"Being a parent and working in child care puts a whole new perspective on just how important a teachers relationship is to the children."

Kimberly Hare

Assistant Director
Catch A Star Learning Center

Kimberly was awarded the Level I Illinois Director Credential in October 2001. She has been the Assistant Director of Early Learning for 7 years.

Kimberly got her start in the field while working in the toy department of a local store. One day as she helped a repeat customer load up another truck load of toys for her daycare, she was offered a job. She writes, "I knew I wanted to teach, but I wasn't sure what age group yet. I fell in love with a class of two year olds and I've been with the same Center for almost ten years now." Over the years, Kimberly has also had the opportunity to enjoy each and every classroom of her building as a parent as well.

Recently, Kimberly took her first class toward a Master's degree in Early Childhood Administration from National-Louis University. She has also registered for the National Administrator Credential Class, which is a comprehensive forty hour course, covering nine different content areas.

With these new educational pursuits, Kimberly writes that she is actually in the process of submitting for her Level II Illinois Director Credential, and hopes one day to obtain a Level III credential. "I have a different outlook on continuing my education now. Each time I get a class done, I submit documentation towards my IDC and get one step closer to completing a Level." Kimberly also plans on becoming a Professional Growth Advisor to help guide others through the process.

Kimberly and her husband, Kirk, have two daughters - Sydni, age 6 and Jordyn, age 3.