Meet Miss Kate A.
Hello Twaddler families! My name is Miss Kate and I am so excited to get to know each and every one of you! I am proud to be the Lead Teacher of the Twaddler classroom. I graduated from Elizabethtown College (PA.) in 2013 with my Bachelor’s degree in English Professional Writing. In addition, I also have earned my Infant and Toddler CDA (Child Development Associates) credential. Prior to starting at Children Central in October of 2019, I was the Lead Toddler Teacher, Infant Lead Teacher, and Assistant Toddler Teacher. Twaddlers may seem the most challenging for some; however, I find this age to be the most fun! My favorite thing about older toddlers is their excitement when they encounter new things, and their love of learning. During Circle Time, I like to incorporate fun ideas such as a “Mystery Box” or a “Big Question.” I enjoy getting the children thinking about a given topic and having open communication, not only between teachers and students, but also among their peers. I am most excited about bringing science and nature into the classroom. I think children (of all ages) learn best not only in, but also outside of the classroom. When the weather cooperates, I enjoy bringing the learning outside! During the change of seasons, one of my favorite activities is going on a nature walk to look for signs of the upcoming season. For example, at the beginning of autumn we may go look for leaves that are changing colors, branches without leaves, and so much more! When possible, my students have collected these items and brought them back into the classroom to observe them more in depth. For example, we may use magnifying glasses to look at leaves or use crayons and paper to make leaf rubbings. A little bit about myself, I live in Langhorne with my husband and daughter named Hayleigh, who is in the Toddler Two Room here at Children Central. I love being a teacher at Children Central! I look forward to getting to know all of the children in the Twaddler Room and preparing them for their transition to our Preschool class.
Meet Miss Ariana!
Hello everyone! My name is Miss Ariana and I am so happy to be your child’s teacher in the Twaddler classroom. I am graduating from SUNY New Paltz with a BA. in Psychology, and am pursuing my Child Development Associate credential (CDA). Since 2014, I have worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, taught at two Montessori preschools and one Reggio Emilia inspired preschool, served in the AmeriCorps and spent six summers as a camp counselor.
From my past experiences, I have developed my own values and philosophies. Right at the top, and what could be said defines my teaching style, is that I prioritize fostering intrinsic motivation; by praising the accomplishment itself, rather than how excited I am about it, your child can feel pride from within.
Along the same lines, I love to use scaffolding to foster independence. By having taught in previous educational programs, I learned that unbroken concentration is a gift I can give to children. I offer help at crucial moments, or when asked, but then let the children build themselves up. These are, of course, techniques I learned in school, but in practice it is so much more. None of these techniques will work without first creating a trusting relationship, in a supportive and respectful environment. I believe children learn the best when they feel safe and are valued unconditionally.
What better way to get to know someone than through movement? I have a personal yoga practice of a few years and while I am no contortionist, I have energy to burn! I have yet to meet a group of Twaddlers who do not go bananas for my silly yoga routines! I am looking forward to sharing this excitement with your children. For those who need a bit of quiet introspection, there is an activity for that too. For those children who want a bit of adventure-buckle up! And for those Twaddlers who just want to let loose and go bananas, there is definitely something for that too!
At home, I like to cook and my fiancé and I like to spend time reading to each other. I enjoy writing and photography as well, but what really keeps me busy is making soaps and perfumes and a variety of items. You would not think the process is so involved, but sometimes I start a project on Friday night and before I know it, it’s Monday morning! That’s the way I like it. The same way I enjoy the freedom to be myself, I absolutely believe that your child deserves that same freedom. I am here to foster their potential, to give what I have, and learn what I can.
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