|
Teachers and Staff
Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center is licensed through the State of Kansas and upholds the requirements as outlined in State regulations. However, our school is committed to exceeding State standards. All Lead Teachers are required to have, or be pursuing, certification in Early Childhood Education. Furthermore, all teachers receive 15 hours of in-service training annually. Our teachers are spiritually grounded and model positive Christian behavior. A KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigations) background check is done on each and every employee hired by the Center.
Ownership and Governance
The Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center at 306 E. Madison, Gardner, KS is a ministry of King of Kings Lutheran Church. A Christian atmosphere permeates the school. Prayer is said before snacks and lunch, religious holidays and birthdays are celebrated, Bible stories and songs are shared, and there is weekly chapel for children in the 3-4 year old through School-Age classrooms. The Center is operated as a not-for-profit institution, licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, for children of any race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, or gender.
The Board of Directors for King of Kings Lutheran Church governs and controls the Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center. This Board is comprised of congregational members.
Parents are free to visit at any time, and have access to all areas of the Center. When visiting, we request consideration so as not to disrupt our programs. If you are concerned or uncertain about anything relating to our care of your child, please contact the Director at once. Do not keep it to yourself. If there is a problem, we want to correct it as quickly as possible. We also love to share in the joys and exciting milestones with your family.
Shelta’s Bio
Shelta Collins currently serves as the Director of Open Arms Child Development Center. Prior to Open Arms, she spent three years serving as the Executive Director for a small Christian school in the Overland Park area. Shelta also had the opportunity to serve as a District Manager with La Petite Academy in Chicago, Illinois. Having started out as an Assistant Director, she was quickly promoted to the role of Academy Director. With a solid reputation for building the best teams, leadership, and compliance with Kansas licensing, she successfully reformed several schools within the state of Kansas. Shelta also worked within the public schools for seven years.
Education is very important to Shelta, as she graduated Summa Cum Laude with my Bachelor's degree in Management and Human Relations with an emphasis in Music Education and Early Childhood Education. Furthermore, she holds a Master's Degree in both Business Administration and Education from Mid America Nazarene University. Music has played a vital role within her education. She has sung in college choirs and has competed in Collegiate Honor Bands playing the flute.
Ministry is the driving force behind all that she does. Shelta and her husband Jared have served in many capacities within their church as youth leaders and children ministry coordinators. They have two daughters, Elizabeth and Ashley.
|
