Our Mission
We care for and nurture young children of student parents so they may pursue their studies knowing their children are in a safe environment that promotes life–long learning. We capture and extend childrens natural eagerness to learn so that it is not lost or dampened by drill, rote or other mind-numbing practices. For young adult students, we provide an extension of the classroom that allows hands–on, learning opportunities to develop professionally.
Our Philosophy
We believe that children are, by nature, curious and eager learners. We believe that young children learn best when they experience their environment first hand in play. It is their direct experience in the world with the people, places, and objects at hand that spark their innate desire to "find out", "figure out", or otherwise solve problems that present themselves through the course of everyday events. The teachers provide the expert guidance and support for "knowing" how things work and how to successfully live in the world with self and others.
Our Core Values
- We value cooperation because we believe everyone can accomplish more and create a more satisfying learning environment if everyone works together.
- We value collaboration because when everyone's ideas, thoughts and feelings are heard and considered the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- We value communication that is frequent, open and honest because it builds trust which is basic to good relationships so essential to
high quality learning environments.
- We value humility because we know that the best teachers are also the best learners and we know that each one of us stands on other's shoulders.
- We value our humanity and our need to treat each other with compassion, care and consideration because our
children learn as much by our actions as by our words.
- We value humor because it helps us not to take ourselves too seriously and helps us take the long, broad view which is usually the best one.
Our Staff
Tiffany Karnisky
Associate Director, Family Services
Tel: (850) 644–7970
Fax: (850) 644–8565
tkarnisky@admin.fsu.edu
Bill Stacey
Grants Compliance Analyst FSU Childcare and Early Learning Programs
Tel: (850) 644–7970
Fax: (850) 644–8565
bstacey@admin.fsu.edu
Brenda Thompkins
Program Associate FSU Childcare and Early Learning Programs
Tel: (850) 644–7970
Fax: (850) 644–8565
bthompkins@admin.fsu.edu
Bruce Guyton
General Trades Technician
Tel: (850) 644-7970
Dana O'Connor
Center Director, Copeland Street Location
Tel: (850) 644–0003
Fax: (850) 644–0063
doconnor2@fsu.edu
Emily Thompkins
Infants & Crawlers Teaching Team Leader, Faculty
Tel: (850) 644-9590
Deby Vargas
Wobbler Teaching Team Leader, Faculty
Tel: (850) 644-5080
Taylor Sheplak
Walker Teaching Team Leader, Faculty
Tel: (850) 644-5092
Sue Cloud
Toddler Teaching Team Leader, Faculty
Tel: (850) 644-5094
TBD
Tweener Teaching Team Leader
Tel: (850) 644–5086
Stephanie Hall
Preschool Teaching Team Leader, Faculty
Tel: (850) 645-9575