Ms. Meredith

I have been working with young children since my teen years. I have taught and coached swimming and other sports as well as been a day camp counselor and classroom assistant. Upon completing my undergrad I started my teaching career in the Boston Public Schools as a teacher of young children with autism in 2002. After teaching that class for four years I moved on to teaching K1 for four years. At the conclusion of those four years, our school model was shifting to the inclusion model and I began teaching a K0/K1 full-day inclusion program. This is the class I taught until the end of the 2018/2019 school year. Something I loved about my job was watching kids grow over not only our time together but watching them through their elementary school career. Getting to know the kids and families in our school community was something I looked forward to every year! I'm thrilled that this is something I can look forward to as children age in and out of my daycare program. I love having a small group in my home where there is more time for free play, art, exploration, sensory activities as well as social and emotional learning.

My program combines the structure and schedule of a typical preschool classroom with the comfort of a home environment. This helps children prepare for a transition into a kindergarten classroom. There is sensory play such as play dough or finger painting, time for pre-academics with letter and math games, read alouds, storytelling/story acting and other pre-writing activities. We spend a lot of time outdoors at two nearby parks to encourage free play and exploration and gross motor movement. We will have daily whole group meetings and activities as well as plenty of time for independent and group play. I encourage kids to step outside their comfort zone and try new things, even if it's hard. Maintaining routines and order is greatly beneficial and something I take seriously. Having clear and consistent boundaries and expectations makes everyone feel safe and respected. But while I firmly believe in structures and routines, there will be plenty of time for spontaneity and lots of fun!

My home is a one level ranch with only two small stairs to enter from the back. It is small but well appointed with an open kitchen/dining room and living room. This is where the majority of time will be spent. There are shelves with books and toys and art materials. There is a big comfortable couch and soft foam seating on the floor as well. There is a quiet book nook and easel for drawing, painting or playing with magnets. Our outside space is great because there is a covered carport to get some fresh air even if the weather isn't great. There are outdoor seating options, ride on toys as well as a water table and a sensory tub. Four houses down the street is in an age-appropriate gated playground where we will go often. There are also two other very walkable playgrounds, one with a spray deck. Getting outside is a priority- even if only for a little bit! The room where children will rest has cots and pack and plays as well as room darkening blinds to provide a restful and calm space. My home is comfortable, colorful and has central air so we will always be cool!