Staff and Policies

Our Director & Staff

Our director Amelia Flaherty has been involved in childcare for thirty five years. She is a graduate of St. Joseph's College and has a degree in Child Study. Regarding her philosophy on childcare, Amelia states, "My goal is to see every child reach his or her potential. I respect each child's individuality, and my wish is to provide a happy, healthy environment for both children and staff." Amelia is also a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 8 children.

Additionally, our center is staffed with childcare professionals who are trained in child development. Our backgrounds range from head teachers to assistants with real life experience with children or students who are studying child development. The center meets or exceeds state standards for teacher:child ratios for all age groups. All staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide children with a safe, fun, nurturing, and educational environment where they learn mutual respect for themselves and others. To help create balance in intellectual and social growth and foster self-esteem, our program considers the child's perceptions and stage of development as part of the learning process. When the children leave for grade school and beyond, it is our hope they will be able to utilize the skills learned at Nurture and Nature to enhance their lives as well as others'.

At Nurture & Nature, we believe that parents are the first and most important teachers that a child has. Due to this philosophy, close communication between home and school is critical. Parental involvement is necessary to provide the best possible care for each child. Parents are involved in the center through daily communications, help with special projects, fundrasing, wish lists, and volunteering as members of the board.

Policies

Illness: State regulations require that children and teachers who are sick be excluded from the center. Our Parent's Handbook lists several rules regarding when a child must stay home. However, our number one rule is that a child with a temperature of 101 degrees or above may return only after 24 hours have passed with no fever.

Birthdays and Special Occasions: Parents are welcome to send in a group lunch, cake, cupcakes, or any other treat to share with their child's friends on birthdays or special occasions. Please let your child's teacher know in advance if you will be doing so.