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Academy Child Development Center Director: Bruce Kahan

Assistant Director: Karen Miler

March-April 2020 Stone Mill

Newsletter

Maryland Excels

For the fifth year in a row, we are pleased to share with you that

Academy at Stone Mill has achieved a Maryland EXCELS level 5

rating by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Maryland EXCELS is the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement

System. They award ratings to child care and public

prekindergarten programs that meet increasingly higher

standards in key areas that are identified nationally as

contributing to high quality.

Through a process of continuous quality improvement, Maryland

EXCELS programs like ours, meet rigorous quality standards

above and beyond those required by State licensing regulations

and public school requirements. The Maryland EXCELS standards

include, Licensing and Compliance, Staffing and Professional

Development, Rating Scales and Accreditation,

Developmentally Appropriate Learning and Practice, and

Administrative Policies and Practices.

Our Mission and Purpose

• To offer developmentally

appropriate early childhood/ school

age programs.

• To maintain a dedicated,

professional staff through

competitive salaries, benefits, and

ongoing professional development

training.

• To provide safe, healthy, and

reliable child care options for

working parents.

• To develop and maintain

partnerships with parents, staff,

community, local, state, and

national organizations.

Academy’s Mission

Academy recognizes and respects

the uniqueness of each child.

Established in 1981, the school’s

primary mission is to foster a love of

learning in each student. Our

curriculum skillfully weaves artistic

and practical disciplines into

everyday academics. Students

learn to follow their curiosity, to think

creatively and to work both

independently and cooperatively

with others.

At Academy, we celebrate diversity

and strive to instill integrity,

compassion and confidence in

each child. We give each child

support and encouragement to

become his or her own unique self.

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Maryland State Department of Education Re Accreditation 2020

Academy Child Development Center is accredited by the

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). We are

one of only a few preschools in Maryland to have five

accredited preschool programs. The State accreditation is

a voluntary process that encourages excellence in

preschool programs and gives parents assurance that the

school has undertaken vigorous educational standards.

According to the MSDE:

"...children benefit from accreditation because their learning environments are exciting, positive, and

growth-oriented. Parents of young children benefit from this process because their children are enrolled in

stimulating learning environments that reflect the research and best practices of the field. Early care and

education programs benefit because their services are publicly recognized as being of the highest caliber.

Local school systems benefit from this process because accredited programs increase the chances for

young children to be better prepared to enter public school primary grades."

Always proactive about developing the best experience for young children, Academy is committed to the

preschool accreditation program as a way of continually setting higher standards for our early childhood

programs. The MSDE Accreditation Program measures many criteria, such as the staff credentials and

training, classroom size, curriculum, our school’s interaction with parents, the incorporation of technology

into the classroom and other factors.

In order to maintain accreditation MSDE requires accredited programs to meet the high standards and best

practices for Maryland’s early education every three years.

Parent Participation

Parent participation at Academy is always encouraged. Our relationship with you,

the parents of our children, is especially important to us. With this partnership we

can provide the children with the highest quality program possible.

Please let us know if you would like to volunteer, share a hobby or just come by to

visit. There are always opportunities to participate in our Parent/Teacher Exchange

meetings (PTeX). The goal of the PTeX is to establish committees and to encourage

parents to volunteer to meet the needs and mission of our school.

Several of our committees include: Fundraising/ Development, Newsletter, and

Room Parent. Please join us at our future meetings. We encourage your

participation!

We want to give a special thanks to all the parents who have volunteered with our

parent participation program. We really value your support and input.

PTEX Room Parents 2019-2020

Infants/Toddlers:

Sutan Wu and Katie Quay

Tiny Tots:

Dana Annis and Jacqueline

Pourahmadi

Preschool:

Michelle Snyder, Nada Saleh

and Helma Parikh

Prekindergarten:

Haijing Quin and Kristen Kendall

School Age:

Allison Roth

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NAEYC Week of the Young Child

April 11-17, 2020

The week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the

Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association,

with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 50 local, state and regional affiliates.

The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young

children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet

those needs.

NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood

years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life. The

Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we as citizens of a community will better meet the

needs of all young children and their families.

NAEYC designates the Week of the Young Child dates and theme, but events and special activities

will be planned and implemented by Academy’s teachers. Academy recognizes that children’s

opportunities are our responsibilities, and to commit ourselves to ensuring that each child

experiences the type of early learning environment that will promote their early learning.

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Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week

April 20 – 24, 2020

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a joint effort of community partners, afterschool

programs, youth and child development teachers and individuals who have committed to

declaring the last full week of April each year as a time to recognize and appreciate those who

work with youth during out-of-school hours. Join us for celebrations and display your appreciation

to thank afterschool professionals who make a difference in the lives of young people.

An estimated 10.2 million children participate in afterschool programs each year. Today,

afterschool programs are viewed as much more than just childcare. They are widely credited as

the way to provide enhanced education in STEM, Literacy, The Arts, Social Emotional Learning,

Health & Wellness, and more. With that demand comes increased responsibility,

education/professional development requirements, and support from our community.

Everyone appreciates being recognized for their efforts and their positive influence they

have on young children. Some ideas for parents to express appreciation include:

❖ Hand-written cards from you and/or your child

❖ Provide treats for the staff at your school age program

❖ Gift cards or something special for your child’s school age teacher(s)

❖ Send an email to an afterschool professional's director describing why that person is

appreciated

❖ A hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professionals in your

child’s life

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BUILDING BLOCKS FOR LIFE PHILOSOPHY

Academy Child Development Center, Inc. offers the “Building Blocks for Life” philosophy - the

foundation from which all learning takes place for the future. It is our mission to provide high quality,

developmentally appropriate early care and education learning opportunities for the children,

families and communities we serve. Academy is committed to maintaining a dedicated,

professional staff through competitive salaries, benefits and ongoing professional development

training.

Academy employs qualified educators whose expertise is centered in child development, combined

with experience working with young children, and ongoing professional development training.

Academy values and supports the richness of the diversity of the children, staff and families in our

program. We seek to ensure that all aspects of our program including curriculum, admission,

retention, hiring practices, and support for students, families, and employees reflect our commitment

to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A respect for and appreciation of individual differences inspires all

that we do.

We believe that from birth, all children are capable and competent. Our teachers recognize that

each child grows, develops and learns at their own pace; therefore, a child centered approach is

used to support the developmental needs and abilities of all children. Our teachers create

meaningful learning opportunities in environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and

challenging for each child. Our teachers foster children’s self-esteem, creative abilities, sense of

belonging and success by implementing a responsive, inclusive developmentally appropriate

curriculum based on MSDE and Maryland EXCELS standards, through play-based experiences that

promote vital pre-academic and social emotional skills. We support and partner with families to

provide an environment that welcomes their collaboration and supports both cultural and family

preferences. Our partnership with the families and communities of the children in our program plays

a key role in their development and learning. Academy is committed to supporting and

empowering families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.

Children bond with and develop relationships with their teachers who provide consistency and

continuity. Children grow in a nurturing environment that promotes safety and security. When

children are guided to live and play together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support, they

develop positive character values. By encouraging creativity, explorations, and discovery children

acquire a love of learning and a strong sense of self.

Academy is dedicated to the world’s future - its children.

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Meet the Academy at Stone Mill Staff

Bruce Kahan

Director – With Academy for 11.5 years

Training and/or Education: B.A. Child Psychology from St. John’s University, New York, and MS in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia Experience: Four years teaching preschool and kindergarten, employed for 2 years as assistant director of a hospital-based child care program in South Carolina, served as executive director of Wonders Child Care Center in Chevy Chase for 27 years. Worked for one school year as director of Metropolitan Nursery School in DC prior to joining Academy in June 2008 Favorite games & activities with children: I enjoy taking my wife and 3 adult children to sporting events, family vacations, and out to dinner On my bedside table: Various magazines, books, Hugs Hershey Kisses, cell phone and charger My favorite color: Purple Yummy Food: Ice cream, Italian ices, New York pizza, knishes, hibachi food, white chocolate and lots of water each and every day One of my favorite places is: Hamilton, Bermuda, and Brookside Gardens

The title of my autobiography would be: Born and Raised in Brooklyn: Mischief was a Way of Life!

Karen Miler

Assistant Director – With Academy for 19 years

Training and/or Education: Course work in Elementary and Special Education at the university of Maryland, College Park. Completed certificate program and Montgomery College in Computer Applications Experience: Kindergarten Enrichment Assistant Teacher, School Age Lead Teacher and since 2015 Assistant Director Favorite games & activities with children: Freeze dance, four corners and spud On my bedside table: Humidifier and eyeglasses My favorite color: Yummy Food: Asian Cuisine and anything with curry, cilantro and/or ginger One of my favorite places is: The beach and museums. Anyplace I can watch nature

The title of my autobiography would be: She sure Loves to Dance

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Shawntay Issacs

Infant/Toddler Teacher – New to Academy

Training and/or Education: I’m currently enrolled in my Masters Degree program in Early Childhood Education: Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings Experience: Seven years of teaching in early childhood schools and leading trainings and workshops for child care professionals Favorite games & activities with children: Mancala and painting On my bedside table: Holy Bible My favorite color: Blue Yummy Food: Spaghetti and vanilla cake with wiped icing and strawberry fruit topping One of my favorite places is: My sweet home The title of my autobiography would be: It’s All About Me!

Sharmin Huda

Infant/Toddler Teacher – With Academy for 21 Years

Training and/or Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery College.

Many workshops, conferences and seminars in education

Experience: Over 25 years teaching young children Favorite games & activities with children: Sensory bubbles, art activities and flannel board stories On my bedside table: I have my Ipad My favorite color: Purple Yummy Food: Rice, fish and vegetables One of my favorite places is: USA

The title of my autobiography would be: Life Goes On

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Sofia Koutsoudi

Infant/Toddler Teacher – With Academy for 6 years

Training and/or Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing science Experience: 20 years in the nursing field and 7 teaching young children Favorite games & activities with children: I enjoy singing, dancing, reading books and various ball games On my bedside table: My hand cream, books and lap to. My favorite color: Black and Yellow Yummy Food: Spinach pie, pasta and of course gyros One of my favorite places is: Bali, Indonesia

The title of my autobiography would be: Never Say Never

Azam Babataher

Tiny Tots Teacher – With Academy for 30.5 years

Training and/or Education: BA in Early Childhood Education, Seminars, conferences and workshops related

to education and child development, Reiki Master and Certified Practitioner in alternative medicine

Experience: I have 30 years of experience working with children of all ages, infants through high school

Favorite games & activities with children: Bingo and circle time activities On my bedside table: Clock, Book, CD Player My favorite color: White Yummy Food: Fresh fruits and vegetables One of my favorite places is: The beach

The title of my autobiography would be: Smile to Your Heart

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Teresa Chang

Tiny Tots Teacher – With Academy for 7 years

Training and/or Education: Two year certificate and 90 hour course in Early Childhood Education

Experience: I was a preschool teacher in South Korea for 5 years. Korean teacher in the USA for 7 years and a

Tiny Tots teacher since September 2013

Favorite games & activities with children: Dancing and playing outdoors On my bedside table: Books and my cellphone My favorite color: Purple and blue Yummy Food: Llapingachos: All Korean food One of my favorite places is: Anywhere when I am running, and I can enjoy a nice view

The title of my autobiography would be: Teresa’s Window

Jacqueline Jimenez

Tiny Tots Teacher – With Academy for 5.5 years

Training and/or Education: 90 hour class in Child Growth and Development, Adult and Infant CPR/First Aid and many workshops and seminars Experience: I have over 14 years of experience teaching young children Favorite games & activities with children: Sensory games and art activities On my bedside table: I keep my phone, reading glasses, water bottle, I Pad and lamp My favorite color: Royal Blue Yummy Food: Italian and Latin cuisine One of my favorite places is: Hawaii The title of my autobiography would be: Stories of my Life

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Wendy Brummell

Preschool Teacher - With Academy for 28 years

Training and/or Education: Early Childhood workshops, conferences and seminars Experience: 27 years teaching young children Favorite games & activities with children: Musical chairs, doggie where’s your bone and magic ball game On my bedside table: Phone, candy bars, TV remote control and books My favorite color: Grey and pink Yummy Food: Rice, chicken, and fish

One of my favorite places is: In my living room watching TV

The title of my autobiography would be: Quiet Time

Ma. Victoria Cheng

Preschool Teacher – With Academy for 15 years

Training and/or Education: Bachelor’s Degree in education from Christ the King College, Philippines. Passed the National Teacher Licensure Exam, Philippines. ED 120/121 in early childhood courses from Montgomery College. Core Knowledge for Preschool Summer Institute, PEP-PILOT Training, Maryland Child Care Level 6 Credential and CPR and First Aid certified Experience: 10 yrs. teaching high school students in private schools, Philippines, Employed as Infant-Toddler assistant teacher for the US Coast Guard Child Development Center for four years prior to joining Academy in August 2005 Favorite games & activities with children: Running, building with blocks and completing puzzles On my bedside table: My Ipad and Nook reader My favorite color: Black and Red Yummy Food: Kabobs, Chinese and Filipino dishes One of my favorite places is: Beaches and the country side The title of my autobiography would be: Finding a Way Out!

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Sylvia Corregidor

Preschool Teacher – With Academy for 6 years

Training and/or Education: Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and continuing education workshops in ECE and child development. 90-hour course in child development early childhood education curriculum. 45-hour class in Infants and Toddler curriculum Experience: I volunteered for 6 months at Academy at Stone Mill. Two years as a 2nd and 3rd grade School-Age Teacher and for the past three years teaching 3 and 4 year olds Favorite games & activities with children: I enjoy doing arts and crafts and having children express themselves through music and movement activities On my bedside table: My phone of course! A cute owl that holds my eyeglasses, a glass of water, a notebook and pen, lip balm and hand cream and a heart shaped jewelry box. It’s easier to put my earrings back on the next day. My favorite color: Purple and turquoise Yummy Food: Various middle eastern and Spanish cuisine such as couscous and Tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelette) One of my favorite places is: St. Lucia and my beautiful country Spain. That might explain why I love spending my summer there every year

The title of my autobiography would be: A Journey that started in Tunisia

Kassandra Swamipersaud

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher – With Academy for 2.5 years

Training and/or Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science Experience: Three years working with 3-5 year olds and nine months with school aged children. Favorite games & activities with children: Art activities, cooking projects and science experiments On my bedside table: Computer, incense and phone charger My favorite color: Purple Yummy Food: Cheesecake, chicken, curry of all kind, samosas, fries and Café Rio salads One of my favorite places is: The Beach - Italy

The title of my autobiography would be: Oh the Places I’ve Been

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Kelsey Boyd

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher – With Academy for 3 years

Training and/or Education: Bachelor’s degree in Family studies Experience: I worked at the Little Gym for five years, was a nanny for two years and Academy for the past two years Favorite games & activities with children: Any type of movement and board games On my bedside table: Candles and a cup of water My favorite color: Mint green Yummy Food: Chicken tenders and Brussel Sprouts One of my favorite places is: Any beach

The title of my autobiography would be: The Diary of a Big Kid

Hsu Fen Kuan

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher – With Academy for 21 years

Training and/or Education: Bachelor’s degree in Russian Studies and Associates degree in Early Childhood Education; Montessori Method and Early Childhood Training and the 90 hour Early Childhood course Experience: 20 years Favorite games & activities with children: Big wind blows On my bedside table: TV remote control, lamp, books, pens, reading glasses, a cup of water and a tissue box My favorite color: Blue Yummy Food: Any kind of non-spicy food One of my favorite places is: My kitchen

The title of my autobiography would be: Blue Hawaiian Breeze

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Julie Meyers

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher – With Academy for 12 years Training and/or Education: B.A. in English from Loyola College, Baltimore. 90 hour Child Growth and Development/ Curriculum class. Annual continuing education workshops Experience: Academy teacher for 11 years and a parent for 21 Favorite games & activities with children: Role playing, building, open-ended art, anything that involves conversation/discussion and negotiation On my bedside table: Family photos, books, and a sound machine dialed to ocean music My favorite color: Purple, fuchsia and blue Yummy Food: Veggies, pizza, cheeseburgers, BBQ chicken, sea food, dark chocolate and Tres Leches cake! One of my favorite places is: Outdoors: exploring nature. Indoors: exploring thrift stores The title of my autobiography would be: Time Flies

Scott Springer

School Age Teacher – With Academy for 21 years

Training and/or Education: A.A. degree in Auto Technology, Montgomery College Experience: 1990-1997 Arkansas State Park Interpreter and teacher with Academy since 1998 Favorite games & activities with children: Chess, checkers and dance On my bedside table: N/A My favorite color: Camouflage/Camouflage/Camouflage/Camouflage Yummy Food: Collard greens One of my favorite places is: Whitewater rivers and streams

The title of my autobiography would be: The Adventures of Mr. Scott

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Tiffany Rivas

School Age Teacher – New to Academy

Training and/or Education: Child Development classes Experience: Baby sitter and nanny since 2008. Mother since 2011 Favorite games & activities with children: Playing Four Square and Mancala On my bedside table: A record player My favorite color: Green Yummy Food: Pizza One of my favorite places is: North Carolina

The title of my autobiography would be: When She Found Her Voice

Gagan Deol

School Age Teacher – With Academy for 6 years

Training and/or Education: B.A. in Geography and Economics with honors, Master of Science, Master of Philosophy and PHD in Geography; published the book Gender Gap and 9 research papers in international journals.90 hour course in Child Development and 45 hour course in School Age Curriculum Experience: 12 years teaching college students and 5 years teaching preschool and school age children Favorite games & activities with children: Playing board games, indoor games and doing science experiments On my bedside table: Digital radio alarm clock, table lamp, several books, a penholder and a coaster My favorite color: All pastel colors Yummy Food: Paalak Paneer (spinach with cubed cheese), a North Indian dish One of my favorite places is: Scenic spots in Calgary and Vancouver

The title of my autobiography would be: Romancing With Life!

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Maria Soto

School Age Teacher – New to Academy

Training and/or Education:.High School Diploma

Experience: 5 months of experience with Academy. Nanny before joining Academy

Favorite games & activities with children: I like to play Uno On my bedside table: Nightlight and water bottle My favorite color: Black Yummy Food: Mochi One of my favorite places is: Brazil

The title of my autobiography would be: The Crazy Energy that put a smile on everyone’s faces

Ashley Williams

School Age Teacher - With Academy for 4 years

Training and/or Education: 90 hour class in Child development and School Age Care, Adult and Infant CPR/First Aid and many workshops with Academy Experience: I have over six years of experience working with children Favorite games & activities with children: Chess and Four Square On my bedside table: My phone and watch charger My favorite color: Green Yummy Food: Chicken alfredo One of my favorite places is: The state of Georgia

The title of my autobiography would be: What’s for Dinner?

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Cherylyn Matos

School Age Teacher – With Academy for 2 years

Training and/or Education: High School diploma, credits towards my Associates degree in child psychology and many workshops and seminars Experience: Six years working with School Age Children Favorite games & activities with children: Playing card games called president and spoons. Also playing carpet games with the kids such as mystery box and learning flags. As far as outdoors I love to play group games such as 4 square, basketball, and gravel My favorite color: Purple Yummy Food: I love all types of food, food is everything One of my favorite places is: the restaurant Cava

The title of my autobiography would be: “This is Me”

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Academy Photo Gallery Spring 2020

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