Elizabeth A. Geary, M.Ed., LMSW
Director of The Community Programs Center of Long Island

Betsy brings more than thirty years of educational, social work and program administration experience to her role as Director of the Community Programs Center of L.I. (CPC), the sponsoring agency of Early Discoveries Center. She completed a Bachelors degree at Rhode Island College and Masters degrees at Boston College and Hunter College School of Social Work. Providing services that support individuals and families caring for their young children or elderly parents has been the hallmark of her professional life. Betsy’s leadership is directed toward establishing and maintaining systems that promote excellence in every area of our service.

Denise Ferrera, M.A.L.S., S.D.A.
Child Care Director, Ronkonkoma
Early Discoveries Center

Denise has been in the field of early childhood education since 1986 and has been a director with Early Discoveries Center since 1999. She holds a BS in Education, a Masters in Liberal Arts with a focus on Family Studies and Education, and a Masters in Educational Administration. She is a NYS certified teacher and has taught all age groups, from infants to college in a variety of settings including day care, Head Start, special education, public school and college. Denise is a professional trainer and speaker for early childhood agencies, including Suffolk Child Care Council, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Tuoro College and Head Start. Her personal philosophy is that children flourish in a warm nurturing environment that provides a variety of experiences. Denise is the mother of five children.

ANGELA SERVEDIO
Site Supervisor/Child Care Coordinator, Ronkonkoma

Angela Servedio has been working in the early childhood education field since 1993 and is a 17-year employee of Early Discoveries Center. She holds a CDA (Child Development Associate) and is currently working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and Children’s Program Administration. She has extensive experience in early childhood education through her many years as a teacher for all age groups and being Early Discoveries Center’s supervisor for the infant, toddler, preschool, and school age programs. She enjoys being a resource and a support system for the teaching staff and is always looking for new and exciting information to share. Angela believes that children have the right to be in a safe and loving environment that respects their individuality.

Denice Karotseris, M.S., Ed.
Child Care Director, Port Jefferson
Early Discoveries Center

Denice has been a Director of Early Childhood Programs for the past 25 years and has been a Director with Early Discoveries Center since 1994. She holds a Masters of Science in Special Education and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She has experience as a preschool teacher and as a teacher for children with disabilities. She is a NYS certified teacher in early childhood and elementary education and special education with an emphasis in working with emotionally challenged and mentally challenged children. Denice is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Suffolk Child Care Council, and the Suffolk County Association for Education of Young Children. She is also a validator for NAEYC Accreditation. Denice believes children thrive in an environment that supports, respects and provides for individuality and that all children have the right to be given the best opportunities with which to learn and grow. Denice is the mother of two teenage girls.

Debbie Sweet
Assistant Director, Port Jefferson

Debbie Sweet has been working in the early childhood education field since 1993 and is a 15 year employee of Early Discoveries Center. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. Additionally, Debbie has received extensive training in early childhood education and child development from local and national conferences. Debbie has vast experience in the early childhood field, including experience as a preschool teacher and as the Education / Disabilities Manager for our Head Start preschool program.

Supervisors

Early Discoveries Center’s management staff also consists of a strong team of supervisors. Senior staff members are available throughout the day to offer technical assistance to the teaching staff and to ensure appropriate staffing ratios in the classrooms.

Early Discoveries Center always maintains low staff to child ratios in the classrooms. Each classroom has a lead teacher and one or more assistant teachers.

Teaching Staff

Teachers
Teachers at Early Discoveries Center are highly qualified and are hired for their love of children and teaching. Credentials include Bachelors Degrees, Associates Degrees and/or a CDA (Child Development Certification).

Assistant Teachers
Assistant Teachers are hired for their experience working with and love for children. While some have a CDA credential, all are encouraged to continue their formal education in early childhood education. First and foremost, assistant teachers must be caring, reliable, mature and able to fill-in if a teacher is absent.

Hiring, Supervision, and Training
If you are interested in employment opportunities with Early Discoveries Center, click here.

For all staff, the hiring process begins with a detailed application followed by an interview by the center director. All staff must pass an exhaustive background check including fingerprints investigation through the NYS Central Clearance Registry.

On-going supervision, evaluation and training enable staff to grow and improve their skills in educating and caring for children. All teachers and assistant teachers participate in an annual staff conference day and are required to maintain certification in pediatric CPR and first aid.

Early Discoveries Center prides itself in low staff turnover – enabling children, teachers and assistant teachers to bond and have trusting long-term relationships.