|
"Through
the process, I discovered a whole new world of opportunities in the field of
early childhood."
|
Kathy Hardy
Director
Winnetka Community Nursery School
|
"Organizing a body of work [for the IDC] that reflects the
diversity of job duties was very empowering and provided a great path into
continuing professional growth. "
|
Kathy was awarded the Level III Illinois Director Credential in May 2001. She
has been the Director of Winnetka Community Nursery School for 2 years and has
6 total years of experience as a director.
Kathy began teaching 2 year-olds in 1987 for a mom/tot class and loved it. As
her own preschoolers grew, she grew with them and went back to Oakton Community
College to take early childhood courses in growth, development, curriculum,
etc.
Until 1997, Kathy taught 2, 3, and 4 year-olds and then had the opportunity to
develop a seminar for a conference geared toward YMCA staff. After the
conference, the director of the facility left and Kathy moved into that
position.
Kathy can speak of how important continuing education is to professional
development. When she took the director position, Kathy says, "I knew very
little about business, management, or running a facility, but fortunately I
found the excellent training from National-Louis University."
She enjoyed the training so much that she applied for graduate school and
completed a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education. Since then, Kathy has moved
into her current position as director of Winnetka Community Nursery School. In
her years in the field, she has also presented at conferences, taught
college-level courses, and has mentored other directors working to earn the
Illinois Director Credential.
Kathy lives in Evanston, Illinois with her husband of 22 years. They have a dog
and 3 children; Cole, Lauren, and Peter.
|