A program is only as exceptional as its staff. All of our teachers have backgrounds in early childhood education, and continue to take classes to further develop their knowledge about young children. In addition, all staff members are fully certified in both First Aid and CPR.

Because our center offers medical insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, retirement, and continuing education classes, we have a dedicated group of professionals, committed to high-quality early childhood education.

Amy Robinson, Director

I accepted my first position working with children in March of 1980, 29 years ago!

I worked directly with children in the classroom while attending classes in child development and early education at Riverside City and Orange Coast Colleges. In 1987 I received a promotion to assistant director at a program in Newport Beach CA. I assisted at that center and at the first facility in the nation to be sponsored by a city (Irvine). While working at the Irvine Child Development Center, I had the unique opportunity to spend two semesters studying RIE (resources for infant edu-carers) with founder Magda Gerber. I moved to Las Vegas in 1991 and accepted the directorship here at the University United Methodist Child Development Center. I brought RIE with me, and we are still one of the only programs in NV which uses this practical and respectful approach to infant and toddler care giving.

In addition to my own staff, I have provided training opportunities to the Las Vegas early childhood community. I have been a guest speaker at both CSN and UNLV infancy classes, presenting information about RIE. The administration class at CSN visits this center as part of their training, and practicum students at both colleges have done their student teaching here. I have also offered workships on RIE through the Southern Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children, and more recently through the Nevada Registry. One of my former staff members went on to complete an internship at the RIE program after her experience with RIE here at UUMCDC. The most rewarding result of my association with RIE has been watching care givers, infants, and their families develop authentic, respectful relationships with each other.

I am committed to providing high quality early childhood experiences and believe passionately in the village that we have created together. My favorite compliment has been that this a “hippie school.” I interpret that to mean we all take care of each other in a community of love and respect. At this stage in my life, I have come to value relationships above all else. Until you have established a warm relationship with someone you can not make a significant difference in their life. This school is about the partnerships that are fomed between children, parents, and staff as we all grow, develop, and learn from one another. My own two daughters, ages 16 and 13, are living proof of what wonderful people this program helps to produce!