Turning Leaves recognizes Mt. Olive Child Care and Learning Center — so what better time to spotlight the Center’s director, Gail Reuther?
Gail, like so many other preschool directors Preschool Advantage partners with, is passionate about what she does which is running an institution that has grown from 25 children (25 years ago when she started) to 350; 55 of which are of preschool age. “The community has grown yearly and our school has grown with it” says Gail. “We pride ourselves on the fact that almost all of the teachers we employee have been with us at least 10 to 12 years; and many for 20 to 29 years”.
Gail feels what makes The Mt. Olive Child Care and Learning Center special is the dedication and commitment to their mission statement: “To provide quality, affordable child care and family support services for the community, regardless of income”. Not only does Gail’s job place her daily in the classroom monitoring the actual teaching, she serves a role as parent advocate for those struggling with the stressors of life. She prides herself on the connections she has made with many outside resources which she in turn can pass on to those in need. “I get great satisfaction from knowing I have been a help to a parent who has made the effort to get their child to our center”.
Gail’s 23 year old son, Michael, attended Mt Olive Child Care and Learning Center. This year he graduated from Montclair State University and is just one of many students who have brightened the staff’s day by returning with stories of success.
The recognition of how important a preschool education is for molding a child’s future further prompted Gail to become a valued board member of Preschool Advantage. Gail shares her fellow board members’ belief that every child deserves an opportunity to arrive in kindergarten prepared and with the confidence to succeed.
Sending a child to preschool serves the community not just the child. How fortunate we are to have people like Gail Reuther spearheading the cause both in and outside of the classroom.