Meet Our Goddard Family

Our expertly trained and experienced teachers and staff blend the highest standards in early childhood education and development with nurturing care to help your child have fun while growing physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Careers

If you want to help shape the hearts and minds of young children in a fun, nurturing environment, we’d love to have you work with us! We’re always looking for great teachers to join our family.

Check Out Our Job Listings

Warm, Nurturing & Highly Trusted

Learning happens best in a warm and nurturing environment, which is why our teachers take the time to make sure your little one feels safe and cared for every day to help them develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Expertise & Skills

Our caring teachers are highly experienced in the best methods to support your child with teachable moments of exploration, discovery and learning each and every day. 

  • Ms Jean

    Ms Jean

    Owner
    Jean Croft is the onsite owner for The Goddard School in Cumming. Known simply as Mama Croft to her 8 grand children, Ms. Jean has been working in early childhood education for more than 40 years, and opened this campus in 2006. This is the only Goddard School that Jean is a part of, and making this place the most loving, nurturing and educational environment for its students is her heartbeat and passion. Several of Jean's grand children started as infants on this campus and went all the way through the Goddard School program before seeing great success in elementary school and beyond. Jean is obviously extraordinarily passionate about working with young children, and it is a joy for her to see them learn and grow so much day after day and year after year. In her spare time you can often find Jean at her grandchildren's ball games in Georgia and around the southeast. Jean hopes to meet you and your family very soon when you come in for your tour of The Goddard School!
  • Mr Shawn

    Mr Shawn

    Owner
    Shawn King is a long time Goddard School owner, and opened this location in 2006. Shawn and his wife Pam have three children, Shelby, Ryan and Lexi who are all graduates of The Goddard School's program. The Kings founded their first school in 2000. The Cumming location is the 4th school the Kings opened and represents the completion of all the things they learned over the years. It is truly a campus as opposed to your typical childcare center, featuring a state-of-the-art gymnasium with a rock wall, elite outside areas with specialized surfacing, a STEAM Learning Center and more. During a tour of this one of a kind preschool campus, you can discover all of this and more first-hand. But the heart of The Goddard School program is the experienced and talented faculty that deliver cutting edge education programs for your child. While touring the school, you can observe the multi-sensory approach in action for maximizing your child's learning FUNdamentals!
  • Ms Courtney

    Ms Courtney

    Director of Operations
    Ms. Courtney is our director of operations and has been at this Goddard School since it's beginning in November, 2006. Courtney has been working in early childhood education since 1991, when she was just a teenager. Obviously, she loves young children, and it brings her great joy and pleasure to see them grow and learn. Though Courtney doesn't have children of her own, she has been a big part of raising her God son, now a college student at the University of North Georgia. It is her passion to make sure every child is receiving the very best from Goddard's amazing faculty each and every day!
  • Ms Traci

    Ms Traci

    Director of Education
    Ms. Traci has been one of our finest educators since 2011, and has been a teacher since 1987. Ms. Traci is originally from Rome, GA, but has been living in the Cumming area since 1998. Traci graduated from Shorter College in Rome with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She is happily married with four grown children. Education is a family affair for Traci, as both of her girls have worked for The Goddard School, and her older daughter Maggie is currently a special educator. Maggie made Traci a grandmother, having her first child Chloe in November, 2021. After spending 9 years leading one of our Pre K classrooms, Traci is now our Director of Education, ensuring that all of our faculty and classrooms are delivering the very best Goddard School learning environment.
  • Ms Leigh

    Ms Leigh

    Lead Teacher Infant
    Ms. Leigh joined the Goddard Family in 2019 and is our Infant Lead Teacher. She has a Bachelors Degree in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys reading, scrap booking, and cooking. Ms. Leigh is passionate about caring for infants and ensuring their needs are met and they are nurtured.
  • Ms Pam

    Ms Pam

    Assistant Teacher First Steps
    Ms. Pam has been with us since 2010, and all of those years have been spent doing an amazing job with our precious Infants and Young Toddlers. She is one of the most loving, nurturing people you'll ever meet, so caring for Infants and Young Toddlers is a perfect fit for Pam. She believes the best way to create a wonderful learning environment is through lots of love.
  • Ms Caroline

    Ms Caroline

    Lead Teacher Get Set
    Ms. Caroline joined our Goddard family in 2022 assisting in our First Steps classroom for Young Toddlers. Caroline is now the Lead Teacher in Get Set 1 and is currently pursuing her CDA. She came to us with more than 5 years of experience working with young children in various other environments. She loves leading children by example and feels that makes a huge impact on their learning.
  • Ms Taylor

    Ms Taylor

    Lead Teacher Young Preschool
    Ms. Taylor joined our Goddard Family in 2018, and now leads our Young Preschool classroom for older 2's - Young 3's. She has 3 children of her own: Adalyn, PJ, and Weston, all of whom are Goddard School students. She came to The Goddard School with experience working with young children in other community settings. She believes patience and understanding are the keys to being a great educator.
  • Ms Hannah

    Ms Hannah

    Assistant Teacher Young Preschool
    Ms. Hannah joined our Goddard Family in 2021 and has been a wonderful assistant teacher in our Young Preschool classroom for older 2's - younger 3's. Before The Goddard School she had experience working with young children babysitting in the community, as well as doing hair for young girls at beauty pageants, one of her favorite hobbies. She is currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.
  • Ms Jessica

    Ms Jessica

    Lead Teacher Get Set
    Ms. Jessica is one of the most gifted early childhood educators you will ever meet. She has been with us since 2007, and almost all of those years have been leading our Get Set 2 classroom for middle 2 year old children. Ms. Jessica has her CDA degree and has a special gift for working with that uniquely challenging 2 year old stage. In her spare time she loves to read, watch movies, be outside, and enjoy time with her husband and two children, Lottie and Freddie, both of whom are full time Goddard School students.
  • Ms Victoria

    Ms Victoria

    Assistant Teacher Get Set
    Ms. Victoria joined us in early, 2018. She has experience working with young children at her local church and is one of our outstanding Get Set 2 assistant teachers. As a teacher, Ms. Victoria believes in building the minds of our next generation.
  • Ms MaryAnn

    Ms MaryAnn

    Assistant Teacher All Ages
    Ms. Mary Ann joined the Goddard Family in 2020 as an assistant teacher. You'll find her in Preschool Red, and various other classrooms around the campus. She has a bachelors degree in English from UGA. She came to us with nearly 20 years of experience working with children at her own ballet and dance studio. Ms. Mary Ann understands children will learn best when they know you love and respect them individually.
  • Ms Brenda

    Ms Brenda

    Lead Teacher Preschool
    Ms. Brenda joined our Goddard family in early, 2022 and is doing an amazing job leading our Preschool Red classroom! She has her Child Development Associate's degree along with a business degree from Wayne State University. She came to us with more than 10 years of education experience, both elementary and preschool. She brings a huge heart and lots of love to her classroom and understands that children are most successful in a loving, fun, and exciting learning environment. She looks forward to meeting you!
  • Ms Cathy

    Ms Cathy

    Lead Teacher Prekindergarten
    Ms. Cathy is another one of our long term educators, having joined our Goddard Family in 2007. She has her CDA degree and has been working with young children since 1996. Ms. Cathy currently leads our Pre K Blue classroom, where she does an amazing job making sure students are ready to experience great success in our Kindergarten program or as they start in another outstanding public or private school in this area. She has been married to her husband Kevin since 1996 and they have 3 grown daughters, who have all enjoyed working for The Goddard School over the years. She also became a grandmother in 2021. We love Ms. Cathy, even though she's a big Ohio State Buckeyes fan!
  • Ms Karen

    Ms Karen

    Assistant Teacher All Ages
    Ms. Karen is another one of our many long term educators, having joined the Goddard Family in 2008, just a couple of years after the school opened. She currently assists mostly Preschool classrooms, but you may also find her helping in various other classrooms around our campus. She has completed her CDA degree. Ms. Karen lives in Cumming, and has one grown son Joey, and one grandchild Riaan. Karen has been in early childhood education for more than 20 years. She loves watching the children grow, develop, and learn through play. She finds working at the Goddard School to be fun and extremely rewarding!
  • Ms Haley

    Ms Haley

    Lead Teacher Prekindergarten
    Ms. Haley joined our Goddard Family in 2019. She led our Toddler classroom for several years, and is currently doing an amazing job leading our PreK Red classroom. She has her Bachelor's Degree in education and a Master's Degree in Christian Education. She brings more than a decade of experience working with young children to our faculty. When she's not here, she loves reading, antiquing and the great outdoors. Ms. Haley can't wait to meet you and your family!
  • Ms Lindsey

    Ms Lindsey

    Assistant Teacher All Ages
    Ms. Lindsey joined our Goddard Family in 2022 and is currently attending North Forsyth High School. She is one of our wonderful afternoon floaters, so you will find her assisting in various classrooms. Lindsey believes a great learning environment is built on love and trust, and that young children should have fun while learning!
  • Ms Kiran

    Ms Kiran

    Lead Teacher First Steps
    Ms. Kiran joined the Goddard Family in 2023 as an Infant Assistant and quickly worked her way to First Steps Lead. She has her Bachelor's in Commerce and Masters in Business Administration from India, but feels that working with children is her desired path. She has worked with children for several years and is a loving mother to her own children. She believes that every child she be loved and cared for and that it is a teachers job to prosper learning.
  • Ms Rajeswari

    Ms Rajeswari

    Lead Teacher Toddler
    Ms. Rajeswari has been Lead Toddler 1 Teacher since the end of 2022. She has her Bachelor in Science from India and many courses in educating young children. She has experience working with children when she taught small group reading and math in a private school setting. She believes that all children learn differently and each child’s learning style should be taken into account.
  • Mr Alex

    Mr Alex

    Assistant Teacher Prekindergarten
    Mr. Alex has been with The Goddard School since Spring of 2023. He is currently our PreK Red Assistant Teacher and is seeking his Elementary Education Degree. Alex has been a Firefighter, and EMT and has experience with children working with his church’s youth group. Alex believes that children should be taught to not give up easily. Teachers should teach children to express themselves, how to solve problems, and social skills.
  • Ms Leah

    Ms Leah

    Lead Teacher Preschool
    Ms. Leah joined us a the Preschool Green Lead Teacher in 2024. She has her Bachelor's of Education in Social Studies along with being Montessori certified. Leah has worked with children since she was 16 years old in a multitude of settings. She believes children learn best by getting involved. They learn by doing and being hands on.
  • Ms Lekia

    Ms Lekia

    Lead Teacher Toddler
    Ms. Lekia joined us in early 2023 all the way from New York. She started as a Toddler Assistant Teacher and is now Leading our Toddler 2 class while pursuing her CDA degree. She has experience working with children of all ages in various childcare facilities as well as babysitting her nephew. Lekia believes that all children should be loved and nurtured along with being taught as many new things as possible.
  • Ms Irene

    Ms Irene

    Lead Teacher Preschool
    Ms. Irene joined our school in 2023 as our Preschool Blue Lead Teacher. Irene has a Degree Certificate in Tourism and is Multilingual, speaking over 5 languages. Ms. Irene has several years experience working in the field. She believes that each child is special in their own way and they all deserve to be loved and cared for. A fun, nurturing environment helps children thrive.
  • Ms Hailey

    Ms Hailey

    Assistant Teacher Get Set
    Ms. Hailey became part of the Goddard Family in the Fall of 2023. She has experience working with children as a babysitter within her local community and working within the childcare field. She believes that creating a safe and welcoming environment is key so that children can have a fun educational experience.
  • Ms Monica

    Ms Monica

    Assistant Teacher Young Preschool
    Ms. Monica joined us as a Young Preschool Assistant Teacher in 2024. She has experience working with children in school and church settings. She has also done volunteering in children's ministry programs. She believes that children all learn differently and it is the teachers job to ensure all their needs are met.
  • Ms Olivia

    Ms Olivia

    Assistant Teacher All Ages
    Ms. Olivia came to us in Spring of 2024 as an Assistant Teacher for all ages. Olivia is currently in school seeking her Degree in Psychology. She has experience working with children as a babysitter within her community. She believes every student deserves a fair chance to be able to learn and grow, so it is her job to ensure they all receive that opportunity.
  • Ms Pratima

    Ms Pratima

    Assistant Teacher Get Set
    Ms. Pratima has been in the field for some time in different settings. She joined our school in 2024 as an Assistant Teacher in our Get Set 2 classroom. Pratima has her Bachelor's in IT and has experience working with children in a school setting. She believes teaching is a purposeful and reflective essay about what we see in children.
  • Ms Faith

    Ms Faith

    Assistant Teacher All Ages
    Ms. Faith came to us as High School student at the end of 2022. Faith is currently in college and returns during school breaks. Faith has experience working with children working in her local church. She believes that teaching should be geared towards the understanding that the child has and each child has different learning styles.
  • Ms Sara-Elizabeth

    Ms Sara-Elizabeth

    Assistant Teacher All Ages
    Ms. Sarabeth joined our school in early 2024 as an afternoon Assistant Teacher for all ages. Sarabeth is currently in High School and has experience working with children as a babysitter and a camp counselor. She believes that if the learning experience is made fun then the children can grow and prosper.
  • Ms Savannah

    Ms Savannah

    Assistant Teacher Infant
    Ms. Savannah has experience working with children as a babysitter within her local community. She believes that all children deserve a safe and stable learning environment with a teacher who encourages them to thrive and become their best selves.
  • Ms Yenia

    Ms Yenia

    Assistant Teacher Get Set
    Ms. Yenia became part of the Get Set 1 classroom in 2024. Yenia has her Associates of Science in Medicine from Cuba as a Specialist in Sports Medicine. She has experience working with children as a Doctor and within her local community. She believes in explaining knowledge through play and making sure children are always happy and in a safe environment.
  • Ms Sonal

    Ms Sonal

    Lead Teacher Kindergarten
    Ms. Sonal became our Kindergarten Teacher in August of 2023. She has her Masters in Technology and has experience working with children in a multitude of different settings. She believes that every child is unique in their own way and it’s a teacher’s job to help each one of them discover their own strengths and talents. Sonal believes children learn these traits through a fun learning environment.
  • Ms Sophia

    Ms Sophia

    Assistant Teacher All Ages
    Ms. Sophia joined us in late 2022 as a High School student working with all ages. She is currently in College and works as often as possible during school breaks. She has experience working with multiple ages of children within her church. She believes that all children learn differently, and lessons should be tailored to fit each child.
Twitter Facebook Linkedin Email Search