I like to view the field of Early Childhood Education as a calling and not a career. After spending over 17 years working with children and families in both classroom and administrative roles in Brookline, Cambridge, and Providence, I can not think of a more rewarding profession. My teaching philosophy is centered around a commitment to creating inclusive and nurturing spaces that encourage growth and curiosity. In order to do this effectively, you must individualize students’ learning and support their growth across all developmental domains. Another key component of student success is family engagement.  Fostering partnerships with families can have long-lasting impacts on a child’s development. 

I also think educators can be successful when they learn how to scaffold learning in a child’s early years. This is accomplished by challenging children to reach just beyond developmental milestones. One early childhood theorist who helped shape this concept is Loris Malaguzzi, whose s approach is based on the idea that children are capable and active participants in the learning process. The approach emphasizes the importance of relationships in learning and the role of the environment as a “third teacher.” This blends perfectly with nature-based education because it combines planned objectives with freedom of exploration and expression as children interact with the world around them. There are endless opportunities for students to be inspired by a discovery they make exploring our outdoor spaces at The Nest.