About Our Staff | Bethel Children's Center of Santa Rosa

Our Staff

Several of our staff members have worked at Bethel Children’s Center for five, eight, and 15 years. A few have worked at BCC since the school’s inception in 1979! We function as a symbiotic body: each member brings her own mix of skills and gifts to the program. Harmony prevails.

All teachers have at least 12 Early Childhood Education units. Aides have at least 6 units. Several staff members have earned their Child Development Permits. We value and reward professional growth.

We are in compliance with Community Care Licensing. Our Facility number is 493002535. All staff have been fingerprinted and obtained clearance from Department of Justice to work in a preschool setting. The staff is trained in Infant/Child First Aid and CPR.

Linda Hinkle

Director

I was born in Sebastopol, a small town in northern California. I spent my childhood days building forts and playing with the neighborhood gang. I rode my bike on country roads carved between acres of Gravenstein apple orchards. In the summer, I would ride in the milk truck with my Dad, who delivered raw milk in glass bottles to rural customers.

My childhood experiences have deeply affected my approach to play. I believe it is a child's highest form of learning. It enlivens the imagination, fosters problem solving and discovery. Play sets the stage for skills needed in adult life.

I have worked at Bethel Children's Center since 1979. I have served as the Child Care Food Program manager/cook and the office manager prior to graduating to the Director's chair in 1987. The role of our administrative staff is clear...we are servant leaders, enabling the teaching staff to serve the needs of children.

I graduated from U.C. Davis with a B.A. degree and a Life Teaching Credential. I have recently received State of CA Program Director Permit. I have been trained by Thelma Harms and Debbie Cryer in the use of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS) assessment tool. With that training, I have worked as an independent contractor for First 5 doing Quality Improvement Validations. I am also a Mentor Director