Welcome to Elaine Rosi Academy for Children!
Who We Are
We are a family-owned private preschool with 45 years of Early Childhood Education experience. Elaine Rosi has dedicated her career to developing an environment that encourages teachers and children to explore their unique individuality.
Our days are filled with music and movement, stories and drama, creative activities and curious explorations. Your family is invited to join in the fun!
Safety & Security
Elaine Rosi Academy for Children provides care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in a safe and secure environment.
Our classrooms, playgrounds, and parking lots are monitored with 24-hour surveillance cameras. All exterior doors always remain locked and most importantly we have a front door staff to monitor these doors. Our director accesses all cameras throughout the day for safety and training purposes.
All staff members are fingerprinted and run through a criminal background screening by the state of Missouri. We are dedicated to the safety of our community.
Leadership
The Executive Director Michelle Polston and her Assistant Directors, Jessica Hill and Erin Finnerty have taught for years at our preschool, and each pursued a leadership role and are carrying on the philosophy and goals set forth to make our preschool one of the top preschools in Missouri. Elaine and Michelle have trained and developed a teaching staff that encourages the self-confidence and self-worth of every child in their care. Teachers are given an annual training program and schedule which must be followed. We provide teachers with ongoing support, share creative ideas, and have set up a dedicated workspace that provides materials they need to develop their care and lesson plans. Connie Rushing serves as our Financial Manager, assisting families with billing and statements. Her keen attention to detail guarantees that all financial operations function seamlessly, offering reassurance to both parents and staff.
Elaine Rosi – Executive Director
Elaine Rosi is a powerhouse in the world of child education, with a vibrant career spanning over 35 years. Her journey began with an International Montessori certification and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education-foundations that catapulted her into 17 thrilling years of kindergarten teaching. Driven by her passion for nurturing young minds, Elaine pursued a Master’s in Education and took the helm as Director of a Child Development Center from 1996 to 2000. In 2001, she embraced the exhilarating challenge of directing Martha Rounds Academy, a venture she and her husband, Richard, proudly acquired in 2002. Today, Elaine stands as the dynamic Owner of the Elaine Rosi Academy for Children, where she and Richard passionately create groundbreaking programs and warmly open their doors to families, igniting a love for learning in every child who enters.
Michelle Polston – Director
Michelle Polston serves as our esteemed Director of our Brentwood location, bringing warmth and expertise to our team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Education. Michelle’s professional journey includes roles as a classroom teacher for preschoolers and pre-kindergartners, a summer camp counselor, and a director’s assistant. With over 20 years of experience in educating young minds, Michelle is a cherished member of our community, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and joyful learning environment.
Jessica Hill – Assistant Director
Jessica Hill is our Assistant Director of our Brentwood location, bringing passion and vibrancy to our community. With an impressive tenure of 21 years at the Elaine Rosi Academy, Jessica’s dedication is truly inspiring. For 12 of those years, she delighted in nurturing young children as a Lead Preschool Teacher, and for the past 9 years, she has been an indispensable asset to our Administrative team. Her passion for teacher training is matched only by her love for staying actively involved in the classroom. Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica is the proud mother of three delightful children, all of whom have had the joy of attending and graduating from the Elaine Rosi Academy-a testament to her lasting commitment and connection to our family.
Connie Rushing – Financial Manager
Connie Rushing is our Financial Manager. With an impressive background in banking, Connie embarked on an inspiring journey to Elaine Rosi Academy, driven by her dual aspirations of re-entering the workforce and securing exceptional childcare for her child. For an incredible 28 years, she has been an indispensable pillar of our institution, contributing her expertise and unwavering dedication. Her personal legacy at our academy is further enriched by her four children, all of whom have not only graduated from Elaine Rosi Academy but three have had the distinct honor of working alongside their mother, enriching our community with their presence. Connie’s longstanding commitment and fervent passion for our mission truly exemplify the spirit of our center.
Erin Finnerty – Assistant Director
Erin Finnerty shines as our Assistant Director, bringing an inspiring 17 years of experience from teaching in our preschool classroom to her current leadership role within the Administrative team. Her fervent dedication to supporting teachers is evident in her proactive approach to seeking out opportunities to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. Erin’s profound love for early childhood education is backed by her Bachelor’s degree, which she passionately applies each day to elevate the curriculum implementation in our classrooms.
