CCDC is proud to have dedicated and experienced professionals on staff. Each classroom has a team of three teachers and one part time assistant teacher with the Older Toddler room having four full time teachers and two part time assistant teachers. Ninety percent (90%) of our full time teachers have college degrees (75% with Bachelor Degrees) and have had previous experiences in Early Child Education before joining our staff. We are fortunate to have several teachers who have been here for more than ten years.
To build on our strengths as a teaching staff full time teachers are required to complete 20-25 hours of professional development and training each year by attending workshops, taking courses, participating in conferences and increasing professional development experiences.
Individual Staff members also participated in various training opportunities focusing on topics such as:
- Attachment Theory
- Early Intervention
- Creative Curriculum
- Scientific and Mathematical Investigations
- Infant and Toddler Mental Health
- Playful Learning
Teachers are encouraged and supported in continuing their formal education in Early Childhood Education with support from our Patricia Nebel Teacher Education Fund. Several teachers are currently enrolled in degree programs.
Director: Eileen Ward
Eileen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Fairfield University. She began her employment at CCDC in 1981. She was hired as a teacher in the Preschool Program, moved to the Young Toddler Program as a Head Teacher, became the Assistant Director and since 1986, the Director. She holds a Connecticut Director’s Credential at the Master Level. Eileen has completed extensive continuing education in child development, early childhood education, inclusion of children with disabilities and non-profit management through the Yale Child Study Center, Bank Street College of Education, Wheelock College, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, Reggio Emilia (Italy), the University of Connecticut Health Center, the University of Wisconsin, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and several other local and national organizations. Eileen has also been involved on local and regional advisory councils, task forces and with public and private organizations dedicated to the care and education of all young children, their families and teachers. In 2010 she became a member of the Advisory Board of the Fairfield University Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. In February 2010, Eileen was appointed to the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Cabinet. The Cabinet advises the Governor and Legislature on school readiness issues.
At the 2009 United Way Live United Celebration and Awards Breakfast, Eileen was honored with the Elizabeth Roberts Award. In granting the award, the United Way said the following:
Eileen Ward is Executive Director of the Children’s Community Development Center, a premier childcare program in Westport. She is a longtime community partner of United Way and dedicated volunteer. Eileen’s expertise on Early Childhood Education is an invaluable asset in helping in determining critical needs in the area of early childhood education and developing strategies to address them. A conversation about what is needed to help kids succeed is not complete without the input of Eileen.
The Infant Team:
- Sharon, a Master Teacher has worked at CCDC since 1994. Sharon earned an Associate’s Degree in General Studies and a Child Development Associate Credential specializing in infants and toddlers.
- Amy, a Master Teacher has worked at CCDC since 2006. Amy earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education.
- Rondretta, a Master Teacher has worked at CCDC since 2005. Rondretta earned a Child Development Associate Credential, specializing in infants and toddlers.
- JoAnn, an Assistant Teacher has worked at CCDC since 2006. JoAnn had five years working with young children prior to joining CCDC.
The Young Toddler Team:
- Meghan, a Teacher was hired in 2009. Meghan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and additional credits towards a graduate degree.
- Katie, an Assistant Teacher, was hired in 2011, is a student at Fairfield University.
The Older Toddler Team:
The Preschool Three’s Team:
- Cindy, a Teacher hired in 2011, She is currently finishing the requirements for an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
- Lindsay, an Assistant Teacher was hired in 2011. She is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree with plans to continue in graduate school in education.
The Preschool Four’s Team:
- Kelly, a Teacher hired in 2009 had four years experience working with young children prior to joining CCDC. Kelly has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood.
- Raquel, a Teacher hired in 2010, has Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
- Megan, an Assistant Teacher hired in 2011, is a college student studying Early Childhood Education.
Floating Teachers
- Kaye is a retired Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Leader, Assistant Principal and Principal of the Westport Public Schools. Kaye was one of the founders — along with several colleagues — of CCDC in the late 1970′s. Both of her children are CCDC graduates. Kaye holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and an Administrator Certification.
- Jackie holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and has many years of experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
You are here: Home » Our Staff
