Hello! I am Theresa Zecca, the Parent Support Specialist in the Early Childhood Center at JJC. Since January of 2009, I have been a part of the JJC community as an adjunct faculty member teaching Sociology courses (Introduction to Sociology, Marriage and Family, and Cultural Diversity in America). Teaching these courses has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me. One of the great joys of teaching sociology is that so much of what we study in sociology relates to our everyday lives. As an adjunct instructor, I participated in seminars here at JJC to enhance teaching skills and to learn more about the many valuable resources on our JJC campus. In the fall of 2010, I enrolled in a Sociology course (Sex, Gender, and Power) at JJC whereby I was able to be a student again and see the classroom from the students’ perspective.
On a personal note, I am married with two teenage daughters. We have lived in the Joliet area for over 13yrs. With two teenage daughters, the calendar is always filled with school events, sporting events, and social activities. In my free time, I enjoy going for long hikes, long bike rides, and when weather does not permit, to the fitness center. Working with young children is an amazing experience for me. Preschool children have an eagerness to learn and are enthusiastic to share what they learn with others. Young children have a way of finding joy in the simple things that as adults, we all too often overlook. When my children were preschool age, I was active in mothers of preschoolers groups, organizing activities that gave the children learning and social opportunities. In 2003, I began substitute teaching in early childhood classrooms through fourth grade classrooms. Since I thoroughly enjoyed being in a school setting, I completed my post graduate certification as a school social worker. My experience in school social work allowed me to work with children in the primary grades and with their families, addressing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of the children. Also, assisting and supporting the teachers/staff who work with the children is an integral aspect of school social work.
As the Parent Support Specialist, I am delighted to be a member of the ECC staff. As part of the team, I look forward to working with the preschoolers, families, teachers, and staff. In addition to being a resource/support for teachers, I am eager to meet the families and assist them in their sometimes challenging role as parents/caregivers.