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 Linda, our wonderful co-teacher.

Hello all!! I have been an RECE teacher since 2015. After being home to raise my 3 wonderful children I decided to go back to school and get my diploma. Upon graduation I worked with the school board and other centres. I found my passion here at Westdale Co-op Preschool since 2020.

Working with the preschoolers is an absolute joy. Seeing each child learn, explore and become independent is truly rewarding. Not a day goes by without the children also showing me a smile goes a long way in life. I have always found patience, humour and lifelong learning is needed to show children we as educators care.

My love for reading is evident because l can always be found in the reading centre!! Reading with the children helps their imagination grown and brings smiles to all .... especially if "it's a funny book!" as the children put it.

Westdale to me is a family where we will always smile, laugh, learn and grow!! As the saying goes "it takes a village to help raise a child" and to me that village is Westdale Co-op Preschool.

Linda