Erin Austria, director
Many people realize their calling very early in life. I was one of those people. When I was a young girl, I discovered that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young children. In fact I remember the exact moment that I walked into an early childhood program. I realized that a dedicated teacher, with a developmentally appropriate classroom can make all the difference in how young children learn. I have focused my education, training and professional experience towards this goal. I worked in several child care and preschool settings before opening my own home-based day care in 1995. 

While providing full-time care for infants, toddlers and preschool children, I realized that many families need quality care and educational environments for their special-needs children. I attended Loyola University Chicago, earning a degree in Elementary Education. I completed a Masters in Child Development from The Erikson Institute in 1998. Shortly thereafter, I earned a credential in Developmental Therapy. I provided Developmental Therapy to children since 1998. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Occupation Therapy. I teach part-time in Oakton Community College and Kendall College in the Early Childhood Program. I lecture and provide training opportunities to other early childhood professionals. I also enjoy mentoring new professionals to this wonderful field. 

© Winnetka Public School Nursery, 2011,   Site Map