The Independent program encourages self help skills and new language development. We accommodate different learning styles by providing many ways to do things.
The classroom is arranged in learning centers and the children are offered open-ended opportunities for exploration in the arts and sciences.
Teachers provide guidance and loving assurance as children learn how to negotiate new language, new friends, and new surroundings.
To maintain a healthy and safe environment for exploration in all areas of the arts and sciences
To promote positive self esteem by encouraging self help skills and the development of new language
To model socially acceptable conflict resolution skills
To develop trusting, loving bonds with adults in addition to parents
To encourage physical confidence by providing a variety of activities in the classroom and the Creative Movement Room
To offer support to families through access to educational materials, workshops, monthly newsletters and parent-teacher conferences
To stimulate interest in literacy by providing a print rich environment
To have fun with new friends
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
We encourage our families to get involved with our school community. We invite them to serve on the various board committees, be involved with our fundraising efforts, field trips and other special events. We also invite parents to share their special or unique talents in music, art or shared cultural experiences by in- class visits at various times during the year.
Gina joined CEL in September 2022. She has been working with young children for the last 8 years and enjoys sharing her love of the outdoors and art with them. Gina holds a BA in Exercise Science from Adelphi University. Outside of the classroom, Gina enjoys running, hiking, gardening, and attending her children's many sporting events. She lives in Queensbury with her husband, 3 children, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and several chickens.
CEL TEACHER
Sue Manna
Sue joined CEL in September 2023. Sue has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood and has spent most of her life working with children; as a nanny, a babysitter, a mom and a preschool teacher. Sue has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. When she's not working, she is usually traveling or driving to Maine to see her grandchildren.
CEL TEACHER
Kim Hunt
Kim started at CEL in 2019 after working 10 years as a teacher and then Center Director at a daycare. She has over 25 years of experience working with children. Her love of children started with babysitting her cousins as a young teen. She took Early Childhood Education in High School and has taken a variety of classes and training hours over the years. Kim lives in Queensbury with her husband, three children and 2 dogs. She spends her time outside of school reading, taking walks with her dogs, and crafting.
CEL TEACHER
Chrystal Wood
Chrystal joined CEL in September 2023. She loves working with children. She has a love for music and is excited to share that love with her students! Chrystal is a mom to 2 children and 2 dogs. She enjoys watching hockey with her husband, getting crafty with her children, as well as family game and movie nights!
CEL TEACHER
Avery Roberts
Avery joined CEL in September 2023. Avery holds a BA in English with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Vermont. She learned she enjoyed teaching children during her first job as a ski instructor at a local mountain. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family and two kitties, as well as reading, traveling, cooking, and doing puzzles.
CEL TEACHER
Connie Meehan
Connie has returned to CEL this fall. She was previously a CEL teacher from 2011-2014 before working as a Nanny for the past 9 years. She has experience working with young children in different capacities for the past 25 years. Outside the classroom Connie enjoys reading, spending time at the beach with her family and visiting her two grown children in Buffalo and Boston. She lives in Glens Falls with her husband and two dogs.
