Our Team
Our company, Child Care Partners, consists of five early learning centers, each with its own director and teachers. Across the centers, we have unifying values, goals, and curricula. Believing that "those who create commit," we foster an atmosphere of collaborative decision-making. Our directors have a role in evaluating the information on proposed changes; likewise, each center director seeks input from her staff when considering changes. We also bring together groups of teachers from our schools for round-table discussions on program issues and problem-solving.
While we may not always agree, we all have a voice!
When hiring new team members, we look for those who value integrity, professionalism, loyalty, empathy, and mutual respect. Our staff puts children first and is dedicated to facilitating intellectual and physical development, as well as supporting children socially and emotionally.
We support our staff with above-average wages, individualized training, and opportunities for professional growth. We have a benefits package that includes Paid Time Off, Health, Dental, Vision, Aflac, Simple IRA, Tuition Assistance, Training Stipends, and more.
Teachers are the heart of our program!
Mariah Burkhardt
Center Director
Hello! My name is Mariah Burkhardt, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Director of Porter Children’s Center.
With a passion for Early Childhood Education spanning 12 years in the profession, I bring a wealth of experience and a genuine love for nurturing young minds. My educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and a Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology. Both realms of study in addition to nearly a decade as an ECE teacher have provided me with a solid foundation to understand and support the developmental needs of our little ones in these early years.
Beyond the professional realm, I am a karaoke enthusiast, a puzzle lover, and I find immense joy in sewing and crafting of all types. Reading however, is by far my favorite pastime, and a love of literature and the arts has fueled a large part of my journey as an educator. I believe in fostering an environment that encourages curiosity and imagination, and I am dedicated to creating a space where each child can thrive in their own talents and interests. As a parent myself to an amazing 11-year-old son (born 2013), I understand the importance of a supportive and enriching educational experience from the perspective of a parent and as an educator. I am committed to ensuring that our school continues to be a place of growth, learning, and joy for every child who walks through these doors.
Jennifer Carrasco
Program Director
