Staff
Our greatest asset at Kids Corner is our outstanding staff. All of the full-time staff have studied or have degrees in the areas of education, child development or social sciences. Kids Corner is staffed by a certified Director/Teacher, a Program Supervisor/Administrator, an experienced Early Childhood educator, an experienced preschool teacher’s aide and well-trained assistants and volunteers. The staff brings a variety of skills and experiences to the program. Teachers, teacher assistants and volunteers are carefully interviewed and trained to give special care to the individual needs of each child. Staff with current CPR and First Aid training are on site each day.
Mary Mathis (Ms. M) is the Kids Corner Director. She has taught children and developed and supervised various children’s programs since 1990. Mary interacts with children, teachers and parents to ensure that a high-quality daily program is carried out. Mary is an NJ certified Elementary Teacher and has a BA in Economics.
Peter C. is the Program Supervisor. He has been working with children since 1993. Peter interacts with the children and families on a daily basis to be sure that the program is running smoothly.
Zenaida Miranda is Kids Corner’s preschool teacher. She is a well qualified and experienced early childhood educator. Ms. Zenny has been teaching Preschool since 2014. Her credentials include a (CDA) Child Development Associate.
History
The Park United Methodist Church approved the start-up of the after school program in 1988. Kids Corner has evolved over the years from a tiny beginning number of 4 children to a robust and active program serving some 80 families each year through various programs; including preschool, before school care and after school care. The church is pleased to be able to contribute exceptionally high-quality child care and education to the Bloomfield community and the surrounding area. Kids Corner is licensed by the state of New Jersey and is a non-profit 401(c)(3) organization.
Philosophy
At Kids Corner, we encourage the evaluation of individual needs, and the growth of self-worth and esteem, through the natural development of each child’s abilities. The importance of interactions between children is stressed through opportunities for play and planned learning experiences. We value and appreciate the variety of backgrounds that children and families bring to the setting. We encourage respect and cooperation between children, families, and staff at Kids Corner.