Our Staff

Carter Center for Children staff consists of administrative personnel and a professional teaching staff who direct and implement CCC’s daily operation. Most of our teachers hold 4 year degrees in the field of Education or a related field and continue their education with 20 hours of professional development each year. Currently, there are teachers receiving training  in the Responsive Classroom approach through the Needham Public Schools. In addition, we require that staff maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.

The longevity of the staff’s service at CCC is a testament to their dedication to children and families. Half of our teachers have worked at CCC for 10 years or more. Due to this minimal turnover each year, families benefit from our teacher’s experience, child development knowledge, continuing professional development and most importantly their kindness and consideration towards children and their families.
Carter Center for Children Co-Directors
Co-Directors Peggy McDonald and Lauren Alves
Peggy McDonald, Director
I have been a Director at Carter Center for Children since 2001. I have been fortunate to have spent my entire career in the field of early childhood education. I feel it is a very rewarding to have been part of many children’s lives. After graduating from Lesley College with a degree in education, I taught in a various preschools in the Boston/Cambridge area and then spent 9 years at Rogers Pierce Children’s Center in Arlington teaching and as Director.

I left RPCC to begin my family and during this time began a family child care. I also worked as an Early Childhood Field Supervisor for an agency that provided supervision and training for family child care providers.

In 1996, I was hired by Communities United, Waltham as a Manager of Early Childhood Services for the Needham, Newton Wellesley area. This position required writing grants, supervising two Head Start programs along with providing professional development training for staff in community preschools. 

After having a variety of experiences in the field of early childhood education, I was happy to return to my hometown to accept the position of Director at Carter. It was particularly enjoyable to see two of my children teach here at Carter. It continues to be most rewarding to be part of the Carter family.​
Lauren Alves, Director
​Carter Center for Children has been my professional home for over 25 years.  I graduated from Assumption College with a degree in Social Rehabilitation.  After teaching in early childhood classrooms for a few years, I went to Wheelock college where I received my MS in Child Development.  

I sincerely believe I am so fortunate to have experienced this professional journey. The children, parents and colleagues I have met along the way have enriched my life in countless ways.  I continue to be an advocate for children’s right to play in their formative learning years. ​