#gabig

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am a graduate of NYU Tisch with a minor in Childhood Development with a focus in autism.  I've been working with children in different facets for about ten years.  I helped develop and teach a summer arts non-profit program in my hometown for children ages 4-16.  I'm a strong proponent of positive discipline and communication with children.  I believe that children's capabilities are far more extensive than our society tends to give them credit for.  My class is a program that explores creativity to help children learn to interact with others, develop independence and learn to communicate in kindness. 

What is your philosophy on and approach to behavioral management? Positive discipline. I believe in speaking clearly about expectations of behavior but taking the time to communicate with children one on one when they are having a problem or a behavioral issue.  Communication as opposed to yelling.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?  Michele Shay.  She was my freshman year acting teacher.  This is a time in early adulthood that could be somewhat paralleled to PreK.  Students are newly separated from parental supervision and comfort, emotions are being deeply explored for the first time, and your developing a new identity and independence.

Ms. Shay developed a personal relationship with each of us.  She knew things about us and took the time to LISTEN. She wasn't obsessed with a schedule if something more important or interesting came into play in the classroom.  Our emotional brain was just as important to her as our educational one and she created a nurturing space that was safe to explore and take risks in.  

Do you have experience working with children with special needs? Experience with children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders, although I still have much to learn. I offered a safe space when things got too overwhelming.

Credentials. CPR, some coursework in early childhood education.

Midtown Monkeys is a morning playgroup for children ages 2 to 4 1/2 years incorporating communication, creativity, self-expression and friendship. Kids will partake in arts & crafts, food creations, story time, science projects, music, singing and more to instill cooperative play and excitement about learning.  We believe in the excitement of getting messy and creative! Each week, we'll use play-based learning methods and activities to introduce ideas of independence and friendship.  The playgroup meets Mondays and Fridays from 9:30am-12:15pm.  

Details  

Dates: January 20-June 23 Times: Mondays and Fridays, 9:30am-12:15pm Ages: 2 years-4 1/2 years Tuition: $2519 Vacation Days: We follow the NYC Public School Schedule. Days off are below. Jan. 30,  Feb. 20, Feb. 24, April 10, April 14, April 17, May 29, June 5, June 9, (June 12 is a day off for the public schools but we will have class to make up for a personal vacation day I am taking.)  

Gabi's creative cottage is a morning playgroup for children ages 18 months to 3 years incorporating communication, creativity, self-expression and friendship. Each day will involve singing, music, drama, cooking and baking, arts and crafts to instill cooperative play and excitement about learning. We will introduce collaboration by learning songs together, pairing children together to achieve common goals.  Breathing exercises and stretching will help children develop body awareness and learn how to use the body as a a creative tool for self expression. The playgroup meets daily from 9-11:45am. There is an opportunity for three children to participate in an afternoon extension until 3 or 6pm (please inquire)

Additional details

Dates: September 12-June 27, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Follows public school calendar for vacation days) Ages: 18 months to 3 years Times: 9-11:45am Tuition: 2-day $4500 for 10 months 3-day $6000 for 10 months Afternoon extension available for 3 students (2-month deposit upon enrollment, payment plan available)

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