Exciting news! Oracle has contracted with KinderCare Learning Companies under their KinderCare Education at Work brand, to manage the operations of Cerner Kids. This transition is targeted for February 5, 2024, pending state licensing approval. KinderCare brings a research-based, proprietary curriculum which will enhance our current offerings. The merging of curriculums aligns with state early learning standards and kindergarten expectations, so parents have confidence that their children have the skills necessary for kindergarten.
For more information, visit https://www.kindercare.com/employee-benefits/cerner-kids-transition.
Cerner Kids Learning Center is a Montessori education center for children 6 weeks to 6 years, available for the exclusive use of Oracle employees. Cerner Kids fosters continual growth and a unique educational experience through developmentally appropriate and socially oriented activities, instilling the Montessori philosophies of independence, peace, respect and education. It is our philosophy that each child is a unique and special person. It is our desire and privilege to share in the development and education of each child entrusted to our care. In acknowledgement that the parents or guardians are the first and foremost educators of their children, we form a partnership with them so that every child has the best environment and opportunity for growth and maturation.
We are professionals in early childhood education and incorporate this knowledge into the daily activities. We teach to the whole child ensuring that he or she is developing socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. We have a child-centered curriculum that plans for the individual child who can explore and learn at his own pace. In caring for children, our educational approach and environment is a loving one filled with excitement, curiosity, and fun.
Cerner Kids hours of operation are from 7:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Cerner Kids is currently accepting applications for Early Childhood Teacher and Early Childhood Support Teacher positions. The Montessori philosophy guides our programming, and we look for talented teachers to build lessons and activities to capture the interests of the children in their classroom. Cerner Kids candidates should possess the ability to assess and respond to the needs of children, using professional knowledge of children’s developmental milestones along with the ability to apply creative and varied approaches to children’s unique behavioral, developmental, and educational needs.
Teachers must work collaboratively with their team members, remain calm and positive in a sometimes-stressful environment, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and have the ability to multi-task. Teachers at Cerner Kids are responsible for curriculum planning, implementation and assessment, parent partnership and basic care giving for children 6 weeks to 6 years of age.
Senior Program Manager
Nikki oversees Cerner Kids operations, programs, and initiatives. She holds a B.S. Degree in Family Studies and Human Services from K-State, a M.S. Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from KU and a M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership from National-Louis University.
Early Childhood Director
Paula supports operations at Cerner Kids. She is passionate about leading a program where teachers are equipped to build a strong foundation for learning. Paula has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from South Dakota State University and Montessori Certification from MEPI.
Early Childhood Director
Sandy manages operations at Cerner Kids. She believes positive learning experiences are the foundation for building successful futures. Sandy has a B.S. in Education from Graceland University with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and Montessori Certification from AMI.
Cerner Kids is based on the educational teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. The children in our modified Montessori setting are introduced to many aspects of learning including cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. The Montessori philosophy is introduced in the Infant classroom and the curriculum is begun with the Pre-Primary classrooms and is carried through the Primary classrooms.
Through our prepared Montessori environment, children develop the habits and skills of lifelong learning. The curriculum encourages each child to grow as a unique individual and to be happy with him or herself. The teachers and parents form a partnership that promotes growth in all areas of the individual child's development. They guide, question, and encourage throughout the day. Activities will be prepared around the child's individual developmental level and interests.
The Montessori method allows children to focus on their areas of interest and readiness. The Montessori teacher acts as facilitator as the child explores the activities within the environment. Each child learns at his or her own pace based on their individual preferences. Children gain confidence, self-motivation and self-discipline when interested in a particular area or activity. This learning process enables children to grow to their fullest potential. The Montessori activities help to develop concentration, coordination, and work habits necessary for future learning experiences. The curriculum units are broken down as follows:
Cerner Kids is located approximately 2 miles from the Oracle Innovations campus in the Grandview Triangle.
All teachers and support staff are specifically screened to meet high standards of professionalism and competence. Cerner Kids has degreed teachers, Montessori certified teachers and teachers with significant childcare experience to provide diverse backgrounds and experiences for teaching and guiding young children.
In addition to the pre-employment requirements for all new Oracle employees, Cerner Kids teachers must also successfully complete a criminal background check as determined by the Missouri Office of Childhood.
Cerner Kids teachers will attend Oracle orientation sessions along with two days of new teacher training, learning about the Cerner Kids philosophy and completing required trainings. Teachers shadow for two days in a classroom with their new co-teacher before being counted in ratio.
Professional development opportunities for teachers are provided throughout the year. Our employees meet Missouri State Licensing requirements and are trained in CPR, first aid, infant safe sleep practices, emergency procedures, proper food handling, and allergy management with children birth to age six.
Parent communication is foundational to providing high-quality care and education to children. Our team utilizes two digital tracking programs, Daily Connect and Transparent Classroom, to foster a strong partnership between families and teachers.
Daily Connect is used exclusively in our infant and toddler classrooms to track physical needs such as sleep, diapering and bottles. Teachers add information in real-time which parents can access through an app on their phones. Parents can post care details they complete at home allowing for seamless transitions in care.
Transparent Classroom is a cloud-based tool that tracks the development of children's fine and gross motor skills as well as their social and cognitive progress from infancy through pre-kindergarten. Each day a photo and an observation are uploaded along with a group activity so parents have regular visibility to the progress of their individual child along with the overall activities of the classroom.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Cerner Kids has had financial and staffing challenges despite having a long child waitlist. Partnering with KinderCare will provide us the opportunity to offer best-in class early childhood education, stabilize staffing and continue to offer a great benefit for Oracle families.
Our goal is to officially transition Cerner Kids to the KinderCare family on February 5, 2024, pending Missouri state licensing approval. Once licensed, the current staff will be offered positions at KinderCare, and we hope they will continue their career journeys with Cerner Kids. The KinderCare and Cerner Kids teams will collaborate to increase staffing, enrollment numbers, enhance programming and curriculum and provide more opportunities within the center.
While KinderCare will be the contracted provider this remains an employee benefit under Oracle US Benefits. As such, services including facilities, maintenance, and security as well as program oversight will be provided by Oracle.
