“I heard about CCNS through friends whose children went there, who said, ‘It is a good way to meet people in the community—you become very involved.’ My daughter asks to go to school even on weekends!”

The teachers at CCNS are warm, nurturing people who offer an introduction into a positive and enriching world away from home. CCNS teachers strive to maintain the uniqueness and integrity of the individual child while at the same time leading the child toward a responsibility toward others.

• Using their knowledge of child development, teachers set up the classroom, mindful that children come to pre-school with diverse learning styles.

• Teachers observe the children in various settings in order to learn more about each child. By recording observations and reflecting on patterns, teachers can create environments that nurture the whole child and encourage active participation.

• Through open, supportive approaches to problem-solving, teachers promote a sense of fairness and create a sense of community that helps children gain confidence.

• By fostering integrated, dynamic approaches to curriculum, teachers provide concrete opportunities for children to play, explore, experiment, and recreate their experiences.

• Knowledge of each child, based on observation and responsive care and engagement enables teachers to build partnerships and to communicate effectively with parents.

Barbara

I was born and raised in Croton, and enjoy living in a small town. I received an Associate Degree in Human Services from Westchester Community College, a Bachelor of Psychology from Iona College and Certification from Mercy College.

I have been working in the summer camp program for the past 26 years and have been teaching at CCNS for the past 20 years. In 1997 I took over the position of Director.

I have always known I wanted to work with young children and cannot imagine doing anything else.

Teaching at CCNS is a unique opportunity. One not only gets to know each child, but the family as well.

The honesty that the children bring to the classroom opens one’s eyes to the reality of life. Although not everything in life may go as we would like, a child’s innocence can warm one's heart through both the good times and the bad.

As one of my students this year tells me in her words: "Have I told you that I love you today?"

Ann

I remember vividly seven years ago sitting at the CCNS orientation for the first time with my husband. As we listened to each presenter, we were very impressed at how everyone referred to the CCNS community as their CCNS “family”. Our precious daughter was just two years old and sending her off to “family” seemed much easier than sending her off to “school”. After orientation we were both anxious and very excited. We were looking forward to what we hoped would be a wonderful experience for all of us.

The next five years proved to be just as terrific as we had expected. Our family easily became part of the CCNS family. We all met some of our closest friends during those years at CCNS.

Returning to CCNS in this new capacity of teacher is like coming “home”. I look forward to working with both the children and their parents. I know what a fabulous place CCNS is, and I’m thrilled to once again be a part of this wonderful CCNS “family”.

Heather

I am the teacher for the two-year-old program here at CCNS. My husband and I have lived in Croton for almost eleven years. We have three children: Sean, Tyler, and Brooke. Brooke is currently enrolled and enjoying her experience at CCNS. When my oldest son was born I decided to make a career out of being a stay-at-home mom. This was the most rewarding experience for me!

I am currently attending Mercy College in Yorktown Heights to earn a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I remembered hearing that CCNS was looking for a teacher for their two-year-old program and I decided to apply. After meeting with Barbara, she called a few days later to offer me the position. I was so flattered and excited to finally be able to say I’m a teacher!

I teach my class the way I teach my own children, which is: to share, to use your words, and to have fun while learning to socialize with other children. I hope that after visiting our school and meeting with the other teachers you will get the sense that we are more of a family than a school.

Stacey

Teacher's Aide