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STAFF

A team of educators, a supervising teacher and two assistant teachers, teach in each classroom at the preschool and infant/toddler levels. Rotating assistants support each of the levels and student workers supplement the staffing. To the greatest extent possible, children continue with a familiar teacher for their years in each level.

The teachers at Fort Hill are all certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Many teachers also hold Massachusetts Department of Education Teacher Certificates to teach young children. The diverse backgrounds of the teaching staff contribute to the quality of the program. Teachers have experience and education in many fields, including fine arts, photography, music, English, textiles, studio art, languages, psychology, and education.

The Center for Early Childhood Education is committed to the ongoing professional development of teachers and the program closes monthly for full-day professional activities. On these days teachers:

	conduct staff meetings throughout the day and meet as a full staff, with classroom teams and within the level of preschool or infant/toddler to plan curriculum and collaborations, prepare and review documentation and plan for individual and classroom needs.
	work together on the classroom environment.
	engage in a professional activity. Shared learning is highly effective and supports the development of a learning community within the school. Teams are strengthened and collaborations develop. The professional activity may involve a school-wide initiative, may be facilitated by a staff member, or may involve outside consultation.

2011 - 2012 Fort Hill staff

Preschool
Group A: Laurie DeMello, Andrea Sawyers, Nora Sweeney

Group B: Lisa Haarlander, Sarah Freund, Aric Bieganek

Group S: Leah Rescia, Mark Smith-Bove, Val Driscoll

Infant/Toddler
South Room: Nora DeJasu, Nancy Wagner, Mari Gray, Emily Broda

North Room: Sue Kramer, Polly Caron, Martha Murphy, Mariana Maienza

East Room:  Jen Godlesky, Leah Schwartz, Thea Stark, Chris Stetson

Rotating: Balbir Singh, Robbie Dunning

Custodian: Joan Langevin

The school administration includes:

Director: Martha Christenson Lees
Program Coordinator: Lois Ducharme
Administrative Assistant: Lori McKenna

The program is supported by:

Visual Arts studio: Val Driscoll

Music Coordinator: Chris Stetson

Academic Liaison: Susan Etheredge, Professor and Chair, Department of Education and Child Study

Consultants:

Lella Gandini, Ed.D., Liaison for the Dissemination of the Reggio Emilia Approach in the United States

Scott Tyner, M.S. Ed., Behavioral Consultant

Cathy Topal, M.A.T., Lecturer in Visual Arts Education, Smith College

Staff

Philosophy

Core Values

Curriculum

Infant/Toddler
Program

Preschool Program

Music Program

Visual Arts Program

Summer Program