Feyrouze Chunara – Owner/Director
Philosophy
I believe that children thrive if they have a balance between structured activities, and those that are self-chosen. All children need time to explore their environment, to discover and invent on their own. Play allows for this, therefore it is a good thing to protect. It is my intention to continue to support our developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Credentials
Feyrouze Chunara , proprietor of Learning Clock Montessori, has always been passionate about education. She holds a masters degree in biochemistry, and taught at a university in Pakistan before relocating to the United States.
In the years following my son’s birth, I became interested in how children’s minds worked. Once I had my son, my passion changed to preschool. What better way to serve the community than to focus on children from birth through age five? The first five years of a child’s life are known to be the formative years. When children receive a strong foundation-quality education coupled with a commitment to provide a safe and loving environment, they stand an excellent chance of reaching their full potential as human beings, ready to take on challenges that will come their way!
Silvia Akter- Preschool Teacher/Director
Philosophy
I believe in the Montessori method of education because each child can develop and grow at her/his own pace, and this opens the door for them to reach their full potential. A developmentally appropriate curriculum can incorporate some very important life skills which will enhance a child’s understanding of his/her environment. Learning how to negotiate and reason with peers amicably, developing patience, and learning common courtesy, are to my mind, important life skills. At Learning Clock Montessori School, children enjoy a balance of teacher guided curriculum, and free play time, which I believe provides a healthy learning environment.
Credentials
Silvia holds several degrees including an AMS early childhood Montessori credential, a masters in history, and a bachelors in law. A mother of two, Silvia has been in the early childhood field for over ten years, and loves teaching at Learning Clock Montessori School.
Zeb Hussain – Preschool Teacher
Philosophy
Teaching children has been a consistent joy for me, and giving back to the community has always been one of my primary goals! I believe that a teacher must be devoted to the children in her/his care, patient, and willing to listen carefully to what the children say. It is also essential that a teacher be responsive to those children who are needing attention, and speak in a positive, caring tone when addressing a child.
Credentials
Zeb Hussain was born in Pakistan, and raised two children on her own. For fifteen years, she taught children from kindergarten on up to third grade. Zebunnissa has been working at Learning Clock Montessori School for one year and a half, and really enjoys it.
Anita Chattmon- Pre-K Teacher
Philosophy
I believe that it is important to incorporate pre-writing skills, drama, arts and crafts, and outside play, into the children’s weekly schedule. I love helping children gain practical life skills, and watching how they develop into confident individuals who can then say, “ I can do that, or, “ I don’t need any help!” Children who are in my care learn to identify the sound of letters, to count, and to develop pro-social behaviors. Young children may often need assistance to form friendships, and to learn how to take turns, or share curriculum materials. Caring teachers can help them with these things.
Credentials
Anita has been working with young children for the past thirty years. She received an early childhood development degree from Merritt College in Oakland.
Mei Zhang – Toddler Teacher
Philosophy
Supporting children to achieve their highest potential has been very rewarding! I believe that children learn best in a nurturing atmosphere where they feel free to be creative and express themselves. Providing children with a developmentally appropriate environment which promotes their self-esteem, and encourages them to interact with peers and with curriculum/natural materials in meaningful ways, is one of my priorities. When children feel empowered to make appropriate choices, and are respected for who they are, they thrive!
Credentials
Mei Zhang has worked with children for eleven years, the first five years of which were with school aged children in an after school program. Shen then worked with both infants, and preschoolers in an early childhood program. Mei is a fully qualified teacher who has completed over thirty early childhood education units, and is CPR and first aide trained and certified. Mei is bilingual, speaking English and Chinese (Cantonese,Mandarin).