Preschool Pod Teacher Available in Oakland

Oakland CA

Description

Hello, Families! I am writing and posting this on the chance it will find the right family/families. I am a preschool teacher with 10 years experience who has spent the last year of the pandemic as a teacher in a little preschool pod for two cousins. The kiddos have moved on to Kindergarten/TK and I am in search of a couple new families! A little background on the past year: The kiddos were 3 & 4 during the duration of our year together. One of the kiddos was a former student whose parents did not wish to return to the classroom in light of the pandemic. They had a cousin who was in their bubble and we ended up forming our own little learning situation that truly turned out to be magical and beyond what we all could have hoped for! I created a general routine/schedule (that had some flexibility, too) and we got to work all year singing songs, reading stories, exploring so many themes and projects. We had fun little parties and events over the year, too! It was a pocket of normalcy that was so needed for all. One family hosted in their home and the parents worked mostly from home so one parent was always around during school time. I would show up in the morning, and the other student would be dropped off and we would get to "work".  We started the day with circle time, had snack, lots of open/free play (so important for development),1-2 projects for the day, lunch, yoga, nap, more free play before ending our day. I am looking for two families who may be family or close friends who are looking to for something like this. Ideally with children ages 2-4. The pandemic has shifted a lot this past year and so much is more open but I anticipate some families are hesitant to be sending their young children to school in a large setting with delta, mask wearing, etc. From my point of view, I have seen firsthand how a small group creates such a close dynamic for learning and exploring and can have a positive impact! My philosophy is rooted in emergent curriculum and creating learning situations that are meaningful and based on the children's interest. I take a whole child approach and truly aim to honor children's individual personality, emotions and interests. And in regards to families, I seek kind, thoughtful families who believe in open and respectful communication and merging forces for the ultimate goal of supporting the kiddos! I am a fan of meetings and check-ins here and there so all parties can feel heard and be on the same page. :-) A few logistics: I am looking for a family who can host in their home and ideally be around (Working and going about their business is fine!) as this doesn't create a situation that needs to be licensed by the state. 2-3 days a week (I am available Mon/Wed/Fri) for perhaps 4-6 hours. My rate is $18-20 per child per hour--ideally coming up with a weekly amount that is honored even if a family needs to cancel or call out sick. (Just like preschools do) Parents would be responsible for providing the bulk of the basic supplies (snacks, meals, paint, paper, glue, pompoms, etc.) and we can discuss occasional purchases of special items for a project or event. I do nanny for a 1 year old two days a week and otherwise keep my bubble pretty small. I do some social events with friends but generally small or masked inside, kept short, etc. I don't have current travel plans. I am fully vaccinated A little more about me: I meet all state requirements for teaching preschool and have taken many Early childhood development classes. I am Pediatric/Adult CPR/First Aid certified. I am a collage and mixed media artist, a yogi and a big fan of guinea pigs (I have 4!). I recently became a RYT-200 yoga teacher and love to share mindfulness and movement with children. The families I worked for are both happy to provide references. If this sounds like something that may be a good fit for your family, I would love to chat! Please contact me :-) Thank you for reading! Karin