MEET YOUR TEACHER

Connections Early Learning and Development LLC is run by Kerry Schaff, owner/child care provider.
I, Kerry Schaff, have been providing licensed child care since February, 2000. I started child care in Golden, as a way to stay home with my daughter of eighteen months at the time, while providing her with education, socialization, and daily structure.  While staying home, I decided to work toward business degree through online courses. I finished an associates degree in business in 2004. I transferred my credits to Metro State University to continue working toward a Bachelor's in business, but after the first semester, I realized that I enjoyed child care so much, that making child care my career would be a great way to implement the business training while continuing what I loved. I went back to Red Rocks Community College on a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship through Qualistar and earned a second associates degree in Early Childhood Education and a Director's Certificate in May 2007. Since May 2007, I have completed at least 24 clock hours of training each year in addition to the required courses for licensing; CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions, and Medication Administrations, and since 2016; safe sleep, immunizations, and evacuation procedures.
I received a quality certificate in April 2014, my large program director qualifications verification letter in June 2014, and qualified for my Early Childhood Professional Credential in July of 2014. In 2015, which was just updated 2022 and I began yearly participation in quality improvement programs through Colorado Shines.  These programs include coaching from a quality-trained professional using Family child Care Rating Scale to improve my interactions with the children and funds to put toward materials to improve my environment.  I was formally quality rated in July 2016, 2019, and now 2022.  This rating will continue to be renewed every three years.  In 2019, I became Lena Grow certified verifying my desire to continue to improve upon my skills to further increase language use and teacher/student interactions within my program.      
I am a provider that tries to meet or exceed quality standards, so continuously devise and implement plans for purchasing and placing materials in the environment, add or modify policies, and adjust my own practices to match current high-quality guidelines, using current research, my own experience, or recommendations from parents or other professionals in the child care field.
I married in 1997 and had two children that are now adult aged.  This marriage remained for 23 years until it peacefully ended in July 2021.  I remarried in August 2022 a wonderful man I had briefly dated in high school.    
I am an organized, altruistic individual with a natural talent for providing a positive atmosphere and guidance for young children. When I am not supporting my community through child care, I enjoy participating in activities with my family and catering to my own health and wellness. I enjoy boating, camping, walks, and hikes or just snuggling in for the night with a movie, or large-piece puzzles. I participate in fitness at 24 Hour Fitness clubs or enjoy regular at-home workouts on my stationary bike.