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Our Team
There are multiple criteria when hiring an Early Childhood Educator, but first and foremost is a warm and genuine love and passion for children! Even if an Educator meets all other criteria on The Children's Garden Inc. checklist, they are not hired unless we are convinced they have this!
According to the Nova Scotia Daycare Act & Regulations, all persons working in a Licensed Childcare setting must have all of the following up-to-date certificates: First Aid & CPR, a Child Abuse Registry Check and a Criminal Record Check. Every staff is required to review and sign our Behaviour Management Policy, which outlines how the educators of The Children's Garden Inc. are to correct and guide behaviours.
Further, there are four different levels of education/training for an Early Childhood Educator: a Level 3 has graduated from a University with a Childcare Concentration (typically a Bachelor of Arts). A Level 2 has graduated from a College with a Childcare Concentration (a Diploma). A Level 1 has accumulated hours of experience and taken the required courses to qualify; and an 'untrained' person meets none of the above requirements, but has been brought unto the team with the belief that their experience and warm personality will benefit the children in our care at The Children's Garden Inc. In some instances, an untrained educator will pursue a Level qualification and The Children's Garden Inc. supports these endeavours fully. These Levels expire every 3 years and in order to keep them up-to-date all educators are required to take at least 30 hours of workshops in the 3 year period.
As you'll note below, The Children's Garden Inc. has an eclectic mix of backgrounds and Levels. Each of us contributes to the learning environment, striving for the highest quality of childcare. We look forward to meeting you and your family! |
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Sarah Haggett, Owner & Director
Hello, I'm Sarah Haggett. I graduated from MSVU with my Child and Youth degree in 2010. I started at The Children's Garden in March of 2010. For four years I worked here as an Early Childhood Educator. I was eventually promoted to the Director position, and one year later I purchased The Children's Garden Inc., fulfilling a life-long dream of daycare ownership in December of 2014. I am committed to providing your children with an environment which stimulates their creativity, growth and curiosity. I ensure this environment is provided by supporting our great team of Educators, and ensuring that each classroom has a warm and loving atmosphere. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your child's life! |
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Jessica Kennedy, Assistant Director & Preschool Teacher
Hello, my name is Jessica Kennedy. I graduated from MSVU with my Child and Youth degree in 2013, and began working here shortly after. In 2015 I was promoted to Assistant Director, and while I still spend most of my time in the classroom, I enjoy being present for our team of Educators and the parents in this new, administrative facet. I first experienced The Children's Garden as a parent when my son attended from 2004-2008. His Autism-spectrum diagnosis inspired me to change my career and focus on helping children and their families. I am currently working on my Masters of Education, Studies in Lifelong Learning, and look forward to eventually utilizing these studies to enhance our programs and facilitate adult learning here at the centre! |
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Ashley L. Boutilier, Inclusion Coordinator
Hi there! My name is Ashley L. Boutilier and I started working here in April of 2015. I have my Diploma in Early Childhood Education from St. Joseph's College. I graduated from the College in 2005. I have been working with children in many avenues since I was 12; including babysitting, childcare, camps, and afterschool. When I'm not working, I am a second Mom to my two nephews and love spending time with them. One of my favourite things to do with them is sing at the top of my lungs and have a dance party! |
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