Classroom Teachers and Assistant Teachers must meet educational and experiential requirements that prepare them to work with children and families as well as our adult students. In addition to the full-time classroom staff, hourly and work study student employees assist throughout the center in the classrooms, kitchen and at the front desk. Hourly staff in our program range in educational and experiential background. Some of our hourly staff are currently enrolled in or graduated from the ACC Child Development program. When hourly staff is hired, some child development or early childhood coursework, as well as experience in a classroom setting, is preferred.

In hiring staff we also strive to reflect the diversity of our families and the community in which we live – including ethnic, cultural, gender and age diversity. Some classrooms also have a Foster Grandparent volunteer who works with the children under the supervision of full-time staff.

All staff and volunteers participate regularly in required training such as CPR and first aid, administration of medication, SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome and brain development. In addition, annual professional development hours also include topics like guidance and discipline, ethics, diversity, growth and development, teamwork, abuse and neglect, curriculum, assessment and special needs.