Celebrating Community Helpers: FSU Facilities and Local Workers Inspire the Next Generation

04/02/2025

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Every March, the FSU Childcare & Early Learning Program hosts Community Helpers Week, a special event designed to help children understand the important roles that various individuals play in keeping our society safe, healthy, and running smoothly. This week-long celebration encourages kids to appreciate the contributions of community helpers while learning about their work in an engaging, hands-on way.

Throughout the week, children explore the roles of different community helpers through play, reading, and activities. Local professionals are invited to visit the center, sharing insights into their jobs and showcasing the equipment they use. As an affiliate of Florida State University caring for the children of students, faculty and staff, FSU Childcare often has FSU staff make special visits to the program related to the learning curriculum. This year, Facilities had the opportunity to be a part of the fun, as representatives from Waste Management and the Maintenance Construction Labor Shop brought equipment to share with the enthusiastic children.

“This year we wanted to expand our event outside of our typical visitors, so we arranged to have the FSU garbage truck and construction equipment come out. The children were very excited to have both community helpers come out to visit,” said Taylor Sheplak, the Early Intervention Specialist at Assistant Center Director/Faculty & Education for FSU Childcare.

The excitement was palpable as the kids eagerly asked questions, listened to the workers explain their jobs, and had the chance to touch the trucks and equipment. Seeing the machines in action was the highlight of the week, leaving the children with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the important work done by Facilities.

“I really did enjoy watching the excitement on the kids’ faces, it was exciting to them getting in the trucks and having their photos taken! I demonstrated how the tractor works after photos, and they kept asking me to do it again and again because they loved watching it so much,” said David Golden, a member of the Maintenance Construction Labor Shop team.

These hands-on encounters foster a sense of curiosity, respect, and gratitude for the hard work that keeps our communities running smoothly. Through experiences like this Facilities can continue to Build Excellence across campus, inspiring a sense of pride in our community and the people who contribute to its success.