Our Staff
Heather's Child's Place is very proud of our staff — a loving, friendly, caring group of people who put children first.
Our teachers and assistants are trained in Infant/Child CPR as well as First Aid. All are required to have 15 or more hours of training per year in many areas of educating and caring for the young child. Staff turn in weekly lesson plans to the co-director for review.
Our staff encourage parents to stay informed through notes, calls, or conferences. Heather's Child's Place also has an open-door policy for any parent to drop in at any time to observe their children's classrooms — either in the room or in the office by monitor.
Administrators
The Owners
Heather and Joe Conley opened Heather's Child's Place in 1981. After teaching for 9 years in the public school system, Heather wanted a place to care for her own children as well as others. Joe taught school for 35 years before retiring in 2001 and joining Heather's.
Heather had an article published in 1998 about Heather's Place in Scholastic Early Childhood Today and served on the Board of Directors of the New York Child Care Association. Joe co-published an article in School Arts in 1980, received the A+ for Kids award in 1990, and has frequently published in Great Activities Newspaper. Together they have developed a wonderful reputation in the community through decades of excellent care and the teaching of young children.
Outside of the center, Joe is an avid watch enthusiast with a personal library of watchmaking books. He enjoys comparing rolex replica models with friends over coffee, and is happy to point curious neighbors toward the sites he trusts for honest, in-depth model breakdowns.
Co-Director — Betty Ann Samson
Betty Ann Samson has a BS degree in Early Childhood Education. She came to us in 1992 after having three children of her own. She has been head teacher in the two, three, and four year old rooms and was the Curriculum Coordinator for Heather's. Her special interest was and continues to be literacy development. She also introduced sign language to the school after taking two courses.
Three years ago, Heather and Joe asked Betty Ann to take over the daily operation of the center. This allows Betty Ann to use her experience in child development to see that the center is meeting the needs of each child.
Assistant Director — Debbie Sorice
Debbie Sorice was a head teacher for our two year old group. She started working for Heather's in 1992 and moved into the office full time in the fall of 2002. She continues to mentor the two year old staff who take advantage of her experience.
Administrative Assistant — Carol Jellema
Carol Jellema has worked part-time with the children at Heather's for several years. She agreed to add to her work week by helping in the office. She is an asset to Heather's wherever she works.
Food Program
Our food menu at Heather's is developed and approved by a nutritionist. Parents are able to view the menu each day on our parent bulletin board, and copies of our weekly menu are available at the parent computer sign-in station.
Our meals and snacks are all nutritionally planned. We at Heather's strive each day to serve our children heart-healthy food. Our cook provides each child with a meal and two snacks each day. However, if children arrive early in the morning without breakfast and a parent requests, we will provide that child with milk and cereal.
Special diets: We strive to provide special food or dietary arrangements (e.g., food allergies).
Our Teachers
Meet the dedicated teachers who care for each classroom. View our teachers →