Cradlerock Children's Center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The hours of attendance of your child should be communicated to the office to ensure sufficient staff is available.
Children from 6 weeks of age to 5 years of age may attend the center. Do you have an academic program? Yes. We are accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education and implement a state-approved curriculum in all classrooms
Our teachers have varied educational backgrounds and
experience. We strive to hire the most qualified staff
possible. Our teachers have a combination of
the following: four-year degrees, two-year
degrees, the 90-Hour Child Care Class,
and/or the 45 Infant Toddler Class.
One or two aides may be hired as
part-time staff to assist teachers
from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Our staff turnover rate is well
belowthe industry norm,
thanks in part to our
commitment to
providing a living
wage and competitive
benefits to our staff.
We provide breakfast, lunch
and pm snacks.
We do offer part-time enrollment in our three- and four- year-old classrooms. Due to the limited number of openings in the center, we cannot offer part-time spaces in the infant, toddler, two- year-old classrooms, or our transition older 2 and 3's working on potty training.
Children in the three- and four-year-old classrooms may dis-enroll for the summer. For younger children, we will make every effort to reserve a place for your child in the upcoming school year. You will be notified if your child's space is in jeopardy.
It is vitally important to us to develop
a strong partnership between parents,
teachers and directors. We welcome the
suggestions and ideas of parents, and
encourage you to become involved in
our program. We also include several
parents on our board of directors,
and seek their guidance on key
decisions related to the center.
Emergency alert are sent
via tadpoles.When your child
is enrolled, you will be asked
to sign up for the free service,
which provides updates to your
cell phone and email
Executive Director
Amanda Morton first joined Cradlerock Children’s Center in 2006 as an aide, before becoming the Administrative Director. Although her previous experience has been mostly working with high school and college-age students, she has found working with pre-schoolers both educational and most rewarding.
“Every year begins a new chapter in my work at Cradlerock Children’s Center. I look forward to much more.” –Amanda Morton
Originally from England, in 2006 Ms. Mandy, as she is affectionally called, moved with her three children to Columbia to be closer to her family. She has thoroughly enjoyed the transition to the community and city of Columbia is beautiful and family-friendly.
When asked why she does this work Ms. Mandy told us, “I enjoy the challenges of child care administration and the building of bridges between families and teachers in the care of their children. Most of all I enjoy working with, building, and maintaining relationships with families.” And she does so with grace and the support from an amazing team of teachers by her side.
Program Director
Before joining Cradlerock Children’s Center, Alexis held the role of Lead Teacher for The Fishing School in Washington DC (A college preparation organization/program) as well as L.P.T.M.P. She has also worked as an Education Coordinator in with SOUL and is an Accreditation Specialist.
Alexis holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a Minor in Education Studies from American University. She enjoys live music, comedy, travel and she is an avid Cross Fit participant.
Infant Lead Teacher
Senior Staff Teacher – Little Foxes, Infants-18 Months
Teri Bechtold has been a teacher at CCC for seven years. Prior to Cradlerock, Teri was an Assistant Director for a Before and After School program in Montgomery County for eight years. She has been in the childcare field for over 20 years.
Ms. Bechtold is a part of the Maryland credentialed program for child care teachers and has achieved a level 4 MSDE Certification. She thoroughly enjoys reading and spending time at the beach. Teri is a single mother of a 22-year-old daughter, who is her world and her proudest achievement.
Senior Staff Teacher – Ducklings, 18-24 Months
Solange Marcellus worked as a lead teacher and child care provider for several years. Her teaching practice is based on the belief that children can learn while they play. Originally from Haiti and Ms. Marcellus has lived in Columbia for the past 18 years. She is married with two beautiful daughters, a handsome son, and a grandiose granddaughter. Though busy, she still finds time to volunteer in her community, specifically with immigrants from Haiti.
Ms. Marcellus holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood from Howard Community College. Her personal goal is to continue to teach as she continues to pursue both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development. “I am looking forward to teaching, playing, and growing with your children on my journey to becoming a successful educator.”, says Ms. Marcellus. In her spare time, Solange practices yoga and loves to read.
Toddler Ast Teacher
Senior Staff Teacher – Ladybugs, 2-Year-Olds
Sherry Gaba is an organized and enthusiastic Senior teacher overseeing the Ladybug Classroom. “I strongly believe children learn through hands-on experiences and by asking questions,” says Mrs. Gaba. Sherry first worked as the Pre-K teacher here at Cradlerock, before leaving briefly to pursue some personal goals in 2015. She recently returned and has made an amazing impact on our two-year-old program. Ms. Sherry works diligently to build partnerships with parents, at this crucial age where children transition from babies to toddlers, she helps children and parents navigate through each and every developmental phase. From speech to social and emotional behavior, Mrs. Gaba partners with parents to ensure that children in her care are prepared for the next level.
Mrs. Gaba holds a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys spending time with family, her husband, and 5-year-old son. She is grateful for the opportunity to nurture the children in her care as they continuously explore and learn about the world around them.
Twos Ast Teacher
Dominique Washington is a Columbia native and graduate of Long Reach High School. Currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Mr. Washington, is a preschool teacher’s aide, supporting the 3-5-year-old classrooms. Prior to joining the CCC family, Dominique worked with special needs children as a student teacher, for 3 years. Though he has a true passion for teaching, Mr. Washington also enjoys playing sports, cooking and volunteering as an assistant coach for Long Reach High School’s Cheerleading Team. We are excited to welcome Mr. Dominique Washington to the Cradlerock family.
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Lead Teacher
Pre-K Lead Teacher – VOYAGERS, 4.7 years+
“A child must think you care before they care what you think”. This is a personal mantra for Tiara Butler, a seasoned educator, and administrator with a passion to serve others. Ms.Butler holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, from the University of Md Eastern Shore. During her time at UMES, she supported both infant and preschool classes at the campus’s Child and Family Development Center. Other work experience, includes internships with Eden Head Start and Wicomico Family Support Center and a lead teacher role for 18-24-month-olds. Before joining the CCC team she was a valuable contributor with the PGCPS teaching third-grade reading, writing, and social studies.
