Brittany Garrett Finds Her Career in Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast College Student Spotlight

Brittany Garrett was a 17-year-old high school graduate, unsure of what she wanted to major in at college. At Orange Coast College, she discovered her passion for early childhood education and found her career.  

She started at Orange Coast so she could take her general education classes that would prepare her for transfer to a university. In her first semester, she signed up for an early childhood education class because she enjoyed spending time with her six nieces and nephews.  

“I fell in love with the program,” Brittany said. “I instantly knew what I wanted to do.”  

She began working at the Early Childhood Lab School on campus while taking Early Childhood Education courses. The school works in conjunction with the Early Childhood Department at the college as a teacher training site and demonstration setting for Early Childhood Education students.  

“I pretty much took every childhood education class they offered,” Brittany said. “They were great at incorporating different learning styles. Everything was really hands-on.” 

Brittany saw that she had numerous career options in early childhood education. Job opportunities for early childhood educators are available as classroom teachers, child development specialists, classroom aides, infant and toddler caregivers, and children’s center administrators.  

“I found a passion for what the teachers do every day,” she said. “I can make some impact on this world, no matter how small or how big.” 

Brittany had high praise for all her instructors in the program, particularly Program Coordinator Laurie Campbell.  

“I loved the way she was very straightforward whether critiquing me or acknowledging my strengths,” Brittany said. “You can tell that she had the children’s best interests at heart. She had a love for the field and it grew my love for it as well.” 

Campbell also praised Brittany’s ability to connect with the young children with whom she was involved.  

“Her curriculum and group time activities were engaging, and she consistently had several children fully involved!” Campbell said. “Her ability to develop meaningful relationships with each child was a joy to observe.”  

Brittany graduated from Orange Coast in 2017 with two associate degrees and a certificate in early childhood education. She transferred to California State University Fullerton, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development in 2019.  

After graduation, she got a job at a preschool in Huntington Beach, but the school temporarily closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brittany kept in touch with some of the families who had children at the preschool, many of them uncomfortable with returning their children to preschool during the pandemic. She set up her own business where she taught 11 young children at their homes.  

“Some of them were one-on-one, and others would gather at one house,” she said. “It was really beneficial in all aspects.” 

In addition to teaching the children, she talked with their parents about how to respond to their children in ways that were appropriate for the child’s age and development. 

“They came to me with their concerns,” Brittany said. “We worked through some simple phrases to help with the ways their children responded to them.” 

She has now formed her own consulting business, with plans to hold workshops for schools and families on early childhood education and dealing with young children. Now living in Huntington Beach, she plans to move to Sacramento to work there with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, an organization that advances the interests of the early childhood education profession. 

Although the pandemic altered Brittany’s career plans, she looks forward to continuing her work in early childhood education. 

“I tried to take as many positive aspects out of this situation as I could,” she said. “My whole reason is to help as many people as I can.”  

Campbell said Brittany has become a strong advocate for children and their families. 

“I am so proud of all the work she is doing,” Campbell said.  “She is carrying on the tradition of Orange Coast College’s high expectations and excellence, and each child and family who works with her will benefit greatly.”