The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”- Maria Montessori

Aloha my name is Vanessa Valencia,  I am an early childhood educator, peace educator, Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist (CYMHS) and collaborator for the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI). Guiding children is one of my passions. Children are joyous little beings with so many gifts to share. I enjoy helping caregivers, parents, educators and our community understand the value of early childhood education and the impact it has on the child's current brain development and it effect on their and society's future.

My teaching philosophy: The spirit of the child is my number one priority. I wish to invite the child to develop his or her inner motivation towards his or her interests as they learn to respect, honor, care for and love themselves, the environment and humanity.

My expectations are looking forward to guiding the children towards their success along with providing a caring atmosphere where children can learn and grow to become global citizens. I enjoy creating a space and helping others create a space were the child feels safe and supported, discovers their talents and continues to embrace the joy of life.

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The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field, in which seeds may be sown to grow under the heat of flaming imagination. Our aim therefore, is not merely to make the child understand and memorize facts but to touch his imagination and to interest the child to his innermost core. We do not want complacent pupils, but eager ones: we seek to sow life in the child rather than theories, to help the child grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically." - Maria Montessori