Grandville — Julie Scott is the new Early Childhood director and principal of the Early Learning Center, a multifaceted role supporting Grandville’s tuition-based preschool, the district’s early childhood special education program and the Great Start Readiness Program through Kent ISD. SNN gets to know her better in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.
Other positions you have held in education:
- Preschool teacher, assistant director and director in private childcare settings
- Substitute teacher, Grandville Public Schools
- Treehouse Child Care director, Grandville Public Schools
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree, elementary education, Grand Valley State University
- Master’s degree, teaching with early childhood emphasis, Aquinas College
- Administrator certification, GVSU
Why does early childhood education speak to you? “I love the innocence and the passion for learning — not only our teachers, but the energy that our students and parents bring, too. Now, that doesn’t happen with everybody, because some (kids) have some anxiety about leaving home, but I love building those relationships and trust with them and making sure our parents know that their most precious little ones will be well cared for.”
What would you like to share about your family? Scott and her husband have been married for 15 years and have two children, ages 11 and 9. Their family is big fans of Premier League soccer, Disney and University of Michigan football.
Scott and her husband are only children and have lost both her parents and his mother — a fact that she says makes her appreciate loved ones around her even more: “My family is my rock. We’ve been through some significant challenges, and it’s very difficult when you don’t have a village to lean on. So when I say ‘Our school is a family,’ I really mean that. It is true to my heart. I really value the family here and I view these kids (at the Early Learning Center) just like I view my own kids.”
What is one thing on your bucket list? “It’s very simple: to visit Up North. I have lived in Michigan my entire life and have been no further (north) than Traverse City. I love the fudge up there, I’ve seen gorgeous pictures, I’ve heard stories, but I’ve never made it up and I really want to go.”
Describe your leadership style in seven words or less: “Shared. Cooperative. Collaborative. Valued. Honest. Transparent.”
What was your favorite grade when you were a kid? “Probably fifth grade. My teachers truly made a difference that year. Our family had just moved, so it was a pivotal year for me, and my teacher really, truly connected with me and showed that she cared. I also made some genuine connections with some peers that year, and I wasn’t facing the bigger expectations and more homework of middle school yet.”
What book, podcast or TV show have you been loving lately? Brene Brown’s book “Dare to Lead”
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from kids at the ELC? “The importance of being present — with everybody. Obviously, there’s moments in time where things can’t wait; we all have deadlines. But you need to be out and seeing (and) experiencing what everyone is learning. We’re all a team, together, and we’re all learning.”
What is your top goal for the first year in this new role? “Building relationships. I would love to have a conversation with anyone, whether it’s personal or professional, whether it’s a five-minute conversation or a half hour — my door is open. How can I support what’s going on in your life? How can I get to know you better? Those are the conversations I’d love to have.”
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? “That is a really hard toss-up between pizza and strawberries.”
Read more from Grandville:
• Scooch over; this principal wants to eat lunch with you
• After year of planning, district ready to introduce ‘Oakestown culture’
