Staff and Teachers

The teachers at The Children’s Cottage Preschool are dedicated, nurturing, and passionate about helping young children reach their full potential. The children benefit from working with the same group of familiar teachers every week for their entire preschool period. All Teachers have completed health and safety training, passed a health screening and tuberculosis test, and have at least 6 Child Development units.

Rose McCutchen is the owner of The Children’s Cottage Preschool. She studied child development at Humboldt State University. She has a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit, and is working toward her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. Rose was previously the owner of Cutten Cottage Family Childcare and has been working with children since 1999, where she began her career as an assistant teacher at Humboldt Educare in Arcata. Her educational background is specifically strong in the Montessori, Reggio, and Constructivist philosophies on children’s learning and development and she has a strong interest in children’s art and language development. She believes that working with children and their families is the most rewarding profession in the world.

Leah Sanders is the director of The Children’s Cottage Preschool. Previously, she was the lead teacher in the Frog classroom. Leah has studied child development at Solano College and at College of the Redwoods. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Teaching Language and Literacy in a Diverse Society.  While attending Solano Community College she obtained a specialization in the Impact of Violence and Intervention Strategies for Children and Families.  Leah participates in local community organizations such as the Humboldt Association for the Education of Young Children, and Humboldt First 5’s Early Care and Education Subcommittee. Before she moved to Eureka, she was living in Boulder Creek, CA. Leah was working as a Naturalist at Exploring New Horizons Outdoor School.  There she taught environmental science to 5th and 6th graders.  Leah loves art, leading children in their exploration of nature, gardening, cooking, and music. She plays the Guitar, Ukilele, and Didgeridoo. Leah loves working with all ages, and enjoys fostering children’s learning through meaningful play.

Kaylyn Stromberg is the lead teacher in the Tadpole classroom. Kaylyn has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and is  currently continuing her Child Development education at College of the Redwoods. Kaylyn is a wonderful teacher dedicated to creating an environment and curriculum that fosters each child’s social and emotional as well as their cognitive development. Her classroom is alive with exploration, movement, and laughter.