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Our Staff

Our teachers and staff are more than educators. They are caregivers, mentors and partners in your child’s growth. Every member of our team is dedicated to creating a safe, positive environment where children and families feel part of the ERCCD family.


Director

Kaley Dawkins
kdawkins@uwf.edu

Associate Director

Larshielle Banks
lbanks@uwf.edu

Coordinator

Ardi Hadzic
ahadzic@uwf.edu

Lead Teachers

Infants: Barb Sykes

Young Toddlers: Claudia Rich

Older Toddlers: MaKayla Perry

Twos: Leah Hartigan

Threes: Claudia Moncada

PS I: Catherine Gregory

PS II/VPK: Leah Finneseth-Meyers

PS III/ VPK: Kaytlyn Larsen

Assistant Teachers

Assistant teachers support and assist lead teachers by helping with classroom management, lesson planning, assessments and supervising the children assigned to their classroom.

Accreditation and Background Requirements

The center is licensed by the State of Florida (ID# C01ES0150), staffed by Early Childhood professionals and accredited by Cognia.

All ERCCD staff are required to undergo annual in-service training and pass an approved DCF Level 2 background screening prior to employment.

What are the hours of operation?
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Our Center follows the University’s Academic Calendar and closure dates.

Does the ERCCD offer tours?
ERCCD is pleased to offer tours to families once they have been offered a spot.

Do we offer Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)?
Yes, children are eligible to participate in VPK if they are four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year and reside in the state of Florida. Families must apply for a VPK Certificate of Eligibility through their local Early Learning Coalition before enrollment.

Do we offer School Readiness?
No, the ERCCD does not offer the School Readiness program.

Does the Center have a waitlist?
Yes. UWF students receive priority for child care when space is available, followed by staff, faculty, alumni and the general public. Once enrollment is set for each class at the beginning of the fall semester, it typically remains in effect for the entire academic year (fall, spring, and summer). Children stay with their group and move up to the next age level at the beginning of the following fall semester.

If I join the waitlist, how long will my wait be?
Because enrollment is based on these yearly transitions, it’s difficult to predict how long your wait might be. We recommend researching and joining other centers’ waitlists in the meantime. We will contact you if an opening becomes available and we reach your child’s name on our waiting list. Children are generally enrolled each fall semester and placed according to their age as of September 

When are children typically enrolled in our program?
Children are typically enrolled each fall semester and are placed in classrooms based on their age as of September 1st.

Is the center part of the Food Program? 
The center does not participate in the USDA Food Program. Families provide two snacks and a balanced lunch each day. 

Does the center provide diapers and wipes? 
The center provides wipes, but families provide diapers. 

How often do I pay my bill? 
Bills are typically posted at a four week billing cycle. Usually, 2 weeks of services are received before bills are posted. The following week is the bill’s due date. 

Does the center serve military families, and do we receive priority in center placement? 
UWF students receive priority for child care when space is available, followed by staff, faculty, alumni and the general public.

I am expecting. When should I put my child on the waiting list? 
We recommend joining the waitlist as early as possible.

Is the center accredited?
Yes, the ERCCD is accredited by Cognia.

What curriculum does the center use? 
ERCCD uses Creative Curriculum.