Mrs. Darlene Taig - 3-year-old Teacher

Mrs. Taig is returning for her third year for the 2003-2004 school year.  Prior to coming to WCCP, Mrs. Taig had 11 years of experience as a preschool teacher, including 10 years with the Wayne County RESA Head Start Program.  She holds two Child Development Associate Credentials, and is currently taking college courses towards a bachelors degree in child development, and has 39 credit hours in early childhood development.

"One of the biggest reasons I wanted to come to WCCP is because of parent involvement.  It has always been my belief that parents are a child's first and best teacher.  I believe in working with parents in a respectful, cooperative manner, with the mutual goal of providing a safe, nurturing and educational environment for the child.

It is my belief that young children learn best when provided with play-based, hands-on learning opportunities.  As a teacher, my role is to provide the children with those opportunities in an encouraging environment.

It is my belief that each child is unique and different.  Because of this, children learn in different ways and at different rates.  My role as teacher is to assist each child in learning at their own pace and their own way.  It is my role to provide children with a program that fosters self esteem and provides the children with a variety of learning experiences that will help them to develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively.

It is my belief that by providing all of these things to young children, they will grow to become successful, lifelong learners."

Mrs. Susan Young - 4-year-old Teacher

The 2003-2004 school year marks the 10th year that we have been fortunate enough to have Mrs. Young working with us!   Before that she worked at a private preschool for 4 years.  She also was a co-op parent when her own children were preschoolers.

"Children learn through active involvement.  I believe in providing many "hands-on" activities in the areas of music, language, science and math.  I try to provide materials that are fun as well as inspire imagination and provide information.  I provide many open ended activities and projects to promote creativity.  It is the process, not the product that is important.

Preschool is a time for beginning socialization, and play is very important in this process.  Through play, children learn many social skills, as well as cognitive and motor skills.  Play is a preschoolers work.  It is my responsibility to provide many opportunities for play as well as provide a safe and trusting atmosphere.

Self esteem is essential for healthy development and discipline is handled with this in mind.  I direct the discipline towards the behavior, never the child.  I redirect the behavior, or offer alternative appropriate choices, depending on the situation.  I set clear guidelines for behavior and believe most children want to please adults and will follow them given the opportunity and encouragement.  I consistently use words such as "walk you feet", "use friendly hands", "I like the way you are sitting quietly", "it's my turn to talk now", etc.  Time out is rarely used, and only as a last resort.

Preschoolers are like sponges, absorbing everything in their environment.  In a quality preschool program, I believe the teacher provides the time, space, activities and nurturing support so preschoolers can grow at their own pace, in their own way.  Preschool provides a foundation upon which to build throughout the child's educational years."