** Arlene F. is our supervising teacher for both our morning and afternoon programs. She has been involved with CCPC since 1993. Arlene was herself a CCPC parent, filling a variety of committee positions, and has been teaching in CCPC’s classrooms since the spring of 2000. Since earning her ECE diploma from Centennial College in 1975, Arlene has taught in a variety of settings including child care centers, private schools and at the elementary level for the Durham District School Board. In addition, Arlene tutors high risk students and children with special needs. Arlene continuously upgrades her skills by attending workshops and keeps abreast of current research with a particular focus on developing early literacy.
When not in the classroom, Arlene enjoys doing storytellings, arts and craft lessons, designing learning materials, writing children’s books and gardening. Arlene has been a resident of Columbus for the past 18 years with her husband, two sons (ages 31 and 19) and daughter (age 13).
Arlene’s personal goal is to offer the children of CCPC a nurturing, fun and progressive program where they feel special and valued. By instilling a feeling of security and confidence, Arlene hopes that upon leaving CCPC children feel empowered to go forward with enthusiasm and self confidence.
** Sherri C. is the assistant teacher for the AM program. She comes to CCPC with a diploma in early childhood education from Seneca College and twelve years full time experience in a licensed day care setting in Toronto! Sherri loved her position in Toronto with the pre-school program; however, in January 2001, her second child was born and she decided to stay home to raise her two children. When her son and her daughter turned two, they became enrolled in the playgroup and Sherri spent the next four years participating in a variety of committee positions.
Over the years, Sherri has served as a committee member in her son's Beavers group. She has also been active as a SCC member at her children's school for the past 3 years. Two years ago, Sherri held the position of enhanced staff in the morning program at CCPC and she is delighted to be back at Columbus! While at home, Sherri enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She also enjoys doing stained glass art and camping with her family and friends.
Sherri's personal goal is to give children the opportunity to come into an environment where they can gain skills from a wide variety of fun activities, as well as gain independence and develop social skills.
** Kelly C. is the assistant teacher for the PM program. Although this is her first year teaching at the Playgroup, Kelly is a teacher certified with the Ontario College of Teachers. She graduated from York University in 2004 with her Bachelor of Education and completed her teaching placements with the Durham District School Board where she taught Kindergarten and Grade 4. She has taught at Somerset Academy, a private school in Markham, as a Kindergarten Assistant, After School Teacher, as well as a full time Grade 1 teacher. After working for two years as a Grade 1 teacher, Kelly went on Maternity Leave and has since continued to be a supply teacher while staying home with her son (3 1/2) and her daughter (18months).
Kelly's son attended CCPC last year and she enjoyed participating in CCPC activities and actively serving on her committee. In Kelly's spare time, she enjoys running and gardening. She also enjoys trying new recipes and cooking for her family.
Kelly is excited to begin teaching at the Playgroup in order to help prepare the students at Columbus for Kindergarten. She is a dedicated and committed teacher who believes in creating a sense of community in the classroom and believes that all students have the right to learn, grow, and be provided with the best opportunities to reach their highest potential. She is looking forward to working with colleagues and parents at Columbus to provide the best program for each individual child.
