Shelby Smith

Shelby Smith is the owner and lead Early Childhood Educator at Happy Tots Preschool in Saskatchewan, Canada. She is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment where all children, regardless of background or identity, feel valued and respected. She is inspired by the children in her care and learns something new from them every single day.

Shelby knows how important her own story is and how it has shaped who she is, both the parts that needed extra care and the parts that helped her grow. She cherishes the story of every child in her care and hopes that each one feels loved and seen in her classroom. Alongside her fellow educator, she works hard to create a space where children are welcomed, valued, and belong just as they are.

Shelby sometimes gets nervous on her first day of preschool. Her stomach starts to twist and turn and it makes her feel like she has something to worry about. She remembers that deep inside her there’s always a small brave hiding and sometimes she has to whisper to that brave to come out. When it pops into her head, she can smile at her new students and wave at the new families. She can greet them. Little by little, her brave builds until it is stronger and stronger and she can take on the day.

She enjoys the greatest privilege of meeting and learning alongside the youngest residents of her community. She is grateful for the life she has among her husband, two children, and two dogs. She is also grateful for her friends, preschool families, partners, and collaborators!