“We don’t just care for children- we fill their days with love, encouragement, and wonder.”

-Harmony Gonzalez, Lead UPK Teacher

“Being a parent has given me a deeper understanding of the care and patience each child needs to thrive. Working at the center has allowed me to apply those experiences while continuing to learn and grow alongside the children. I’m so thankful for the support this team has given me as I balance work, parenting, and furthering my education — it’s helped me become a better teacher and a better parent.”

-Samantha Briggs, AACI parent and Toddler Teacher

Susan Toth, Board Member

As a Board Member, I have the unique opportunity to see Arlington Area Childcare from a different perspective, and one of the things that continues to impress me most is the strength, dedication, and genuine connection of this team. Watching our teachers and Co-Directors work alongside one another has given me an incredible appreciation for just how much heart goes into making AACI what it is.

Whether they are navigating the everyday demands of caring for and educating children, developing new programs, supporting families, or pulling together for major events like our Open House, there is a true sense of “we're in this together.” They step in for one another, share responsibilities, solve problems as a team, and do whatever is needed to make each day successful for the children and families they serve.

What stands out to me even more is the joy behind their work. There is laughter, camaraderie, creativity, and a genuine sense of friendship among the staff. You can see that they enjoy working together, and that positive energy carries directly into the environment they create for our children.

As a Board Member, it is incredibly rewarding to watch a team that isn't simply showing up to do a job. They are invested in this center, in one another, and most importantly, in the children and families who walk through our doors each day. Their passion, teamwork, and willingness to continually grow are a huge part of what makes Arlington Area Childcare such a special place.

I am incredibly proud to serve on the Board of an organization where the commitment to children, families, education, and community isn't just something we talk about—it is something I see being lived out every day.

— Susan Toth, Board Member
Arlington Area Childcare, Inc.

“From the day I started at AACI, I knew I had found more than just a job. I have built friendships, become deeply dedicated to my work, and found a place where I truly feel part of a team. AACI has so much to offer children and families, and I am proud to be part of a center that continues to grow and create new opportunities for the community.

The most rewarding part of my day will always be spending time with my infants. There is nothing better than seeing those little faces come through my classroom door each morning with a big smile, happy to see me. Building those relationships and being part of their earliest milestones is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

After losing my husband in 2024, my AACI work family and the friendships and community I found here became an important part of helping me refocus and move forward. It also helped me realize that early childhood education is the career I want to continue investing in. I am now working toward my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and prioritizing my professional growth.

At AACI, we truly are a team. We support one another, step up for one another, and share a commitment to the children and families we serve. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else as I continue growing in my career.”

— Andrea, Lead Infant Teacher

“Working at AACI has given me the opportunity to combine two things I truly care about—feeding children well and helping them learn and grow. I’ve turned the kitchen into more than just a place where meals are prepared. Through Farm to School, Harvest of the Month, gardening, cooking activities, and introducing children to new foods, I get to be part of their education every day. I’m proud to work somewhere that has allowed me to grow professionally, be creative, and make a real difference for the children and families we serve.”- Nicole Betit

“Working at AACI has been such a rewarding experience. I love being able to watch the children learn, grow, and reach new milestones every day. The supportive environment and the amazing people I work with have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’m grateful to be part of a team that truly cares about the children and the families we serve.”- Morgan Lindsay, Teaching Assistant, Young Toddlers

“Working at AACI as an infant teacher has been more than just a job it has been a place where I’ve been able to watch little lives grow, learn, and discover the world. Every smile, milestone, and tiny moment reminds me why I chose to work with infants. Being part of their first years is such a special privilege, and I’m grateful to be a part of their journey.”- Ashleigh Cutler, Lead Infant Teacher