Bringing Credentialed Education and Personal Experience
Carlmont Parents Nursery School has a team of highly qualified, experienced and caring teachers. Our teachers are passionate about and dedicated to play-based developmental learning. They believe in partnering with parents to create the optimal environment for each child. They bring both a strong academic background and life experience from years of teaching as well as from bringing up their own children. They take on the role of guide to children and adults alike.
Teachers work together to create a safe, enriching environment which is designed to meet the developmental needs of all our students. Curriculum is developed based on the age, skills, experiences and needs of the students. During class, teachers seem to be everywhere at once, facilitating problem-solving and discovery in students young and old.
For the children, this means activities which stimulate social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth. The connections between play which children are naturally compelled to do, and the education that you want them to acquire are cleverly highlighted, guided and explained by the teachers at CPNS.
For the adults, this means having a resource to ask questions, share concerns and celebrate milestones. Formally, parenting seminars are tailored to the parents' interests and needs. Practically, teachers act as collaborator and counselor, working as a team with parents to foster growth through the preschool years.
As a member of Sequoia Adult School, Carlmont Parents Nursery School must have higher standards for academic achievement in our staff than state law mandates other preschools to have. Each of our teachers is required to hold a State of California Adult Education Teaching Credential with designated study in Human Development and Parent Education. Human Development or Early Childhood Development is a multi-disciplinary study which includes psychology, sociology, family studies, biology, physiology, and more.
Meet Our Teachers
Nancy Rahimi - Director and TeacherLeslie Marx - Teacher
Conny Shyvers- Teacher
click to enlarge Nancy Rahimi
Director and Teacher:
When I was 7 years old I saw CPNS for the first time and I was filled with love and envy. I could not believe that there were monkey bars inside, infinite art supplies, and no one had to wear shoes! That first visit planted a vision in my heart of what school could be: a fun and exciting learning place where people are supported in their exploration of the world.
I have devoted most of my adult life to manifesting that vision wherever I go. I have taught English in Iran, worked with special needs children in San Mateo County, run a home daycare, taught motor skills development, knitting, gymnastics and preschool, but my favorite place to spend my time is at CPNS.
I rediscovered the school when my first born was 3. I spent the next 5 years there as a parent, nursery caregiver and board member. At CPNS, I made life long friends, strengthened my family and discovered how much more a school can be when families are involved.
Since then, I have acquired a rich education in Early Childhood Development through a combination of classes and many experiences, including: working in several daycares and preschools -- I was the lead teacher of the three year old department of United Methodist Co-op Nursery School for 6 years, head of the toddler classes and co-teacher of the three year old classes at Ladera Community Church Preschool for five years, and worked with special needs children as a behavior therapist. I ran my own home day care, acquired my Adult Education Teaching credential with specialties in child development, parent education and family management; presented at local early childhood conferences and conventions (topics included: behavior management, discipline, sensory integrations, creativity, learning styles, and brain development), and served as Vice President for the San Mateo Association for the Education of Young Children.
In 2003 I joined the CPNS staff as a long-term substitute and then became a core teacher the following year. I became the CPNS Director in 2004 and have been joyfully serving the school ever since. I feel honored that as teacher/director I have the opportunity to help other families to maximize their potential as they learn, love and grow.
click to enlarge Leslie Marx
Teacher:
What I love most about CPNS is that it’s a great school for kids, parents, families, visitors, the staff, alumni, and the local community! What I love most about being a teacher is that together we make tangible differences in each others´ lives. What I love most about preschoolers is their openness, enthusiasm, excitability and creativity. Never a day goes by at CPNS without art and construction, friendships and fears, songs and shouts of joy - imaginative play in abundance. I am truly honored to work with not only wondrous kids, but alongside a community of truly caring adults who give of their time, talents, energy, and love! Teaching at CPNS is very rewarding- it's simply a great place! I love it!
Having a positive effect on children, their families, and our communities is to me what teaching is all about. Being a teacher is an honor that I hold highly; not lightly. It is something that I take seriously, yet enjoy immensely. Working with children and families gives me a great sense of personal fulfillment because it is so full of meaningful relationships, learning and growth.
I have worked in preschools for many years: in-home daycare, large childcare centers, my own playschool, and several parent cooperatives. I am credentialed as a Program Director (ECE), a Parent Educator (Adult Ed), and also retain an Emergency Sub permit. I am a member of the San Mateo Association for the Education of Young Children (SMAEYC), and serve as a Professional Growth Advisor for the CCTC. Additionally, I have just completed upper-graduate units at SJSU in Adult Ed, to obtain my professional clear credential.
click to enlarge Conny Shyvers
Teacher:
I have been teaching young children for almost 20 years and enjoy teaching the 2AM class at CPNS. I have my Adult Education credential, my MA in Child Development, and as of 2008 finished my Early Childhood Special Education Credential. I am fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and bring this skill into the classroom experience. One of my favorite times during class is story time, and creating flannel board stories to share with the children is a hobby of mine. I strongly believe in parent education, and with my three sons attended Santa Clara's Parent Education program throughout their preschool years. I understand that all children and parents strive to be successful in the classroom and that a positive experience helps them achieve this goal.