Schools

Bryant Early Learning Center Director Focuses on Excellence

Torria Baker cultivates relationships with kids and families.

During her first two months as the new director of UCM's Bryant Early Learning (BEL) Center, Torria Baker is focusing on improving the center and engaging with staff, families, and kids.

Baker began her tenure as director in February. She joined the Bryant Early Learning Center in May 2012 as assistant director and has been serving as acting director since October. Baker previously worked at the childcare center at INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, but decided to take the position at the BEL Center to serve as an advocate for kids in need.

“It didn’t offer much of a challenge,” Baker said. “I had a pull to do more for the community. The pull of advocacy took me out of my comfort zone.”

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Baker is focusing on improving the BEL Center’s Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI) rating. According to the VSQI website, any early care and education program that receives one star or more “reflects a program with a commitment to quality.” The system rates the quality of an early care and education program using state-defined standards in four categories, and programs are given support to strive for excellence. Baker has been looking at each category and finding out ways to improve their rating and offering support to staff. The BEL Center is part of the Virginia Preschool Initiative, which provides a grant to ensure kindergarten readiness for 4 and 5 year olds.

“I come from a perspective of a mom, an assistant, and management,” Baker, a mom of three teens, told Patch. “I understand the role. I come with higher expectations and understanding.” 

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The BEL Center also has a full-time child support specialist on-site.

“She goes in and observes children and looks for developmental delays,” Baker explained. “If there is, she serves as a resource for teachers and families. I think it’s great.”

The BEL Center works in conjunction with Bryant Alternative High School to give teen families the opportunity to get their high school diplomas by providing childcare through the Project Opportunity program.

What does Baker love most about her job?

"The kids, hands down," she said. "Whenever I’m stressed, I go into the classroom and the children lift my spirits. It keeps me grounded."


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