures at the sensory table, or creating masterpieces at the art station, children in her care are actively constructing knowledge through meaningful play. Crystal has a special talent for knowing when to guide and when to step back, allowing children the freedom to test ideas and develop independence while providing the security of a caring presence.

A Foundation of Professional Excellence

Crystal’s commitment to excellence is evident in her pursuit of continuous professional development. Her comprehensive PDIS trainings ensure she remains at the forefront of best practices in early childhood education, while her Pyramid Model Certification equips her with advanced techniques for promoting social-emotional development—a critical foundation for all learning. This knowledge allows her to create a classroom atmosphere where children feel safe to express themselves and develop healthy relationships with peers.

Her completion of EQIT Training (Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care) reflects Crystal’s dedication to understanding the full spectrum of early childhood development. This specialized training enhances her ability to provide responsive, relationship-based care that honors each child’s unique journey. What makes Crystal exceptional is how she weaves this professional knowledge into everyday interactions without losing the joy and spontaneity children need. Her expertise is expressed not through rigid academics but through thoughtfully designed play experiences that align with each child’s developmental stage.

Faith-Centered Values in Action

As part of our non-denominational Christian environment, Crystal naturally integrates biblical principles into daily activities. Rather than teaching faith as a separate subject, she models Christ-like qualities of patience, kindness, and compassion in her interactions with children. These moments of genuine connection show children what it means to treat others with respect and dignity—values that serve them well regardless of their family’s faith background.

In our Creation Station, Crystal helps children express their creativity while exploring age-appropriate spiritual concepts. A simple activity like painting becomes an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of colors God created, while caring for classroom pets teaches responsibility and stewardship. Her approach honors each family’s beliefs while providing a moral compass that guides children toward making positive choices. Parents often comment on how Crystal’s gentle guidance helps their children develop empathy and consideration for others—qualities that will benefit them throughout life.

Beyond the Classroom: Living Her Values

Crystal’s personal interests reflect the same wholesome values she brings to A Child’s Touch. Her love for outdoor activities like camping and fishing mirrors our center’s emphasis on nature-based learning and stems from her own appreciation for God’s creation. Her commitment to church attendance and family time reinforces the family-centered approach that has defined our program for over four decades.

One of Crystal’s guiding principles comes from an unexpected source—Captain Jack Sparrow’s wisdom that “Not all treasure is silver and gold.” This philosophy perfectly captures her understanding that true wealth comes through relationships and meaningful experiences rather than material possessions. It’s a perspective that brings richness to her teaching as she helps children value friendship, kindness, and the joy of discovery above collecting “things.” This balanced approach to life and learning creates a classroom atmosphere where children develop healthy values alongside academic skills.

Contributing to Our Legacy of Excellence

Crystal’s 11-year journey in Early Childhood Education speaks volumes about her dedication to our mission of nurturing children academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Her classroom exemplifies the blend of educational rigor and nurturing care that distinguishes our program from ordinary daycare centers. From helping children develop emerging literacy skills through interactive storytelling to fostering self-regulation techniques that help them manage emotions effectively, Crystal ensures that every aspect of her teaching supports children’s holistic development.

What truly makes Crystal special is her ability to see each child as a unique individual created for a specific purpose. She notices their strengths, understands their challenges, and tailors her approach accordingly—ensuring every child receives exactly what they need to thrive. Parents consistently praise Crystal’s gift for making their children feel both valued and capable, creating an environment where confidence blossoms alongside skills. In her gentle hands, our carefully designed curriculum becomes more than a program—it becomes a transformative experience that lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning, faith, and growth.