Behind the Scenes at Harwell: Teacher Training That Transforms Childcare Quality

When parents tour Harwell Schools in Beaverton or Oregon City, they immediately notice our bright, engaging classrooms, age-appropriate materials, and the warm interactions between teachers and children. What remains largely invisible, however, is perhaps our most significant investment: the comprehensive professional development system that ensures every teacher provides exceptional care and education.

This behind-the-scenes look reveals how Harwell's approach to teacher development—grounded in research and verified standards—creates a level of care that isolated caregivers simply cannot match.

The Professional Development Framework: Building Excellence Systematically

Unlike isolated caregivers who must seek out their own training opportunities, Harwell teachers operate within a structured professional development ecosystem designed to continuously elevate their practice.

• DHS Certified Excellence

Every staff member at Harwell is DHS Certified, ensuring a baseline of professional expertise far beyond mere "babysitting". This certification means your child is cared for by individuals specifically trained in child development, safety, and early education.

• The Onboarding Foundation: Beyond Basic Training

New Harwell teachers participate in an onboarding program before taking classroom responsibilities.

Harwell leverages technology to expand professional growth through our proprietary self-directed learning platform. This allows teachers to access specialized modules on their own schedules, ensuring they stay current with the latest strategies in STEM, Arts, Music, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).

• Ongoing Coaching and Development

Training at Harwell doesn't end after the first week. Our teachers participate in:

• In-classroom coaching: Real-time professional guidance to refine teaching techniques.
• Off-site training: Opportunities to learn from external experts and bring fresh perspectives back to the classroom.

• Staff Development Days Intensive skill-building sessions focused on collaborative curriculum development and specialized teaching strategies.

The Technology Advantage: Real-Time Transparency

Professional development only benefits families when it is paired with clear communication. At Harwell, the results of our teacher training are shared directly with you through our proprietary parent app, providing real-time digital updates and photos of your child’s progress.

Furthermore, our teachers’ expertise is reflected in our robust assessment schedule. We provide:

• Monthly milestone check-ins to track immediate progress.
• Three annual assessments and formal parent conferences to review long-term developmental goals.

Conclusion: A Systemic Commitment to Quality

Childcare at Harwell is more than just a safe place for your child to spend the day; it is a professional environment where the staff's growth is as intentional as the children's. By combining the historical roots of Froebel and Piaget with modern technology and DHS-certified standards, we ensure that every playful moment in our science, art, and music rooms is an intentional learning experience.