Maryam Cheema

Being a mother of three boys, ranging from the ages of 2.5 years to 8 years, I have many years of first-hand experience with children from Infants to toddlers and up to school-aged. Before having my children, I initially went to York University for a Children's Studies program, where I was put in the field to assist teachers with children who needed support with reading and math in the primary grades. After graduating from York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, I started the next chapter of my life by getting married and having children. My three boys have given me experiences that I could have never imagined. Their curiosity and determination in figuring out how the world around them works amaze me. I am also a special needs mom to my son who has autism. Navigating this world with him and for him has been another experience on its own. The amazing way he navigates through technology and other everyday activities makes me in awe. My children have given me a completely different sense of responsibility and taught me that patience, understanding and empathy are the keys to navigating this world and succeeding. Their mighty brains have opened up a new perspective and how I see the world around us.

I have also recently started a position with the Toronto District School Board as an Emergency Response Person. In this role, I have supplied in many classrooms and have worked with children in Primary and Junior grades. During my days I go from discussing classwork and assisting with any questions that the children may have to also help children problem-solve inside and outside the classroom. We work together with other educators and parents to ensure that our children succeed not only academically but socially, and emotionally and in developing essential life skills as well. 

After completing my Early Childhood Education Program at Humber Polytechnic I hope to get a position within the school board. My goal is to get a position as a DECE (Designated Early Childhood Educator) and provide the assistance to educators in creating an inclusive and fun learning environment for all children of all needs and abilities. I hope to incorporate the knowledge I gained from my ECE education and my field placement experiences to my future career and bring the new ideas and teachings I’ve learned into the classroom. I hope to assist teachers in creating an environment that encourages children to discover their abilities. I hope to use my experience as a special needs mom to also create a space for children of all abilities, making it as inclusive as possible. Making plans where we can educate other children that not everyone's the same and that everyone is special in their own way.