STAFFING

Who are my child's teachers?

A short biography on each teacher is usually included in the first classroom/center newsletter of the year. Check with the director for more information on teachers and staff.

Are the staff trained?

The State of Indiana requires a minimum of 12 hours of training annually. Our staff exceed training requirements in curriculum, child development, and in health and safety. Teachers average up to twenty hours of training per year. Lead and administrative staff acquire many more hours beyond that and frequently provide training sessions for other early childhood professionals.

Our kindergarten teacher has a bachelor degree in elementary education, lead teachers have their associate's degree and/or their bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Many of our assistant teachers have their associate's degree in early childhood education or are working toward a degree.

Are any background checks conducted on staff?

Yes. Anyone who applies for employment submits to a pre-employment screening process, which includes the following: criminal history background check, alleged perpetrator status check and a drug screening. No staff are hired unless they meet the state requirements. References are required on all staff and student workers. The majority of our employees are early childhood students or graduates from our program.

I heard you are a teaching lab school. Will college students interact with my child?

Yes. University students are employed as teacher assistants. The child center also serves as a lab site for undergraduate and graduate students in other departments and those enrolled in the early childhood development curriculum program in the Behavioral Sciences Department. We provide services to students enrolled in nursing, elementary education, nutrition, psychology, sociology and marriage and family therapy.

So, can just anyone stop in to observe at any time?

No, only child care staff, parents of enrolled children, regulatory and accrediting agencies, and emergency personnel have open-door access to the center. Students, staff and faculty have to make prior arrangements for observations or case studies. No one is allowed in the center without approval.