2014 Early Childhood grad owns and operates her own family childcare business
Courtney Corson, 33, graduated from the Early Childhood & Youth Development program at Dakota County Technical College in 2014, earning her Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Today, Courtney owns and operates her own family childcare business, Busy Buddies Early Learning Center, in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. She launched Busy Buddies in 2011 and also serves as a parent coach at The Parenting Tree.
After graduating from DCTC, Courtney went on to earn her Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Family Science from Concordia University, St. Paul. She is a certified family life educator and certified parenting coach, earning both credentials from Concordia.
“I’ve always been drawn to children,” Courtney said. “I love working with children, caring for them and learning from them. I was a nanny in high school and when I started looking for a college with an early childhood program, I researched DCTC and liked what I found.”
Encouraging children to create entirely on their own gives them opportunities to be themselves, be in charge of their work, create unique and meaningful work, imagine, pretend and maybe even express their feelings through their own unique work.
Courtney Corson
2014 ECYD Graduate
Dakota County Technical College
Busy Buddies gallery
View more photos by visiting the DCTC Flickr album:
A Day at Courtney Corson’s Busy Buddies
More about Courtney…
Originally from River Falls, Wisconsin, Courtney graduated from River Falls High School in 2004. She has early childhood education experience as a lead and assistant teacher, and she’s worked as a nanny. She excels as a mentor for teen moms and teens who are expecting, providing support and encouragement, guidance finding resources and parenting education.
Courtney has been married seven years and her husband, Scott, is an IT professional with the state of Minnesota. Scott and Courtney have three children, one daughter, Nova, 4, and twin sons, Renn and Cru, five months. The family has one dog, Presley, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu-terrier.
In her free time, Courtney enjoys acrylic painting and crafts, family photography, dining out at unique restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She resides with her family in Inver Grove Heights.
Faculty perspective…
“Courtney is a go-getter with a heart of gold! I remember her smile and laugh—her personality is infectious. She is focused and driven. She started her own program in her home, and I was more than pleased when I went to observe her. The environment was clean, organized and appropriate.
“The quality of her teaching was high as she easily implemented the knowledge and strategies from our Early Childhood program. It was great to see her in her element…rockin’ those children’s socks off! Smiles all around.”
Dawn Easley
Early Childhood & Youth Development Director and Faculty
Dakota County Technical College
Courtney Corson • Q & A
Courtney Corson
Why did you choose DCTC?
I liked the college’s Early Childhood & Youth Development program.
What is one thing every early childhood teacher should know?
How to be creative and use the resources around us.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe every day is a learning adventure for children. Children are curious. They learn through play, exploring, asking questions and talking among friends. I believe children learn best when we give them the environment and materials to explore.
Encouraging and introducing new ideas, concepts and skills at the appropriate age are important for children to feel successful. Praise, listening, recognizing and showing interest are all important qualities in building a child’s self-esteem. Every child deserves to feel comfortable, feel included, have fun, express, create and feel loved while learning.
I believe that working with young children starts by letting them explore, ask questions, have discussions and learn what interests them. Adults have a lot to learn with the children and even from the children while exploring with them.
With an adult by their side, I believe it’s the best way to really dig deep and engage the children in learning. Encouraging children to create entirely on their own gives them opportunities to be themselves, be in charge of their work, create unique and meaningful work, imagine, pretend and maybe even express their feelings through their own unique work.
Three words that describe you as childcare professional:
PROFESSIONAL. RELIABLE. UNDERSTANDING.
What did you like best about teaching children?
I enjoy exploring with the children, watching them grow and seeing how excited they get about learning something new.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job as a early childhood educator?
Balancing the business side as well as the teaching side—being one person for every job.
What advice would you give students thinking about making early childhood education their career path?
Early childhood education is a very fun, creative and rewarding field. Follow your vision and passion—it’s what will make your program come alive! Seek a mentor in the beginning; they will help answer all the questions and be by your side as you start your path.
Why is education so important for young children?
Education stimulates their brain and helps them grow. Learning helps children understand themselves and how to get along with others. Learning early in life allows children to understand concepts needed for the real world.
One word that best describes your experience at DCTC:
FULFILLING
Courtney Corson • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Hiking
Place you would most like to visit: Europe, probably Greece
- The most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Become a mom.
- Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Pay off bills 2) Give to charities 3) Invest in a nonprofit business or real estate
- Favorite TV show you’re watching now: This Is Us
- Favorite kind of music: Pop
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: Being a good parent; not a perfect parent, but someone who teaches, models and guides my children into being successful individuals themselves.
Your national bird if you were your own country: Northern cardinal- Dream occupation: Educator for children, parents, families and students
- Person you would most like to meet: My ancestors
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Listening
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Illnesses such as cancer
Learn more about Early Childhood & Youth Development at DCTC by contacting:
Dawn Easley
ECYD Director
651-423-8315
Sharon Bergen
ECYD Faculty
651-423-8398
