The Nest (Infants)
Yesenia "Jesse" Beltran
Educational Background:
I graduated from CSUF in 1999 with a Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies.
Position:
Infant -Toddler Master Teacher
Experience:
I first began working at the Children's Center in 1996 as a student assistant working with infants and later became a Master Teacher working with preschoolers. I have also worked with children with ages ranging from 5 years to 18 years tutoring them in English and Math.
Philosophy:
I believe that children need a nurturing environment in which individuality is respected in order to develop a positive self-concept.
Greatest Rewards:
My greatest reward in working with children is seeing their expression of excitement and when they have made a new discovery.
The Turtle Room (Toddlers, age 1 & 2)
Kathleen "Omie" Olmstead
Educational Background:
Bachelors of Science in Child Development from CSUF
Graduate of the Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers
Position:
Master Teacher Infant-Toddler Program (The Nest, Turtle Room, and Butterfly Room)
Experience:
41 years as a teacher
22 years at the Children's Center
Philosophy:
I believe that each person's needs (child, parent and teacher) should be recognized and respected in building an authentic, responsive classroom community with an emphasis on discovery and joyful interactions.
Greatest Rewards:
The opportunity to be part of making a positive change in the world.
Comments
I share an apartment in Orange with my son David, who is an Entertainment Arts major here at CSUF. In my free time I love to read, listen to all kinds of music and walk.
The Butterfly Room (Age 2 & 3)
Stacey Wong
Educational Background:
Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Development, CSUF
Associate of Science in Liberal Arts, Citrus Community College
Position:
Master Teacher Infant-Toddler Program (The Nest, Turtle Room, and Butterfly Room)
Experience:
I've been working at the Children's Center since 2003.
Philosophy:
I believe it is important to provide children with a supportive and nurturing environment in order to enhance their self-esteem. I also believe that learning happens through interactions and experiences.
Greatest Rewards:
Having the opportunity to see the children grow physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.
The Garden Room (Age 2½-4)
Brenda Plascencia-Carrizosa
Educational Background:
Masters of Science in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy)
Bachelors of Science in Child Development
Position:
Master Teacher - Garden Room
Experience:
I have worked at the Children's Center for about 15 years and have worked in the field of Early Childhood for almost 18. I have had experience with children from birth through 3rd grade in after school programs, special education, day care and early childhood education programs. I recently had the opportunity to work as an adjunct faculty in the Child Development Department of CSUF and Fullerton College. All of these experiences have given me a greater perspective on how to work with young children.
Philosophy:
I believe that learning is a lifelong process that begins the day we are born. Learning happens with every experience and every interaction of every day and for children this involves lots and lots of PLAY! Children learn naturally through their play by following their curiosity. Teaching happens when we have the opportunity to build off children's interests, offer new experiences and support each child's individual needs. When this can be accomplished it becomes a dance between the teacher and the child that is filled with wonder energy and excitement. Empowerment is often a term associated with adults, but I believe that the early years provide a wonderful opportunity for us to give children the experience of feeling powerful. By offering children choices and including them in activities that they can do on their own and by giving them daily jobs we are able to help them develop a better sense of who they are in relation to our school community.
Greatest Rewards:
One of the greatest rewards is the meaningful and deep relationships that I develop with the children, families and staff. I enjoy watching the children grow and change, but I especially enjoy watching the wonder of learning, that moment when the children realize something new and experience pure joy. I also value being able to share multi-sensory as well as musical experiences with the children. It is a great honor to share in the life of each child who is in my care.
Comments:
I am married to my husband David and have a wonderful son named Cesar who is in high school (oh my goodness, did I say high school..) and we love spending time together whenever we can. We have family day every Sunday and are involved at our church. We also like playing games together, watching movies, swimming and vacationing when we can. Personally I love to garden, work on puzzles, shop for a good bargain, and I couldn't imagine life without children.
Garden Room Families: Please visit our classroom page at Scholastic.com
The Rainbow Room (Age 3.9-5)
Cathy Higa
Educational Background:
Associate of Science in Early Childhood, Honolulu Community College
Bachelors of Science in Human Development, University of Hawaii
Position:
Master Teacher, Rainbow Room - Morning Program
Experience:
Master Teacher at the CSUF Children's Center - since 1987 26 years in the Early Childhood field
Philosophy:
Children learn with all their senses. It is important to provide a safe and nurturing environment where their individuality is respected and their developing self-esteem is supported. Children feel empowered here.
Greatest Rewards:
I love the discoveries that children and adult student staff make here about the world and themselves. The spontaneity of each day and the caring relationships that we develop are precious, fun and the spice of life.
Comments:
I am married and the mother of two daughters. Our family, including our pet rabbit and dog, are our priority.
Sonia Nuñez
Educational Background:
Bachelors of Science in Child & Adolescent Development, CUSF Master Teacher Permit
Position:
Afternoon Preschool Master Teacher
Experience:
4 years as a student assistant at the Children's Center before becoming a Master Teacher in 2003
2 years in After School Daycare for public elementary school
Philosophy:
I believe children should be able to grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively, while accepting the diversity that surrounds them. By communicating and respecting the feelings of others, children will grow, enjoying diversity. In my program I enjoy working closely with my families. I enjoy planning gatherings and times to connect with each other as a way of feeling united.
Greatest Rewards:
I love the discoveries that children and adult student staff make here about the world and themselves. The spontaneity of each day and the caring relationships that we develop are precious, fun and the spice of life.
Comments:
My favorite aspect of young children is their curiosity. Being able to engage children in critical thinking and being able to encourage "inquiring minds" is a great joy for me. Another reward in my life is my son Matthew. I cherish every moment I spend with him.
The Sunshine Room (Age 3.9-5)
Janice "Jan" Sheffield
Educational Background:
Associate of Arts with honors in Child Development and Nursery School Certificate, Fullerton College
Bachelors of Science with honors in Child Development, CSUF
Permanent membership in the Epsilon Chapter, Alpha Gamma Sigma
Position:
Master Teacher, Sunshine Room - Morning Program (Ages 3.9-5+)
Experience:
Teacher in the Rainbow Room for three years and has been the head teacher in the Sunshine Room since 1987.
Philosophy:
The number one goal is to help children feel good about themselves - to build high self-esteem. Self-esteem needs to grow from within oneself and not from the comments of others. This is the essence of self-esteem - our own self-evaluation. We plan activities to be successful, positive experiences to meet the needs of each child.
To help children grow and extend themselves, we prepare the environment so that it provides stimulating, challenging materials and activities for children. We aim for a variety of free-choice and structured activities, so that children can develop at their own pace. Play inspires children to think, create, make choices and be themselves. Child development research shows that play forms the foundation for developing not just social skills, but also for language, emotional, physical and for mastering important intellectual concepts and thinking skills. When children use reading, writing and language as a part of their play, they are building literacy skills through ways that are purposeful and meaningful to them. This is the most efficient way for children to learn. We add literacy tools (pen, paper, books) as props for different play areas, print in the environment, dramatic play to try new roles - it adds to the play and to early literacy learning skills.
Sonia Nuñez
Educational Background:
Bachelors of Science in Child & Adolescent Development, CUSF Master Teacher Permit
Position:
Afternoon Preschool Master Teacher
Experience:
4 years as a student assistant at the Children's Center before becoming a Master Teacher in 2003
2 years in After School Daycare for public elementary school
Philosophy:
I believe children should be able to grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively, while accepting the diversity that surrounds them. By communicating and respecting the feelings of others, children will grow, enjoying diversity. In my program I enjoy working closely with my families. I enjoy planning gatherings and times to connect with each other as a way of feeling united.
Greatest Rewards:
I love the discoveries that children and adult student staff make here about the world and themselves. The spontaneity of each day and the caring relationships that we develop are precious, fun and the spice of life.
Comments:
My favorite aspect of young children is their curiosity. Being able to engage children in critical thinking and being able to encourage "inquiring minds" is a great joy for me. Another reward in my life is my son Matthew. I cherish every moment I spend with him.
