WHITEVILLE — Southeastern Community College has named Rita Bretones as the new Director of the college’s Child Development Center, bringing more than two decades of childcare experience from New York to Columbus County.
Bretones, a New York native, said her favorite part of the work is watching children experience “light bulb moments” as they learn and grow. Her top priority, she said, is simple: keeping children safe.
As director, Bretones oversees all CDC staff and teachers, ensures classrooms have the resources they need, manages tuition billing and collections, and handles food orders and administrative paperwork. Despite the title, she said the job is hands‑on.
“Even though I have the title of director, I look at it as we all work as a team,” Bretones said. “If a teacher needs help in a classroom, I go jump into a classroom and help out wherever I’m needed.”
Bretones earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Westchester Community College in 2000 and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mercy College (now Mercy University) in 2002.
She and her family relocated to Shallotte late last year after her husband retired and their son graduated high school.
“It was way too expensive and cold back home,” she said. “We packed up and have been down here since Christmas.”
Before moving to North Carolina, Bretones worked in multiple director and assistant director roles in childcare centers and taught in both preschool and infant classrooms. Most recently, she worked in childcare provider licensing, a role focused on supporting and regulating childcare programs.
Returning to direct work with children, she said, has been refreshing.
Bretones is also updating her professional credentials to meet North Carolina standards and is currently taking EDU courses at SCC. She said she has enjoyed getting to know the staff and children at the CDC and looks forward to continuing the center’s mission.
Outside of work, Bretones enjoys the beach, swimming, and bowling — a hobby she hopes to pick back up by joining a local league. She and her husband, Louis Urso, have one son, Daniel.
Families interested in enrolling their child at SCC’s Child Development Center can call 910‑788‑6339 or email rita.bretones@sccnc.edu.
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