Professional Staff
With a knowledge of child development, our dedicated teachers
prepare the learning environment and plan appropriate
experiences for each child. They provide the opportunity for
guided choice among activities, materials and equipment. They
allow time for exploration through active involvement. They
encourage sustained engagement in an activity by asking
questions to extend learning and by making suggestions to
stimulate thinking. The teacher's physical proximity, ability to
focus attention and verbal encouragement facilitate the child's
completion of a chosen task.
Our teachers respond quickly and directly to the children. The
child who is comforted sensitively learns security; the child
who is disciplined appropriately learns self-control. Teachers
nurture and celebrate each child and are committed to meeting
their individual needs.
Here the teachers become models for the development of
self-esteem as they demonstrate respect for and acceptance of
the children as well as their own teaching peers. They share
ideas and utilize each other's strengths to present a
well-balanced, creative and challenging program.
Our Teachers:
- Develop a partnership with parents in caring for and
teaching their children.
- Have teaching degrees in early childhood education or a
related field and teaching experience.
- Participate in ongoing teacher training throughout the
year.
- Provide appropriate teacher-to-child ratios.
- Have current first aid and Infant/Child CPR
certificates.
The Director:
Katherine M. Hodgeman is the Founding Director of Sunshine and
Buttercups Early Childhood Center and Rye Country Day School.
Teaching since 1972 with children from three through age seven,
she continues her work in the classroom.
While she was raising her own family, she taught young children
at her home where Sunshine and Buttercups was located. When her
youngest was ready for school, she expanded her business,
opening Rye Country Day School. She has developed a widespread
reputation for providing high quality Early Childhood Education
to families throughout the Seacoast.
Kathy is a consultant to parents and teachers. She remains
current in Early Childhood by continuing her education and
teaching workshops and courses at schools and colleges. She
graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in
Elementary Education and a masters in Early Childhood Education.
Administrative Staff
Executive Director/Owner: Katherine M. Hodgeman
Administrative Asst./Bookkeeper: Nancy Philbrick
Preschool Coordinator/Acting Director*: Ann McNamara
Extended Day Coordinator: Wendy Hargreaves
Secretary: Nancy McArdle
*Ann McNamara will be acting director in Kathy's
absence |
