Meet Ms. Amy

As a child, I always thought that I would end up teaching. I grew up in the small town of Chelsea, Michigan. I later attended Central Michigan University, where I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education. At that point in my life my training was mainly focused in upper elementary. I then was given the chance to be a preschool substitute for a teacher on maternity leave, which needless to say, changed my life. I recently discovered the coop preschool and realized that teaching children at that age in a family centered setting was my true passion.
My goals as a teacher are to remain present, communicate truthfully and authentically, model learning and be a learner in the classroom, model a willingness to change and grow and express an unconditional positive regard for others. The work of preschoolers is to be themselves, as they are today, and to PLAY. While expressing who they are through play, children develop the skills to build community and relationships with each other. Coop preschool is an ideal setting for a preschool class – community building is modeled for the children and every participant is a learner – we are a team working together. Through openness and self-reflection, my hope is that I can facilitate and contribute to an engaging, positive experience for all coop families.The degree of family support that I get in the classroom is phenomenal. I depend on the talents and interests of parents to augment the curriculum. I believe that preschool should be an extension of the young child’s home and neighborhood.

BBCP offers a multi-age environment which enables us to meet the developmental needs of the children through authentic and meaningful relationships and activities. As children play and build relationships with each other and the grown ups, they practice a variety of skills in which they experience both the role of expert and learner. All decisions that I make as teacher start with the child at the center. My image of the child is one who is complete, good, competent, powerful, creative, intelligent, and cooperative. Our work begins with the unconditional acceptance of our children exactly where they are.

I hope you come and visit us soon!