OUR TEACHERS

This is Miss Melissa, our fabulous teaching supervisor at Westdale Co-operative Preschool.

Miss Melissa has been a teacher at Westdale Co-operative preschool sine 2016 and in 2020 she stepped up to be our teaching supervisor. She has a wealth of knowledge and many ideas to make Westdale Co-operative Preschool the best it can be.

I am delighted to be Westdale’s teaching supervisor and bring with me a passion for early years care and education. Graduating from Mohawk College with honours in Early Childhood Education in 2001, I went on to become a professional nanny for 12 years. When the first of my two wonderful children arrived, I took the opportunity to stay at home and watch them grow. In 2015 I began teaching in preschools; ever since, I have ensured that my professional development education has continually evolved to uphold and embrace the ever-changing teaching methods and best practices, learning new skills to aid me in being the best teacher I can.

My promise to every child and family who step through our doors is to be open and honest, and always embody understanding and empathy. I lead the classroom in a fair, kind and patient manner, providing your children with a feeling of comfort and safety, knowing they can always trust and depend on me. It gives me such a thrill to see children grow and learn, which is why I’m committed to keeping the classroom adapted to fit their needs, imagination and inquisitions. When they succeed, I feel as joyous and proud as you do! I think of myself as a provider of tools for learning, not as a director. I believe in the importance of children developing a love of learning, of uncovering and discovering in their own unique way, to assist and prepare them for the future school years that await.

Engaging and working with our learner’s families is a special and integral part of what I do, as children’s education extends beyond the classroom, into the home and wider community. I am privileged that I get to be a part of a child’s learning journey.

Thank you for trusting me with your children’s first experience in education outside the home. I believe big things come from small beginnings!

Melissa

This is Miss Laura, our wonderful Teacher.

Hello Families! I am thrilled to be at Westdale Co-operative Preschool as a Teacher. I have always loved being around kids. As a teenager, I worked as a babysitter and summer day camp counsellor, and volunteered as a Brownie leader and in my local public school. While my own kids were babies and preschoolers, I attended many local programs at libraries, OEYCs, a co-operative play group, and music and movement classes. I was also very active in my children’s preschools. All of this has led me to pursue an ECE diploma at Mohawk College, where I’m currently taking courses.

I love all the activities we offer at preschool but my favourites are reading and singing. A particular passion is reading books that are diverse, inclusive, and promote empathy and understanding.

I am excited to bring my patient and gentle demeanour to this amazing classroom and share what I learn in my coursework. I can’t wait to experience the joy, learning, and creativity as part of the Westdale family.

Laura