A qualified staff member is the most essential element in a quality childcare program. Teachers must possess a good mix of theory and practice to maintain a nurturing setting while developing a creative educational program. In addition to their educational training, our staff combines on-the-job experience with a genuine passion for what they do.
The CDC uses a team teaching approach. Each team includes a full-time teacher who has a four-year degree in elementary education with a master's degree in education with a concentration in leadership and instruction and practical experience in the child care field beyond their degree.
Also included are two part-time teachers who have their associates degree in early childhood. The team also includes student workers who serve as teacher assistants. By combining teachers and teacher assistants with varying levels of experience, a mentoring relationship can develop that will increase the strength of the teaching team.
The team is responsible for developing curriculum that is thoughtful and thought provoking. All teachers contribute to weekly planning sessions and attend scheduled staff meetings.
June Zimmerman
June Zimmerman is the director and the lead teacher at the ONU Child Development Center. She moved to Ada, Ohio, from Montana, where she was born and raised. Ohio Northern University brought her to Ada where her husband teaches organic chemistry. They currently live in Ada and have two children, Molly and Zack. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in reading and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in leadership and curriculum. She enjoys reading, doing projects around the house and spending time with her family. Her passion is to ensure that our facility offers quality early learning experiences for all children in our care.
Vi Huff
Vi Huff is a preschool co-teacher at the CDC and is a lifelong resident of Hardin County. She currently lives in Ada and enjoys the benefits of a small town community. She is married to her husband Charles, and they have two children, Nichole and Noah. She has a Child Development Associate Certificate in early childhood development. She enjoys being a part of all children’s learning journey and looks forward to many new experiences to come.
Gail Schoonover
Gail Schoonover is a teacher assistant at the CDC and is better known as Mrs. Schoonover. She lives in Benton Ridge, Ohio, and is married to Bob (Fireman Bob). They have three sons, Tony, Jonathan and Cody. She also has three grandsons named Lincoln, Owen and Baker and a granddaughter on the way. She has worked at the Child Development Center for almost two decades. She has an associate's degree in early education. She enjoys working with children because every day is something new.
