Building-Knowledge-to-Better-Serve-Young-Learners.php

Building Knowledge to Better Serve Young Learners

• Students
• 10/28/2026

For Marcie Lara, returning to Rock Valley College wasn’t just about earning a degree, it was about reigniting a lifelong passion and continuing to make a difference in the lives of young children

With over thirty years of experience in childcare, Marcie’s journey has been shaped by dedication, community, and a deep love for her profession.

Marcie’s connection to early childhood education began early. “I started babysitting at 10 years old, and when I went to Boylan, they offered Child Development classes,” she recalls. “I thought I would love to learn more about early childhood.” After high school, Marcie attended RVC in 1996 and soon began working in the childcare field. Over the years, she made a profound impact on countless children, seeing many of her former students graduate from high school and even college. “That was my motivation to go back to RVC,” she shares. “I wanted to finish my associate’s degree in a field that I have experience working in and that I love.”

Flexibility and community were essential in Marcie’s decision to return. “What I like most about RVC are the online classes that are available, which fit my work schedule,” Marcie says. “I also enjoy the night classes because I can associate with other classmates who are working in the childcare field or are just starting out.” For Marcie, the ability to connect with fellow students who share her commitment to children brought new energy and inspiration to her studies. 

Like many adult learners, Marcie balanced her coursework with her career and personal life. She found support in her professors, advisors, and classmates. “The Early Childhood Education staff and Advisors have been a tremendous help for me! They are very attentive, make the classes fun and engaging, and always make time to meet for any questions or concerns,” she notes. Marcie also found fulfillment in helping others, offering advice and guidance to classmates and forming friendships along the way.

Looking forward, Marcie is determined to keep advancing in her field. “After RVC, I would like to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I hope to study at Illinois State University, NIU, or SIU,” she says. Her ambitions go beyond her own education: “I would like to become a mentor to others that want to pursue a career in early childhood and become a Director for a Daycare/Preschool Program in the future.”

Marcie’s advice for others considering early childhood education is heartfelt and practical: “Talk to your advisors, talk to your professors, other classmates, and in between studying, take time to relax with family and friends.” She knows that the journey isn’t always easy, but the rewards are profound. “It’s nice to have conversations with people who understand what it’s like to impact children’s lives. We help each other with advice and guidance, and that has given me a greater sense of purpose.”

Throughout her journey, Marcie’s appreciation for the RVC community has only grown. “All the classmates I have met online and in night classes have given me a greater purpose to continue my early childhood education. The support from the Early Childhood Education staff and advisors has been tremendous they’re attentive, engaging, and always there to help.”

That sense of community and dedication is something her professors have noticed as well. Isabel Cano, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, shares, “What stands out most is Marcie’s ability to build community in every class. She consistently shares personal and professional experiences from working with young children, and these insights elevate classroom conversations meaningfully. Through our conversations, she represents the type of educator our field needs more of someone who is patient, eager to learn, and genuinely passionate about her community.”

Marcie Lara’s story is one of dedication, growth, and the power of education to transform not just a career, but a community. Her journey is far from over, and as she continues her studies and mentorship, the children and families she touches will benefit for years to come.  Rock Valley College is proud to celebrate Marcie’s achievements and the inspiring example she sets for others pursuing their dreams in early childhood education.

 

“Meeting people who work in the childcare industry and sharing our experiences has given me a greater purpose to continue my early childhood education.”

Marcie Lara, Early Childhood Education program student