A letter from our founder, Cynthia Kara

 

Dear Charlotte Child Development Center Parents and future parents,

I wanted to take a minute to share a little about myself.

I started in early childhood education in 1991 with boys of my own from 23 to 5 years of age. For the past 22 years I have worked in for- profit, non-profit, family and corporate child care settings teaming up with hundreds of staff and thousands of parent s to ensure a well rounded early childhood education for all.  In the community I continue to offer my experience as an early childhood trainer, mentor to colleagues through the Director’s leadership Academy, as well as grant writing for the ministries in which I serve.

My degrees are in psychology focusing on early childhood administration and educational support for children and families. I am currently enrolled in the doctorate program at Cal Coast in educational leadership and I hold a level 3 administration certification recognized by the state of North Carolina as essential for oversight of quality accredited programs.

My most recent experience is working with Myers Park Presbyterian Weekday School(s) and prior as Director of Dilworth CDC.  The past seven years I’ve worked with both new and veteran teaching teams to discover the vision behind the goals of congregationally run community centers.  I appreciate the creativity and unwavering energy it takes to be an early educator and enjoy working alongside the teachers and staff of Charlotte Child Development Center.

Sincerely,

Cynthia

Cynthia Kara

Founder, CCDC

Cynthia.kara@aol.com

704-615-4506 cell

 

Donna Toole, Director

Donna is a Charlotte native although part of her heart remains in Colorado where she and her husband lived for 10 years. Donna comes to CCDC with 23 years of teaching experience. Her specialty is in teacher education and training. Donna has her Bachelors in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Human Development emphasizing again in Early Childhood. Her hobbies include yoga, knitting, art, and especially spending time with her family. Donna's daughter, Mika (pictured) is currently enrolled in the Pre-School II class.

Our Infant Team

Sheila McRae, Infant Teacher

Ms. Sheila is a founding teacher of Charlotte Child Development Center. Ms. Sheila moved from Brooklyn, New York over 25 years ago. She has been in early childhood education for 15 years. Her hobbies include watching movies, basketball, football, and baseball. Her teaching passion is watching children grow and learn before her eyes.

 

 

Ms. Vivian is also one of Charlotte Child Development Center's founding teachers! Ms. Vivian is a native of Charlotte and comes to Charlotte Child Development Center with over 10 years of early childhood education teaching experience. Her hobbies include going to the movies, reading love stories, and working on Sodoku. Her passion is helping children learn through art, music, and language as they develop physically and socially their first year. 

 

Our Pre-Toddler Team

Raven Robinson, Pre-Toddler Teacher

Ms. Raven is a Charlotte native. She comes to Charlotte Child Development Center with 11 years experience in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Raven has her Credentials 1 and 2 and CDA. While her degree is in Legal Studies, Ms. Raven enjoys spending time with children and watching them grow. Ms. Raven's hobbies include going out to eat and to the movies. Her biggest passion is her two-year-old son, Chase. 

 

Crystal Johnson-Toney, Pre-Toddler Teacher

Ms. Crystal is originally from Winston Salem. Ms. Crystal comes to CCDC with 25 years of experience, having three children of her own. Her favorite things about working with children are to impart good morals and values and developing their skills. Ms. Crystal's hobbies include singing, doing hair, and helping people, along with spending time with her husband and family. Ms. Crystal is also passionate about her Non-Profit organization, "Just Friends" which is an organization for teenage girls. 

 

Our Toddler Team

Heather Heiligh, Toddler Teacher

Ms. Heather is originally from Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Heather comes to Charlotte Child Development Center with children for 10 years of experience with Early Childhood. Her favorite thing about working with children is everything! She loves nurturing children and watching them develop. Her hobbies include playing basketball and scrapbooking for her children. Her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her family.

 

Amber Manning, Toddler Teacher

Ms. Amber is originally from Wisconsin where she acquired her certificates ECE I, II, infant/toddler and Administration. Since living in North Carolina she has received the Lead Teacher Certificate and will continue to receive her degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Amber has over 15 years of teaching as an infant and toddler teacher. Amber enjoys being with her husband and family, traveling, and reading. Amber's son Kaden is currently enrolled in the Pre-School I class!

 

Our Pre-School Team

 

Candy Ledbetter, Pre-School I Teacher

Ms. Candy is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has been working with children for 35 years. She loves working with children and seeing them grow and learn through play. Her teaching philosophy is to provide a warm and nurturing environment so that children will develop a sense of trust. Her hobbies include spending time with her friends and family, shopping and going to the movies. 

Beth Daly, Pre-School II Teacher

Ms. Beth is originally from Baldwin, New York. Ms. Beth comes to us with 20 years of experience. She received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from the University of Delaware. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is seeing children learn. Her hobbies include reading, baking, playing sports, watching baseball, and spending time with her niece and nephews!