Photo By Patrick Griffith | Jaiquez K. Smith, a child and youth program assistant, leads children through a...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – Jaiquez K. Smith learned his ABCs and numbers while attending a child development center on base 20 years ago. Now at 24, he’s teaching those same fundamentals as a child and youth program assistant at the same place his own early learning journey began.
More than a year ago, Smith accepted a staff position at the Judith P. Hoyer Child Development Center, the same facility he attended as a child. His mother was on staff when he was a child making the environment feel like home even before he joined the staff.
One of his childhood teachers, Marlene Richardson, remains a guiding influence in his work today. He still recalls her lessons, which resonate as he interacts with more than 20 children daily.
“Miss Marlene always told me to be respectful to people,” Smith said. “That’s the biggest thing I can remember. That and my ABCs and 1-2-3s.”
Smith had no prior experience in childcare when he landed the position after a job-fair interview. Initially, he struggled to connect with his students because of his introverted personality.
“I was shy and timid, but this job influences you to communicate with other people,” Smith said. “I also talk to parents every day and build relationships with them.”
Now affectionately known as “Mr. Quez” by his students, Smith finds fulfillment in their enthusiasm and affection.
“When I walk through the door, I have kids running up to me saying, ‘Mr. Quez!’ That’s it – that makes my day,” Smith said.
One of his most memorable moments came during a field day event held shortly after he started working at the CDC. He recalled a flurry of excitement as children participated in relay races, tug-of-war, and beanbag toss. Seeing their enthusiasm and energy reinforced his decision to take the role.
Chandre Coleman, the CDC director, still remembers Smith from his childhood days and has watched him grow into an engaged and enthusiastic teacher. Coleman said his students have grown attached to him, and parents frequently share positive feedback.
“It’s very good for them to have a caregiver who has the energy and is just ready to play with them and give them back that energy they give him,” Coleman said.
Coleman also noted that Smith’s former teacher “Miss Marlene” still visits the CDC and makes a point of checking in on her former student.
For Smith, the job has become more than just a position – it’s a full-circle moment shaping the next generation of learners just as his teachers shaped him.
| Date Taken: | 02.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2025 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 492703 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Full circle: Former student returns as a caregiver at JBA, by Patrick Griffith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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