Faculty

Teachers

Staff members are experienced early childhood educators and are certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. The majority have degrees in early childhood education. There are 18 staff with an average of 13 years employment at the Castle. All participate in a continuous program of in-service education and studies for professional advancement in order to remain alert to the ever-changing needs of today’s families, and to the findings of current research. All are certified in first aid and CPR.

Director

Debbie Rogers has taught at the Children’s Castle since 1985. She has worked as a lead teacher for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Debbie is Director II qualified through the Department of Early Education and Care. She has been in an administrative role since 2015 as the Assistant Director.

Owners

Janis Ridgley and Jana Whiting established The Children’s Castle in June of 1984.

Janis comes to this partnership with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salem State College with graduate courses completed at Lesley and Salem State Colleges.

Jana has a bachelor’s degree in business from Southern New Hampshire University and an A.S. in recreational leadership.

Janis and Jana had the honor of participating in the first U.S./China joint conference for early childhood educators.