Les Petits Soleils French Preschool - Sherwood Park, Alberta


Philosophy About the Teachers	Philosophy
	We believe that all children should be treated as individuals with their own learning styles. It is important to provide all students with the opportunity to succeed, by allowing them to feel safe and take risks in their learning. We strongly believe in the French Immersion Program, having been students in the program ourselves. Kathryn and Jill have equally witnessed the effectiveness of the program while teaching with Edmonton Public Schools. Studies by Canadian Parents for French have shown that it is easier and more natural for a child to learn another language at a very early age. Our intention is to speak in French with the children as much as possible, except with behaviour modification is required, to encourage a love of and interest in the French language. We are very conscious that, at first, children do not understand the language. However, in our experience, when children are provided with clear explanations, using various communication strategies, and provided with meaningful play activities, they are motivated to quickly acquire a basic understanding so that they can participate with the group. We believe that the focus of preschool should be that the children are having fun and playing all day long. It is through such activities that they will acquire French speaking skills. Children will receive small group instructional time with the teacher for approximately 15 minutes each day. The remainder of the day will be based on learning through play.

	About the Teachers
	Jill Burton A certified French Immersion elementary teacher with a Bachelor of Education, earned at the University of Alberta, through their French campus, Faculté Saint-Jean. Taught for Edmonton Public School Board for 4 years, teaching French Immersion, French as a Second Language, and has also taught in the English program. Training in Special Needs and Early Literacy. Volunteered in all aspects of children's programming at her church: taught Sunday School classes; led weekday groups; held the position of Sunday School Coordinator for the past three years, managing and overseeing all facets of children's programming.

	Kathryn Babowal A certified French Immersion elementary teacher with a Bachelor of Education, earned at the University of Alberta, through the Faculté Saint-Jean. Holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, earned at the University of Alberta, with a major in Developmental Psychology and a minor in French. Taught for Edmonton Public School Board in the French Immersion Program for 2 ½ years. A certified dance instructor and has taught students of all ages. Volunteered as a leader with Girl Guides of Canada from 1995 - 2004. Volunteered as the Sunday School coordinator at her church for 6 years, covering all aspects of the children's programming.

	Lisa Solamillo Holds a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and minoring in Human Ecology, earned all in French at Faculté Saint-Jean. Has been a loyal employee at Les Petits Soleils_Inc. since its inception in 2006, in the roles of Teacher's Aide within the Preschool, Program Manager of Les Petits Soleils_Inc. Before & After School Care Program, and Administrative Assistant for both programs. Lisa has also worked for over 3 years for Holland America on their cruise ships, supervising the children's programming. Volunteered in the children's ministry at her church, teaching Sunday School, summer Bible Camp and supervising in the nursery.

	Jill and Kathryn first met as University students and further developed their friendship when they were granted their first teaching jobs at the same elementary school. Both are married and stay-at-home moms, now working part-time at the preschool, while also running their second business venture, Les Petits Soleils_Inc. Before & After School Care Program. Kathryn has three daughters, Emily (9), Rebecca (6) and Eve (4) and Jill has three sons, Kinley (8), Oliver (6) and Nate (4). Lisa got married in late 2010. Kathryn and Jill decided to open the preschool in January 2006 when they discovered that there were very few French preschools in existence where their own toddlers could be enrolled. Being French Immersion teachers, they have witnessed the benefits of second-language learning and would like to provide other parents with the opportunity to start their child's second-language education at an earlier age. We are confident that Kathryn and Jill's teaching experience, planning developmentally-appropriate learning activities, will serve as a sound foundation for our preschool programming. We are certain that the addition of Madame Lisa to our partnership will prove to be one of our most successful business decisions thus far.


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:: Last Updated December 22, 2011