Teachers

Your child is precious.

Expect him to be loved and respected. You teach and encourage your child. You hug him when knees and feelings are bruised. You cherish the trust he has in you when he turns to you for answers.

You can and should expect that we will do the same while he is in our care. The everyday experiences your child will have at Adventure Time rests upon the shoulders of his teacher. We realize this, and labor diligently to find and keep the very best!!

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM OUR TEACHERS?

Parents appreciate Adventure Time because our teachers show an interest and connection with the individual children and families. Our teachers' attitudes toward children shine through in the classroom with expectations that are appropriate for your child and his developmental abilities. Kindness blows through the lunchroom. Playfulness and Supervision is observed on the playground. Compassion is found in conversation. Patience and Safety are packed right along with the first-aid kits on field trips. Creativity is captured in our curriculum. Like a breath of fresh air, Adventure Time teachers radiate joy in what they love doing everyday-- nurturing and teaching children.

HOW WE FIND AND KEEP GREAT TEACHERS?

How we do we recruit such outstanding staff? Adventure Time has the unique advantage of being situated in a community where the priority is on education and high personal standards. Since we are surrounded by local colleges and universities, we are positioned to select only the best for your child. Our participation in College Job Fairs attracts those graduating in Family Science, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education. Our owner is currently a professor at a local college teaching others about Childcare Administration so others can learn how we model high standards for the community. Our presence at local universities draws applicants who have excelled in their chosen field of education. Through the efforts of our determined Community Liaison we have received notoriety from the media and newspapers, and in many other ways has positioned Adventure Time to attract quality teachers.

HOW DO WE HIRE GREAT TEACHERS?

With your child in mind, we take our time finding the right "one." We receive 25-50 applications per opening and approximately ten of those applicants are called in for a 2nd interview. Three to five of these top candidates then show us what they're made of through a Trial Teaching Experience where we can observe them in action. We watch for group management skills, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and personal warmth. Do they make a connection with the children? Do they adapt to each individual child's needs? This evaluation tool pinpoints weaknesses and amplifies strengths.

Our trained observers review and critique the experience together with the applicant. Once a teacher is hired, she begins her 90 Day Introductory Period. During this time she is oriented through our Four-Level Adventure Time Certification requirements and closely mentored by a Head Teacher.

HOW WE TRAIN OUR TEACHERS?

The field of Early Childhood Education is constantly evolving and growing with so many exciting educational opportunities. We provide several methods of on-going training to help teachers reach their highest potential. In Curriculum Brainstorming Meetings sparks really fly! This collaborative effort helps teachers to effectively draw upon our vast resources as well as support each other by exchanging their own creative ideas. We prepare additional learning opportunities in areas related to Early Childhood Education during our weekly Inservice Training Meeting. Our Annual Staff Retreat unites teachers while focusing on further training in the exciting aspects of our profession. All of our teachers are compensated for time spent in training as we feel that quality teachers are a most worthy investment.

HOW WE REWARD OUR TEACHERS?

Friendly professionals create a positive working environment. Just being at Adventure Time is rewarding!! Excellence is applauded through regular salary increases tied to Teacher Performance Evaluations.

We believe in "pats on the back" and on-going teacher acknowledgement. We appreciate our amazing teachers and take our cheerleading duty seriously! "Staff Note" tributes, teacher "KUDOS", and awards for going "Beyond the Call of Duty" salute excellence in the classroom. These thoughtful "thank yous" help teachers remain enthusiastic about what they are doing for your child.

These efforts sustain and RETAIN loving, educated teachers who will be there to guide your child throughout your years at Adventure Time.