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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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Roxanne Richter, Assistant Director, On Maternity Leave
Hello, I’m Roxanne Richter. I graduated from Algonquin College in Ontario with my diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2010. Prior to starting at The Children’s Garden, I worked in licensed childcare facilities in Ontario for four years. I moved to Nova Scotia with my husband in 2014 and that is when I began working here. I started here as an Early Childhood Educator, working in the classroom full-time, and was excited to be promoted to Assistant Director in 2019 – an aspiration I had for the duration of my career! I have always loved working in childcare, and in my position as Assistant Director, I have enjoyed the opportunity to ensure the highest quality childcare in a whole new way! |
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Katie Soto, Inclusion Coordinator, Teacher since 2019
Hello! My name is Katie Soto and I graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child and Youth Studies, as well as the University of Maine at Fort Kent with a Bachelor of Education. I have been working with children for over 15 years and have had the opportunity to teach abroad, substitute, and tutor in a variety of subjects for children and youth, as well as work in a variety of daycare settings. Before I started working here, I enrolled my son when he was two years old and was very pleased with the teachers, administration, and overall quality of education. I loved the centre so much that I decided to work here in 2019, and consequently enrolled my daughter when she was 18 months of age. I look forward to seeing you soon! |
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Andrew (Hoseong) Choi, Preschool Teacher since 2018
Hello, my name is Andrew (Hoseong) Choi. I graduated from Seneca College in Ontario with my Early Childhood Education diploma in 2017. Right after I graduated from the college, I started working as a registered ECE at a licensed daycare in Toronto for a year, and then moved to Halifax in 2018. Since then, I have worked at The Children's Garden full-time. Before I came to Canada, I played Taekwondo for over 10 years, and taught many children. My interests didn't just stop at teaching the kids Taekwondo, but grew to a point that I wanted to learn deeply about children. For this reason, I decided to be an Early Childhood Educator and I am so happy with my career as an Educator at The Children's Garden! I will continually learn about, support and be the best friend to your children! Thank you. |
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Ji (Jihye) Jung, Toddler Teacher since 2017
Hello, I am Ji (Jihye) Jung. I graduated from NSCECE with my ECE diploma in 2016. During my studies I worked part time as an Educator here in Halifax. After graduating, I worked for one year in a different licensed childcare centre. I came to The Children’s Garden in 2017 and have never looked back! One of my favorite things to do with the children in my care is sensory play – the more mess the better! I also love to put on music and sing and dance with them. I believe that children learn and develop most when they are given diverse play opportunities. I am always looking for new ideas and cannot wait to show them to your child! |
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Desiree Oakley, School Age Teacher since 2018
Hey, I’m Desiree Oakley! I started at The Children’s Garden in 2018. Prior to working here I worked in a licensed daycare in Calgary for two years, as an Inclusion Support. I also worked as a Junior Leader Coordinator at the YMCA of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth for two summers. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with youth who were enrolled in a program I grew up attending myself. I coach kid’s basketball and have been doing it since 2013 – it combines two of my passions – children and basketball! I am currently working toward my level 1 ECE. Hope to see you soon! |
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Rebecca Veniot, School Age Teacher since 2019
Hi, I'm Rebecca Veniot. I graduated from NSCECE in 2011 with my diploma in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children for over 20 years and after moving to Nova Scotia from the USA I started my childcare journey in a different centre where I worked with all age groups for 11 years. When my husband and I were looking for care for our 2 children we fell in love with The Children’s Garden after moving to the Fairview area. The centre was beautiful, and the staff were all so loving, open and caring that we knew we had to have our children attend. After meeting with Sarah, I knew I had to work here as well! I have been employed at The Children’s Garden since 2019 and have loved coming here everyday - not just for myself but my children as well. I look forward to getting to know you and caring for your children! |
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Evin Landry, Toddler Teacher since 2019
Hi I’m Evin Landry! I am currently enrolled at NSCECE working at obtaining my level 2 in Early Childhood Education. I first started at The Children’s Garden as a Co-op student in high school. I loved my time here as a student so much that I decided to come back as an employee, and I am still here two years later! As an Early Childhood Educator I am committed to helping each child reach their developmental milestones through fun and educational activities. I am also committed to ensuring that every child has the tools they need to be successful physically, mentally, and spiritually - and to making each child feel safe and respected in their learning environment. My favourite part about working at The Children’s Garden is getting to see the smiling faces of our staff, children, and parents every single day!
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Navneet Kaur, Toddler Teacher since 2021
Coming soon! |
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