Hi Everyone!
My career as an early childhood educator began in June 2004. I hold a Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in early childhood, and a Site Supervisor Permit through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Over the past year, I served as an assistant teacher at Cerritos Community College, an experience that has further enriched my expertise in the field of early childhood education.
My love for the Reggio Emilia Philosophy led me to study abroad at the Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi in Italy. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in the core principles of this educational approach, which emphasizes the importance of child-centered learning, the value of the environment as the "third teacher", and the belief in the inherent potential of every child. My time in Reggio Emilia deepened my understanding of how these principles can be integrated into educational practices to foster a rich, meaningful learning experience for all children.
I'm truly excited to partner with families and to share the joy of learning and discovery with the children of our community.
Mrs. Diana Rivas, Lead Educator
Hello
My name is Nick Rivas
Welcome to our family!
It's been about 13 years since I joined our family program and every day I find myself learning something new. I believe in positively guiding children to support the development of social skills, independence, self-esteem, and respect for others. It's important for me to set limits that don't restrict the curiosity of children and that are age appropriate. I encourage children to communicate their feelings and solve problems; creating a more independent child.
"Knowledge will give you power, but character gets you respect" - Bruce Lee
Hi There!
My name is Alyssa Rivas (better known as Sissy!)
I have been fully immersed in the Reggio-Emilia pedagogy since I was young because of my mom's immersion of it within our home and program. Now I work with children alongside her and have gone on many adventures within the field because of the amazing children and my mom's dreams that have inspired me. Together we have traveled to Reggio-Emilia, Italy, and fully immersed ourselves within the pedagogy and ideas of Loris Malaguzzi. On top of many wonderful ideas that have curated my love for child development, his words, "Nothing Without Joy!" have fueled my desire to integrate childlike joy into my work. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and am currently enrolled in the University of La Verne's Masters of Science in Child and Adolescent Development Program, hoping to study parental relationships with children within varying sociocultural contexts.
I look forward to fostering a love of learning and creating alongside your children!