HAWKINSVILLE, Ga. — Mary Williams teaches early head start at Kid's Express Learning Center in Hawkinsville. She's been an educator there for more than 15 years.
Williams says she found her true passion in early head start development, but she couldn't do it alone.
She says teamwork comes from the help of parents and staff, but the key is consistency and patience.
"I'm making an impact, and it's a challenge at times, but patience is virtue," Williams says.
1-year-old Ariyah Ponder is learning basic information like letters and sound, while diving into new languages like Spanish.
Her parents say it's amazing to see how fast she's learning.
Ariyah's mother, Alexis Pitts, says she's not surprised at Ms. Williams' achievement because she sees it in her daughter.
"At an early age, she loves learning already," Pitts says. "I really hope that sticks throughout her years, and she continues to love it."
The learning express center have been partners with Fort Valley State University and their early head start program for more than 5 years.
Williams was given $5,000 from the state, with $3,000 to go towards her classroom.