Get to know Rhonda Charping

How did you come to join the Extended Day Program in Vestavia Hills?

In 1986 when I finished my studies at Jefferson State Community College, my husband told me I’d have to go to work to pay back the student loans. My advisor knew I was looking for employment and called me with information about the job with Vestavia Hills. I was hired almost on the spot. They wanted me to come to work the next day. I asked if I could have a day to get things arranged at home for my children and began working in August of 1986. Thank you, Sharon Lovell. Sharon was a Board member when I was hired and was/is a go-to person when there is a family who needs help. Over the years, she and I had more than a few conversations.

What are some of the warmest memories that come to mind when you think back over your career? 

When I left, one of the groups of children gave me a lovely book that they had written just for me. On the front, it reads: “Mrs. Charping is Awesome, and this is how we’ll prove it! YOU ARE OUR HERO!” Notes inside included one from Taylor, who wrote “Dear Mrs. Charping, Thank you so, so much! You Rock! I have so much fun. I wish you would stay.” There was also a note from Eric, who wrote, “Dear Mrs. Charping, Thank you for helping us and being our big leader. You’ve done a perfect job. It’s sad you’re leaving, but I guess it’s a part of life. Thanks again.” Words like this mean I’ve touched some lives in a positive way. 

In 2009 I was Alabama’s Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance. The Alliance is an organization that focuses on funding for after-school programs nationwide. They lobby in Washington and brought me to D.C. for the Afterschool For All Challenge. It was a huge experience, to be the face of Alabama and to speak to state leaders on a regular basis about the good things that are happening in Alabama because we have quality after-school programs housed in our schools.

What is it like to see the “next generation” come through Extended Day? No doubt you’ve had children of some of your original students cycle through.

Over the years I’ve had several families come through. In November our enrollment system was 440 students K-8. Most of the students were K-3 grades. Currently there are at least 10 families who are from way back. It is interesting to see how siblings who are eight to 10 years apart are alike and different. It is also interesting to see how parents change, or not. Over time there have been more than a few grandparents raising their grandchildren. I have learned so much from watching people with children at an age where you would think they would be slowing down, and childcare wouldn’t be an issue for them. 

I have also hired several of the students who attended EDP. When they came of age to get a job, I was one of the first people they talked to. There were more than a few of these individuals who came back to work. 

What are you most excited about with regard to this journey? What are you least excited to leave behind?

Life truly is a journey. I like to think of retirement as the next chapter of my life. I was born, I went to school, I married, I had children, I went back to school, I got a job, I was widowed. I am a grandparent and a great-grandma to four of the cutest little boys you will ever see! I have always cared for children and the issues concerning children. 

My plan for the future is to continue teaching at Jefferson State (I have an MA in school-age child care), and be an advocate for the children of Alabama. So much money is spent in the names of children, but not one child benefits from the money spent. I’d like to see that change. People who work in the preschool setting should be encouraged to get and have educational credentials to provide every preschool child with an exceptional early start. Those individuals who go back to school should be paid for their efforts. 

What advice can you give to parents to foster positive relations with their education-based caregivers? 

View the people who care for your child from 3 until 6 p.m. as an essential part of the puzzle that is your child’s life. During the after-school time, we help children with everything from mastering a math skill to making new friends. We help them to understand that they are hungry for attention, and not snack for the third time. We feed their bodies with healthy snacks and their minds with positive energy. We assist them in managing the minefield that making friends can sometimes be for girls and boys who are naturally shy or just don’t understand how to make friends. We never give up.