Classrooms at Maslow on Hillcrest
Infant/Toddler
Pink Classroom
6 Weeks to 18 Months
Goals and Class Details
Welcome to Pink Class, where we snuggle and care for infants aged 6 weeks to toddlers of 18 months.
In the Pink Class, we love and care for your babies as if they were our own. It is through play and exploration that children understand, learn, and grow.
On sunny days, you might find us lounging on a blanket under a leafy oak tree, exploring in the sensory garden, or going for a walk in our strollers. We love watching your little one grow and develop each and every day.
We provide babies with a safe environment and routine that supports their growing abilities. The belief that children start learning from the day they are born helps us offer them plenty of opportunity to grow their gross and fine motor skills. It’s a time when they learn to sit up, stand, and eventually walk. As they become more mobile, their curiosity unfolds and leads them to discover their environment.
As experienced teachers and professionals, we distinguish each child’s personality, temperament, and preferences. As children exhibit their first characteristics, we respect their different trajectories to learning.
Teachers
Ms. Kjell
Learn About Ms. Kjell
Hi, my name is Kjell (pronounced shell) Cunningham, and I am an infant teacher in the Pink class. I am originally from California but moved around a lot due to my husband being in the Coast Guard. I’ve lived in California, Maine, Virginia, Texas, and now we’ve made our home in Montrose Colorado. Teaching and caring for young children are my passions. I’ve worked in
childcare for many years and I have many different early childhood trainings and certificates which help me succeed in my teaching career. My hobbies include spending time with my family, hiking, baking, being outdoors, and crafting. I am thrilled to be a part of the Maslow Academy team and look forward to meeting each and every one of you.
Fun Facts:
- My favorite color is blue
- My favorite flower is a sunflower
- My favorite animal is a highland cow
- My favorite kinds of foods are Mexican and Italian
- My favorite children’s books are “Oh the places you’ll go” and “If you give a mouse a cookie”
Red Classroom
12-27 Months
Goals and Class Details
We are very busy, active, moving-and-grooving little learners of 12-27 months of age!
In the Red Class, we are having lots of fun while learning new things. We love to sing songs, dance, read, and play pretend. We also work on developmental skills through different forms of play, practice sharing with friends, and learn our first bits of sign language.
Now that most children are mobile and active, we push their curiosity to introduce them to arts, language, and movement. Children are more adventurous and observant at this age. They become more aware of their environment and try to connect and interact with it.
At this stage, children understand a few words and try to imitate spoken language by babbling. As their senses develop, they increasingly become more receptive to their physical environment and start recognizing—although not yet accepting—the existence of other children around them.
RESOURCES:
Teachers
Ms. Myrya
Learn About Ms. Myrya
Hello, my name is Myrya Cisneros. I started working in childcare here at Maslow Academy and Bright Beginnings in 2017. It has always been a lifelong dream for me to work with and educate children.
Before I started my career, I took many courses at Delta Technical College and earned my early-childhood teaching certificate. I have also taken online professional development workshops to continue learning about the best way to teach and care for children.
Another learning adventure begins this fall. Currently, I am enrolled at Colorado Mesa University to acquire a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. I am anxious to continue my personal development and use the newly obtained knowledge in my classroom with your children.
My education has taught me a lot about children, but I also have firsthand experience: I am a mom of two wonderful boys. So, I understand the importance of finding quality child care. That’s why both of my boys attended Maslow and Bright Beginnings for many years.
Please feel free to reach out to me throughout the year to answer any questions. I am here to help you and your child. I am very excited to meet you and cannot wait to facilitate the growth and development of your children this year!
Ms. Banny
Maroon Classroom
15-30 Months
Goals and Class Details
The Maroon Class provides care for our younger toddlers, aged 15-30 months.
In the Maroon Class, we are having lots of fun while learning new things. We work on developmental skills through singing songs, dancing, reading, playing, practice sharing, and learn first bits of sign language. Our class ratio is 1:5 adults with a ten-toddler class size.
Now that most children are mobile and active, we push their curiosity to introduce them to arts, language, and movement. Children are more adventurous and observant at this age. They become more aware of their environment and try to connect and interact with it.
At this stage, children understand a few words and try to imitate spoken language by babbling. As their senses develop, they increasingly become more receptive to their physical environment and start recognizing—although not yet accepting—the existence of other children around them.
RESOURCES:
Teachers
Ms. Alejandra
Learn About Ms. Alejandra
My name is Alejandra Almanza. I am excited to be working at Bright Beginnings/Maslow Academy. This is my second-year teaching Maroon Class for toddlers. I love providing the care and education for children. I enjoy seeing their faces when they discover something new or come to the realization that they have accomplished something they thought was impossible. I am thrilled to watch your child learn and grow throughout the year.
Ms. Gabby
Learn About Ms. Gabby
Hi, My name is Gabby Garcia. This is my first year at Bright Beginnings/Maslow Academy and I love teaching in Maroon class! I enjoy jamming and dancing to music.
I have a passion for teaching. I am excited to incorporate interactive games with our Maroon students and to help them learn how to navigate the classroom and build on their social skills.
I look forward to getting to know our community this year.
Orange Classroom
18-36 Months
Goals and Class Details
The Orange Class provides care for our older toddlers, aged 18-36 months. Each day is filled with new adventures!
Your toddler should never miss an opportunity to learn, so we ensure that learning is happening all the time. Instructions throughout the day such as sit in the blue chair versus sit in the chair provide simple reinforcements of what your toddler may already know.
We begin to work with potty training, if needed, and celebrate this wonderful accomplishment together.
We believe children learn best when they are safe and comfortable, so we encourage friendships and keep an organized classroom.
Toddlers are testing their independence and limits. They want to see how many tasks they can do on their own, and prove their abilities to themselves and others. Parental involvement is important to their early development, so we encourage parents to participate whenever possible.
RESOURCES:
Teachers
Ms. Karina
Yellow Classroom
2- to 4-Year-Olds
Goals and Class Details
In the Yellow Class, each day is filled with new adventures for our 2- to 4-year-olds!
We place a special emphasis on building the children’s social and emotional skills, not only with their fellow peers but with the adults in their lives as well. We strongly believe that parent involvement in the children’s learning is very important to their early development, and encourage parents to participate whenever possible.
In Yellow Class, we begin to work with potty training the children, if needed, and celebrate this wonderful accomplishment with pride.
Children start to learn about healthy eating habits and the importance of a healthy body. Their muscles are fully developed at this stage, so they can engage in activities that involve even the small muscles. They use utensils and control their movements.
As they grow, children become interested in their peers and their interaction with them. They want to play, learn, and engage with them—although they may not always get along.
We pay special attention to emotional stability, balance, and behavioral health. We want children to develop their social and emotional skills and build valuable and meaningful relationships. If we see aggressive or disruptive behaviors, we gently steer children toward recognizing their emotions and developing their impulse control and self-regulation skills.
Our days are busy and filled with lots of exciting learning!
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