Our Day Care Program from Staff’s Perspective

Assistant Director of Day Care Melissa Smith

Hephzibah’s Day Care program is designed to help children achieve their full social, emotional and intellectual potential. That said, it’s not just the kids who are having a good time.

“I like coming to work everyday and making sure the kids are all having fun,” says Morgan Keller, Youth Development Specialist for Hephzibah since January 2020, portrayed above with two children she supervises.

Assistant Director of Day Care Melissa Smith has been with Hephzibah for 25 years, 31 if you count the time she was a day care participant herself. “I like the creative part of working with the kids and staff. They are rejuvenating,” she says. “I enjoy watching the staff grow.”

Site Supervisor Raven Uslenghi

Site supervisor Raven Uslenghi has been on staff for 4 years. “It’s different every day. The kids keep you on your toes. We have a great staff that are full of energy–and laughs–which has been especially important during this pandemic,” she says. “It’s a blessing.”

Youth Development Specialist Leif Bryning

“I like the kids a lot. They are funny and I feel comfortable around them,” says first-year Youth Development Specialist Leif Bryning. He’s a University of Illinois-Chicago student majoring in urban education. “I feel like any challenges I have here will be similar to those I will face as a full-time teacher. I appreciate the experience.”

To learn more about being an After-School Youth Development Specialist in the fall, check out this job post. If you’re interested in being an After-School Site Supervisor, learn more from this job post. Signing bonuses are being offered for new hires.