Meet Our Staff
Our team is the heart of everything we do.
With over 30 caring and experienced staff members, we’re proud to offer a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
All of our teachers meet or exceed the educational requirements set by the State of Maryland. Every MDOW employee has passed a comprehensive background check and participates in ongoing professional development each year. Staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid, ensuring the highest level of care and safety.
Each classroom is led by a qualified lead teacher and supported by a dedicated teaching assistant—many of whom are fully qualified to be lead teachers themselves. This strong teacher-to-student support helps create a consistent, engaging experience for every child.
We’re proud of our long-term staff retention, which gives children the comfort of familiar faces year after year. In fact, many of our team members began their MDOW journey as parents, enrolling their children in our program and later joining us as educators. We’re also thrilled to have several former MDOW students now on staff—a true full-circle testament to the lasting impact of our community!
At MDOW, you’ll find a team that loves what they do—and it shows in every smile, every story, and every moment of growth.
Meet the Director
Heather Bateman
Like many of the dedicated staff here at MDOW Early Learning Center, my journey with this wonderful school began when my daughters were students here. Since 2008, I’ve had the privilege of working in nearly every area of MDOW—starting in the snack and nap rooms, moving on to become a teacher’s assistant, earning my 90-hour credentialing to become a lead teacher, and eventually stepping into the role of Director.
Throughout the years, my love and appreciation for MDOW’s philosophy has only grown. Our commitment to learning through play supports children in developing the social, cognitive, behavioral, and motor skills they need for lifelong success. It’s a joyful, child-centered approach that fosters curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning.
One of my personal passions is the outdoors, and I’ve made it a priority to enhance the Shady Side outdoor play area. It will be a space rich with activity and hands-on experiences designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and into the natural world.
As we look to the future, we do so with deep respect for our past. MDOW has served families for over 50 years, and together with our dedicated team, I am committed to honoring that legacy while guiding our center into an exciting new chapter.