The center is always improving because Givens-Barber places a premium on staff development. "Our staff is continuing to get the required training, and a lot of them are enrolled at the community college working toward their degrees," she said. One of the things she encourages is for the childcare workers to develop their career paths through the SEEK (Seeking Excellence in Education and Knowledge) scholarship program at Palm Beach Community College.

Childcare workers can participate in the program and receive help with fees on books and tuition. There also are wage and educational incentives. "We want them to at least get an associate's degree and then continue on in their education. More than 50 percent of the child care staff at NOAH participates in the program," she said.

The SEEK Scholarship is a grant program paid for by the Children Services Council and administered by the Institute of Excellence in Early Child Care and Education at PBCC. Childcare center teachers, directors and family child care providers are eligible for scholarships for classes, workshops and conferences directly related to career development in early childhood education.

"It's all about quality service to the children and preparing them for school readiness when they leave our system." Givens-Barber said. "We want them on par and ready to learn and keep moving."