Blog
Zakiyyah Aquil, an assistant teacher in a Robeson County NC Pre-K classroom, has so many reasons to be proud. She has her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and has been recognized for the quality she provides the children in her care. The Robeson County Partnership for Children, Inc. chose Zakiyyah as the child care provider of the year, and she was also selected as the assistant teacher of the 2024/2025 school year for Shining Stars Preschool. “Most people overlook this job. I’m honored that someone recognized the job I did and am doing,” she said.
Obtaining her degree was one way Zakiyyah could overcome the challenges of being in a field that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. “I was always interested in teaching, and I always wanted to work with the little ones. That is the foundation, where it really matters. Having a degree makes me a professional. I didn’t want to be a babysitter. I wanted to be an early childhood education teacher. I wanted to help children with their social development, help them cognitively and emotionally. To do that, you have to go to school to learn! I’m thinking about going in the fall for my bachelor’s. My goal is to ultimately be a play therapist for younger children.”
Zakiyyah knows that she is making a difference. “When I see a kid come in that is shy and uncertain and not thriving, and by the end of the school year with me, they are outgoing, that makes me happy,” she said. “They are ready to move on to another grade. It’s amazing to see that and I know I had a hand in it, and that’s a big thing. Teachers need to remember that what we do really matters, even on those days when we feel uncertain or overwhelmed. We are shaping young lives with kindness and by building relationships. Make connections with the kids. That’s what I love doing. Once you have that, you are going to win that child over. It’s so important.”
Despite her love for teaching, Zakiyyah is open about the challenges. “This is a great field, but it is not a profitable one,” she said. “I have to work two jobs just to make ends meet. It’s a strain, especially when you are trying to get more education. WAGE$ is important because it makes me feel seen. We need help and WAGE$ offers that support. It helps you feel accomplished because you had to stay with your child care program to even receive your WAGE$. You say, ‘I did these six months, I can do another six!’ Every time I got my WAGE$, it was at the right time when I really needed that financial support. It helped me make it to the next paycheck. It takes the stress off me. I needed a new car and didn’t know what I was going to do, and then my WAGE$ came and I was able to take care of that. I felt so thankful and appreciative. It’s a blessing.”
“I want the funders to know that by supporting educators financially, the program helps reduce turnover and allows caregivers to remain in the field they are passionate about,” Zakiyyah said. “Thank you. Just thank you. WAGE$ truly is a helping hand.”
