Our Team
By choosing Kids Kottage you can be assured that our staff are focused on supporting your child to reach their full potential. Our Early Years Teachers have been chosen for their caring attitude, playful nature, excellent qualifications and their genuine love of children. Their child centered approach ensures positive and meaningful experiences giving children the opportunity to develop as individuals in a safe and loving environment.
Deirdre Raleigh Owner/Manager
Deirdre has extensive experience in the Early Years Sector and is passionate about the provision of quality care and education in Early Years. A graduate of the Early Years Education and Practice degree from NUI Galway, Deirdre recognizes the association between quality practice and a professional qualified workforce. As a mother of three children herself Deirdre understands the importance of a nurturing environment where children feel respected, secure and can develop with confidence.
Debbie Wilson – Assistant Manager
Debbie has been part of the team at Kids Kottage since it opened in 2011 , her kind and gentle disposition ensures a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for the babies and toddlers in her care. Debbie places quality and professionalism at the core of her practice. As Assistant Manager Debbie is available to offer support and work closely with all staff members to deliver a high quality care and education programme for all of the children.
Our Team of Early Years Teachers
Our team of Early Years Teachers are passionate about supporting and nurturing childrens learning and development. As graduates of the Early Years Degree programme they share a dept of knowledge and experience in Early Years Care and Education . Our staff recognise the unique characteristics of each child and they support each child on their journey of discovering and unlocking their passions and interests.
Emma Moore
My name is Emma Moore, I’m 25 years old. I have a level 8 honors degree in Early childcare and Education from ATU Sligo. In Autumn 2024, I will be 4 years in Kids Kottage. Over those years I have had the pleasure of experiencing different rooms and age groups. Currently I am room leader in the nest with second year preschoolers working with Tracy and Catherine and I am the afterschool coordinator in the evenings. I have taken on a Supervisor Role. I love being a part of such a great team and working with so many wonderful children.
Mary Conway
My Name is Mary Conway. I am 22 years old. I recently graduated with a level 8 honors degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from TUS Athlone. I joined the Kids Kottage team in August 2023. I am acting room leader in the clubhouse, I have a sessional group in the mornings and I am the afterschool coordinator in the evenings. I work alongside Catherine and Catriona. I greatly enjoy working here with all the staff and children.
Bridget Daly
My name is Bridget Daly, I have worked with Kids Kottage for a number of years. I work in the kitchen which is a very challenging and rewarding area. My job is to run the kitchen efficiently, keeping it clean and organized. I plan the menu and cook meals to ensuring they are nutritionally balanced whilst extending the children palates including those who have specific dietary requirements. It is very satisfying to see the children happy and enjoying their food and mealtime experiences.
Jenny Reynolds
My name is Jenny Reynolds and I’m currently the preschool Year 1 teacher in The Nest. I’m from Mullingar and have a degree in Early Childhood Education from DIT. I have been in childcare for 9 years and have worked in Kids Kottage for 7 years. Over my time in Kids Kottage, I have been a teacher for Preschool Year 2, After-school and am currently the Access and Inclusion Coordinator for our preschool. I am a very friendly, helpful and kind person and have a great passion and love for all areas of Early Years education. I enjoy building my knowledge of all things early childhood and hope to
do my Masters over the next few years. I enjoy all the different events we have during the year in our preschool especially Halloween, Christmas play and School tours. I think the most important part of a child’s preschool day is that it is filled with rich high quality playful experiences. This is because it is through play a child’s learns about the world
and all that they can achieve which I feel is the most important part of my job and also my favourite part.
Tracy O’Dea
My name is Tracy O’Dea. I am a mother of 3. I started my career in childcare in 2007. I have 15+ years’ experience. I successfully completed my Montessori Certificate, Advanced Certificate in Supervision in Childcare (FETAC Level 6) and SNA Special Needs Assisting ( FETAC Level 5). I currently work with year 1 of preschool. I have worked with all age groups during my career.
Ciara Forde
My name is Ciara, I’m 24 with two children of my own. I have been a part of Kids Kottage since 2018 and have had the pleasure of working with children all ages. I have been an Aim support teacher, a preschool teacher and I am currently room leader of the wobbler room known as “The Den” since 2021. I have recently taken on a supervisor role and am working in the area of policies and procedures. I graduated in 2021 from NUIM with first class level 8 degree. I would love to do my masters in play therapy in the next few years I love watching the children in my care learn and grow. I ensure we provide a caring, loving and stimulating environment to promote this.
Donna Reid
My name is Donna Reid. I am 27 years old. I have been a part of the team here in Kids Kottage since 2022. I have always had a great interest in working in the Early years sector from a young age. I completed my Level 5 and Level 6 in Moate business collage.
I have experience of working with all age groups and enjoy the variety in my day.
Emer
My name is Emer, I am 23 years old. I have a level 8 honours degree from NUIG. I’ve been working in Kids Kottage for nearly 2 years. I have enjoyed my time here. I currently work in The Hive classroom with Emma and Claire with the 2nd year preschool. I have always wanted to support and educate children, It is so rewarding to see them grow and learn. My favourite aspect of kids Kottage is the positive atmosphere and the sense of community within.
Claire Tuite
My name is Claire tuite and I started working in Kids Kottage in March 2023. I am a mother to three children. I have been working in preschools for over 25 years. I obtained my degree in St Nicholas Montessori College. I have also completed level-6 Special Needs Assisting. I am currently working in the Hive, helping the children develop their independence and skills within the preschool curriculum is very rewarding and lots of fun. I also enjoy reading stories and singing songs with the children.