OUR STAFF

Our teachers, the cornerstone of our program, are warm, creative, enthusiastic, and love children.
 
Most have their master’s degree in education or a related field, and their qualifications exceed the standards set by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
 
We’re dedicated to continuing the professional development of each of our teachers, who must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education a year on topics including brain research, health and safety, special needs, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Meet our Director:
Our director, Debra Gaetano, has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute.  She has served as adjunct faculty for the Kendall College School of Education, and was one of the first directors in Illinois to earn director-level credentials. She was also chosen to participate in "Taking Charge of Change,” a program at National Louis University that highlights leaders in the field of education. Debra serves on the Family Action Network (FAN) board that provides educational lectures for those on the north shore, and the Alliance for Early Childhood,  a local professional resource for early childhood educators.