Our child care staff at Lamplighter Preschool are qualified, caring, nurturing, and have obtained certification as professional Registered Early Childhood Educators, or the equivalent approved by the Ministry of Education. All staff are qualified with First Aid and CPR; regularly attend workshops and seminars to maintain on-going professional development; and provide clear criminal reference checks every five years.
Our Cook has successfully completed and maintains their Safe Food Handlers Course and all staff is aware of any posted allergies or any special dietary needs.
We help mentor our community youth who are interested in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Our preschool regularly welcomes students from Loyalist College and St. Lawrence College who are performing placement duties required for ECE certification. We also accept co-op placement students from local secondary schools. All students are required to provide clear criminal reference checks before starting a placement with us.
"My name is Carolyn Holden. I’ve been a part of the Lamplighter
Family since 2019 when I graduated from the Early Childhood Education
Program at Loyalist College and became a Registered ECE. Previous to
that, I completed two high school placements and two college
placements with Lamplighter as well. I have a position in the
Toddler room and I am so excited to be apart of the team at
Lamplighter! I am amazed everyday by the enthusiasm children have to
learn. They always have a way to brighten your day!"
"Hi there, my name is Samantha Gibson. I graduated with my PSW Diploma in 2015 and quickly realized I chose the wrong field for myself and family! After starting as Enhanced Support/Supply in 2019, I have now picked up a full time position! One of the many reasons I love working with this age group is their eagerness to learn new
things and watch great friendships grow! I love to spend my spare time outside with my son Blake or playing video games!"
"My name is Amber Maracle and I am an Registered Early Childhood Educator. I graduated from Loyalist College in 2010. I started at Lamplighter in 2016 as an Enhanced Support Worker/Supply Teacher and also covered a Maternity Leave. In December 2016, I gave birth to my son and from there my path lead me to some other opportunities in Kingston for 3.5 years. I had made my way back to Lamplighter in Jan/21 and became full time in August/21! I enjoy creating different sensory and creative art experiences for the children. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors."
"Hello, my name is Katrina Kitts. I am an RECE who graduated from Loyalist College in April 2021. I had two of my placements here at Lamplighter in the Toddler Room and then the Preschool Room! I started off as temp full time in the Infant Room in the spring of 2021, then to Enhanced Support/Supply in Sept/21. Now I am permanent full time as of July/22! I have been married for 30 years and have two adult daughters. I enjoy baking, walking, gardening, reading and spending time with my family."
"Hi, my name is Tricia Henry. I have been an RECE for 21 years. I graduated from Durham College in 2001. I have been with Lamplighter on and off since about 2002. I worked at a daycare in Kingston for 8 yrs and during that time was also on Maternity Leave and had my son Conner. After leaving Kingston I did some Supply work, worked at Pet Panache in Napanee and also worked as a professional cleaner before starting full time at Lamplighter. I love spending time with family and friends."
Hi! My name is Becky Lloyd and I am so excited to be joining the Lamplighter Team!
I started in December of 2022 as Cook and I would describe this positive work environment, like a “Breath of fresh air”!
I graduated from St. Lawrence College in 2007 with my Early Childhood Education Diploma and have worked in child care for 15+ years. I have experience from home child care right up to an Educational Assistant.
I’ve also worked in the food industry for many years baking, cooking and serving. My last 16 years were spent in a long term care facility as a Dietary Aide.
The children here have brought so much joy back into my life, it is actually a pleasure to come to work!