Our goal at SUMMIT is to create an atmosphere that accepts, welcomes, and values all families. The diversity of children and families enrolled in SUMMIT’s programs are not only respected, but embraced and celebrated.
In order to achieve this goal in part, we ensure that each teacher and caregiver understands the unique needs of individual children. We also partner closely with parents from the time that they indicate interest in enrolling their child.
It is important to us that we provide a safe and supportive environment from the moment that the child enters the classroom or other setting. Individual staff receive specific training on how to meet the unique needs of children in their care (developmentally appropriate practice).
We are committed to working closely with parents and early intervention professionals so that seamless services are provided, not only in the child’s best interest developmentally, but also that meet the needs of the family and the program.
STAFFING & CHILD CARE SERVICES
At SUMMIT, a big part of work is recruitment. We are recruiting families to enroll their children in our programs. And we are recruiting people to work with the children and support the programs.
Research is clear that high-quality early education programs make a huge difference in the life of a child. Child care and other early childhood education programs are crucial to our communities.
Organizations like SUMMIT provide nurturing, education, and support to children while their parents are at work or school. The current staffing situation is affecting our ability to enroll children that need our services.
According to Start Strong PA, “The child care sector was in crisis before the COVID-19 pandemic, with eligible families unable to access child care subsidy, poverty-level wages for early childhood educators, and razor thin margins for providers. The child care sector has been pushed to the brink of collapse by the pandemic.”
Here is a list of our current open employment positions.
Please send this information to anyone who might be interested in “not just a job.” Working at SUMMIT offers employees a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and also to serve the community in a critical capacity.
We offer a pretty fantastic benefit package and parents of young children get 50% off of child care tuition rates!
We are also asking that you be an advocate for early care and education services and child care workers. Reach out to your representatives and remind them of the importance of programs like SUMMIT!
Together, we can get through this time and come out better on the other side!
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Two of our teachers have recently been promoted to supervisory positions! It’s always exciting to be a part of our employees’ career trajectory. It’s great to know that our staff are committed, not only to their work, but to SUMMIT as well!
na Children’s Center and had moved to the Mifflinburg Center. She is now BACK at Susquehanna and has taken on the role of Center Director! Becky has been with SUMMIT for four years and has several years of additional experience with young children and in the field of early care and education. Welcome to your new role, Becky!Alicia Geed
y had been employed with SUMMIT for over six years when she decided she was interested in the additional responsibilities of the Site Manager position. We are so happy to have Alicia leading a team of Head Start Teachers in Mifflin County. Having been a Head Start Teacher herself, Alicia will be able to support the team from their perspective. Congratulations to Alicia!FAMILY CONNECTIONS GROUPS FOR HEAD START FAMILIES
We are excited to be offering a new group program for families in Head Start and Early Head Start. Family Connections will be starting this spring. Families will enjoy a meal together; and afterwards children will be supervised while the parents take part in workshops, guided by the Positive Solutions For Families Curriculum.
Positive Solutions for Families is an evidence-based, family-friendly workshop of seven sessions that promotes positive and effective parenting. We chose this curriculum because it aligns with our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions Support) Model and includes engaging and interactive components. Activities include self-reflections, setting intentional goals, and opportunities to practice skills before trying them at home.
