Learn, Laugh and Play
Our Philosophy
Our Play-Based Preschool Philosophy in Alameda, CA
Enrollment and CalendarAt Little Lion Preschool & Childcare all children are given the opportunity to expand their creativity and intellectual curiosity. The children are encouraged to communicate and participate in group activities, but never pressured. We strongly believe that every child is an individual with unique abilities, needs, desires, and emotions. We strive to develop and reinforce a positive self –image and independence and provide the children with enriching experiences in a supportive, warm environment. This will assist them in relating to others as well as developing confidence, and self-control. All children in our care deserve the very best of our ability, we treat them with respect, love, compassion, and understanding.
Our Philosophy in Action
Our program is play-based, inspired by the constructivist practices of Jean Piaget. Like him, we believe that “Play is child's work”. We believe that preschool years are a time for development of social skills and children learn best through hands-on, interactive experiences, therefore our curriculum provides meaningful materials and activities in order for them to learn. Learning is experimental and exploratory. Each child will develop at their own pace, we’ll be there to provide support and guidance. Academics in Language Arts, Math and Science are introduced through manipulative toys, art projects, and group discussions. Monthly themes are based on child’s interests and children are encouraged to participate in group activities, interacting with their peers and learning from each other. Our multi-age group is diverse and we appreciate parents that share their culture and knowledge with us.
Communication is Key Here
As your partner in caring for your child, our interaction with you is as important as our interaction with your child. Good communication between us is essential and we are open to your questions and concerns. We have daily communication at pick up time and emails updates as needed. We’re open to schedule a conversation with you to discuss your child’s development. We truly look forward to making your family part of our community!
Testimonials
Our Facilities
Our clean, spacious classroom is set up in a way that children can be independent and choose their areas of interest. The toys are easily accessible and we offer a variety of materials to stimulate imaginative play and social interactions. Our outdoor area (Fazendinha) is covered in turf, safe for children to run, climb, slide, swing and play. We also have a paved area (The City) for tricycle riding and a nature exploration area where children are busy tending to flowers in the garden or discovering nature’s treasures.
More About Us
Jeorson Santos and Rosane Zenha are a husband & wife team who founded Little Lion Preschool & Childcare in July 2007 when their younger son was in his toddlers’ years and his older son was in Kindergarten.
Rosane had always loved children and decided to switch careers- She graduated from Dentistry School at Universidade Gama Filho- Rio de Janeiro- and had her private practice when she lived in Brazil. When she moved to the USA, she studied photography and opened her photography business that focused on weddings, children portraits and fine Arts. With the arrival of their second son, Rosane and Jeorson decided opening a home based childcare/preschool would provide a perfect balance for the family. Rosane continued her studies in Early Childhood Education and has an Child Development Associate Teacher degree.
Jeorson has a Bachelor Law degree from Universidade Candido Mendes- Rio de Janeiro- and worked for a Labor Law firm while living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has been working with children for about 12 years, not only as a child care provider but also coaching indoor soccer at Alameda Futsal Club- a non profit organization founded by him and two parents. Most recently he has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-jítsu for children as a black belt from RCT-Carlson Gracie team at Bladium Sport Club. His goal is to help kids to develop and thrive, creating self confidence and becoming strong in every sense.