Dedham Community House Preschool Welcomes New Director

Last month, the Dedham Community House Preschool celebrated the retirement of Cindy Nemet who served as director for 20 years.  However, now Dedham resident Katrina Tober is the new director and is very excited to share what she loves about working for the school.

Dedham Patch: Have you always been interested in early childhood development?  What's your background?

Katrina Tober:  I've always been interested in this age group. I have been working in the field for 15 years. However,  I decided to make the switch from teaching to the administrative side when I was in my late twenties when I took a course in preschool administration.

Dedham Patch: What excites you about working at the Dedham Community House?

Katrina Tober: It's a wonderful organization, there's so many programs that they have for the community- for all ages. When it comes to the preschool, I think it's amazing that the school is accredited by the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of the Young Child).  That shows that we really are a top notch preschool and I'm really excited to be a part of it.

Dedham Patch: Has the economy affected enrollment?

Katrina Tober: In this area with the economy, a lot of schools are not full. But the Dedham Community House is full and I think it's because of "word of mouth" and the fact that we serve working families where both parents work.

Dedham Patch:  Are there any programs you would like to create at the school?

Katrina Tober: One thing that I'm interested in is professional development for the teachers. I want to make sure our teachers are the best that they can be and are the best in field.

Dedham Patch: What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in early childcare?

Katrina Tober: For someone starting off, I would say that it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance. But it also takes a lot of time and energy and you have to spend a lot of time in the classroom along with taking college courses. It's also important to add that there's a difference between just watching kids and educating children, and it's not easy.