Mrs. Paula - On-Site Owner
Paula has a Bachelor's degree in Communications. After being in the corporate world for over ten years she decided to go back to her original calling - children! Paula is very excited to own a business that uses both her childcare and business experience. In addition, she is excited that she gets to be a part of her most important priority, family! Paula is committed to providing each family with the highest quality preschool program around and looks forward to getting to know each family and watching their child(ren) learn and grow!

All Staff Are certified in CPR, First Aid, and Communicable Diseases.  All staff are required to take GSU and State Continuing Education courses each year.

Janette Wells - Director
Tenure: January 2005
Experience and Education: Nineteen years of experience, three children of her own and an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education
Philosophy on Teaching: All children should be provided with a safe, secure and happy learning environment. Each child should be given equal opportunities to thrive and learn while their individual needs are understood and met. Teachers are privileged to play such an important part of a child's life.

Nancy Steiger - Assistant Director
Tenure: August 2005
Experience and Education: Twenty-five years of experience, three children of her own and an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education
Philosophy on Teaching: Each child is at an individual place developmentally. Teachers need to start where the child is and help them build on their strengths and reach the next level.  Listening and learning to each child is vital.

Infants (6wks - 12mos) Baby Belugas

Mrs. Shabnum - Lead Teacher
Tenure: January 2005
Experience and Education: Thirty years of experience, two children of her own and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology
Philosophy on Teaching: Focus on individual needs and involve children. All children have strengths and it is the goal of the educator to assist them in identifying these strengths.

Mrs. Maria - Teacher
Tenure: August 2005
Experience and Education: Sixteen years of experience, three children of her own and college courses in Early Childhood Education
Philosophy on Teaching: Firmness and Kindness

Mrs. Denise - Teacher
Tenure: August 2005
Experience and Education: Thirty-three years of experience, three children of her own, college courses in Child Development, Massage and an Associate's degree in Education Technology
Philosophy on Teaching: Just love them!

First Steps (12mos - 18mos) Mini Manatees

Mrs. Debbie - Lead Teacher
Tenure: September 2005
Experience and Education: Thirty years of experience, Child Development Certificate in Toddlers / Infants / Pre-K and worked with the Positive Education Program (PEP) and Technical Assistance Program (TAP)
Philosophy on Teaching: Each child is different and learns at their own pace. Be positive and encourage each child's assets and understand each child's strengths and weaknesses. Teaching is the profession that creates all others.

Ms. Diana - Float, Spanish Teacher
Tenure: January 2008
Experience and Education: Fourteen years of experience, fluent in Spanish and continues to take additional professional development courses specializing in preschool
Philosophy on Teaching: To enjoy the children as they explore different cultures through music, storytelling and activities.

Toddler I (18mos - 24mos) Smiling Seahorses

Amanda - Lead Teacher Tenure: August 2008
Experience and Education: Three years experience and a Bachelor's degree in Communication.
Philosophy on Teaching: To provide them with hands on experience to help them learn and to teach children the skills they need to prepare them for preschool.

Ms. Amelia - Teacher
Tenure: January 2009
Experience and Education: Five years of experience and currently working towards a degree in Business and Child Development
Philosophy on Teaching: Help children build individual, positive and lasting relationships with education by utilizing creativity, play, love, respect, guidance and exploration.

Toddler II  (2yrs - 2.5yrs) Jolly Jellyfish

Ms. Ashley - Lead Teacher
Tenure: May 2011
Experience and Education: Experience teaching at the Children's Museum and a Bachelor's degree in Family / Child Development
Philosophy on Teaching: Give children a safe and stimulating place to learn and they will each strive in their own unique way.

Mrs. Desi - Teacher
Tenure: January 2005
Experience and Education: Twelve years of experience, one child of her own and attended Ashworth College for Early Childhood Education
Philosophy on Teaching: Everyday brings new adventures with children in the classroom; you just need to come in with the willingness to explore them!

Get Set (2.5yrs -3yrs) Silly Sea Turtles

Mrs. Jen - Lead Teacher
Tenure: September 2008
Experience and Education: Five years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Biology / Education
Philosophy on Teaching: Learning should always be fun and exciting. The best environment for a child is one where they can explore freely and make mistakes. A teacher is there as they discover the world around them and begin to guide and encourage the children to learn the skills they will need in preschool and elementary school.

Ms. Gail - Teacher
Tenure: September 2011
Experience and Education: Six years of experience, three children of her own and continues to take additional professional development courses specializing in toddlers and preschool
Philosophy on Teaching: Nurture children through love, patience, letting them be creative and laughter. It's important to treat all children with respect and as individuals.

Preschool (3yrs - 4yrs) Dolphins

Ms. Megan - Lead Teacher
Tenure: January 2008
Experience and Education: Ten years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies
Philosophy on Teaching: Always be patient and kind because you don't always know what type of environment a child is used to.

Mrs. Teri - Teacher
Tenure: September 2005
Experience and Education: Twenty years of experience, two children of her own, experience as an Early Literacy Mentor Specialist (ELMS) and Early Childhood Education courses at Cuyahoga Community College
Philosophy on Teaching: Children should learn in a safe, fun and comfortable way. Children should be exposed to many different things in their environment and have hands on experience.

Preschool II (3.5 - 4yrs) Whistling Whales

Mrs. Colleen - Lead Teacher
Tenure: January 2005
Experience and Education: Twenty years of experience, two children of her own and an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education
Philosophy on Teaching: Teachers must provide a variety of experiences each day for children to explore through play while stimulating all of their senses.

Mrs. Sonia - Teacher
Tenure: January 2005
Experience and Education: Thirty years of experience, an Early Literacy Mentor Specialist (ELMS), attended Church's Teacher's College and Early Childhood Education courses at Cuyahoga Community College
Philosophy on Teaching: Teachers must make a positive impression on the growth and knowledge of children.

Pre-K (4yrs - 5yrs) Soaring Stingrays

Ms. Nikki - Lead Teacher Tenure: November 2011
Experience and  Education: Experience tutoring at an after school program. Bachelor's degree in Psychology and has participated in child psychology and developmental psychology classes. 
Philosophy on Teaching: Every child learns differently and at a different pace. It is extremely important to be attentive to the individual needs of every child and determine how they learn best. Every child should feel encouraged and supported in an educational environment.

Mrs. J (Colleen) - Teacher
Tenure: January 2005
Experience and Education: Twenty years of experience, two children of her own and continues to take additional professional development courses specializing in preschool and pre-k
Philosophy on Teaching: It's a teachers job to make sure the children leave happy, because when they enjoy the class, they will learn!

**************** Support Staff

Mrs. Dorothy - Closer, Substitute Teacher Tenure: December 2008
Experience and Education: Fourteen years of experience, five children of her own and college courses at Cuyahoga Community College.
Philosophy on Teaching: Each child is different. Treat them how you would like to be treated.

Ms. Nicole - Closer, Substitute Teacher
Tenure: January 2011
Experience and Education: Two years of experience and currently working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education
Philosophy on Teaching: A teacher has a very important role in a young child's life that must be taken seriously. Teachers must provide a safe and secure environment for children.

Mrs. P (Nancy) - Closer, Teacher
Tenure: February 2008
Experience and Education: Thirty years of experience, two children of her own and a Bachelor's degree in Special and Elementary Education
Philosophy on Teaching: To love, nurture and educate children to their greatest potential for success and character development.

Ms. Jessica - Closer, Teacher Tenure: September 2011
Experience & Education: Currently working on an Early Childhood Education degree.  Continues to take additional professional development courses specializing in toddlers / preschool.
Philosophy on Teaching: Teachers and parents should work together so that the child will have the best learning experience and will succeed.