A childcare center is only as good as the staff that teaches the children. We are very proud of the quality of our staff as well as the longevity and continuity of their employment and their involvement at CCC.
Laurie Atwoodis the owner/director of the Childen's Creative Center. Laurie recieved her B.A. from the University of Michigan with a double major in speech and music and a teachers certificate in secondary education. Her M.A. is from Eastern Michigan University with a major in Early Childhood Education and a teaching certificate in elementary education. In addition she completed 30 hours of doctoral work at the University of Michigan in the Curriculum, Teaching, and psychological studies program.
She is also Chairman of the Board of Blackbird Theater, a volunteer with Arbor Hospice, an actress who perfoms locally, and an officiator for weddings. Laurie has three children and loves sports, entertaining, and laughing as often as possible.
Katy Salutes is Program Director at CCC. She has had her CDA in preschool since 1992. She has been at CCC since Sept. 1997, and has been working in childcare since 1985. She has been married to her husband Brad since 1986, and has two lovely daughters, who both attend CCC summercamp.
Matthew Gardner graduated from Pioneer High School in 2004 and is currently studying Nursing at Eastern Michigan University. He's attended CCC since a small Child and went through the summer Internship program at CCC.
Smith Atwood graduated from Pioneer High School in 2006 and currently at Michigan State University studying Kinesiology with a specialization in Business Administration and Coaching. At the moment, He returns each summer and co-runs the sports camp. He has been involved with the daycare since birth.
Gayle Martin has been teaching for 30 years. She is a graduate from the University of Michigan with a B.F.A. Degree. She also teaches at Washtenaw Community College. She enjoys working with all ages of kids. Teaching is her Gift.
Abby Vermeulen graduated
from Pioneer High School in 2008. She is now studying Education at
Michigan State University and has attended CCC since the age of four.
Amy Price
Sarah Eicher
Chris Joesph
The following teacher/child ratios for each group helps to ensure a quality program:
Infants
8 weeks to 18 months 1:4
Toddlers
18 months to 21/2 years 1:4
Preschoolers
21/2 to 4 years 1:6-8
Pre-K and Kindergartners
5 to 6 years 1:8-10
School-age Children
6 years to 13 years 1:8-12
Full time adult and part time teachers generally have a 2 year or 4 year degree in Early Childhood Education (or a related field) plus experience.
Other part-time staff may include college and senior high school students who are pursuing a degree in education or a related field and have practical experience working with young children. Many of our young adults on staff are children who grew up at CCC and continue to want to be a part of our community. They are extremely valuable for their energy, dedication, and commitment to the values of quality early childhood education.
All staff receives on-going training and attends regularly scheduled staff meetings and planning meetings. All full time staff must be certified in Basic Fist aid and C.P.R.
Children's Creative Center
1600 Pauline Blvd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 769-0019