741 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Teacher
In 2022, Ms. Kacey graduated from University Highschool and is now a sophomore in college at Seminole State. Ms. Kacey has worked in childcare since she was 19 and enjoys being with friends and family in her free time.
“We get strength and encouragement from watching children.” – Hayo Miyazaki
Teacher
Ms. Rochama is a licensed Behavioral Technician and is currently getting her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education at UCF. Her goal is to get her Master’s in Applied Behavioral Therapy. She loves working with kids because she loves seeing the growth and development of each child.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”- Albert Einstein
Teacher
Ms. Tayah is currently enrolled at Winter Park High School and will be a Class of 2026 graduate. She was also a graduate of Winter Park Day Nursery and always said she wanted to come back and work. Ms. Tayah is very passionate and enjoys working with the children. In her free time, Ms. Tayah enjoys going on walks, spending time with family and friends, and going to the beach. She hopes to further her education working with children in the medical field.
“Watching the kids learn and develop to their fullest potential while they are at WPDN is really amazing to experience. The feeling of knowing the children feel safe and are loving towards you makes my heart happy.”
Teacher
In May of 2021, Ms. King graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelors of Science in Education. She is so excited to be in the sunshine state and is ready to help shape some beautiful minds! Ms. King has been working with children since 2018, ages newborn to 9th grade.
“I can’t wait to see what this new journey has in store for me. It’s a great day to have a great day!”
“The constant challenge of preschool owners and directors is to create a quality program that parents would like to bring their children to, and feel safe to do so, while also keeping the cost as low as possible,” said Ali DeMaria, executive director of the Winter Park Day Nursery.
To read the full article featuring Winter Park Day Nursery, visit ‘‘The check is going straight to daycare’: Parents struggle with high cost of child care by Michael Cuglietta with the Orlando Sentinel.
To read the article featuring Winter Park Day Nursery, visit ‘Living diaper to diaper’: Collection to aid parents who cannot afford key baby supply by Michael Cuglietta with the Orlando Sentinel.
Teacher
Ms. Ashley grew up in Kissimmee, Florida and realized that she wanted to work with young children in college. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida. Ms. Ashley completed her practicum with Winter Park Day Nursery and made the decision to begin her career here as well.
“I am excited to be a part of a child’s growth and learning experiences and to make a positive impact every day.”
Teacher
Ms. Denisse graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Education. She was raised here in Orlando and enjoys going to the beach, parks, painting, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
“I enjoy creating bonds with children and watching them hit milestones while seeing their different personalities develop.”
It takes a big heart to teach little minds.
Ms. Ali had the pleasure of participating in the K-Ready Community initiative (https://getkready.com/) since just prior to the global pandemic. In 2022, their group took on a research and planning project funded by Helios Education Foundation. This process resulted in some important key findings and recommendations just published in November 2023. The full report to Key Findings and recommendations can be found here.
This report shows the important findings we must work toward to keep early care and education options viable for all families. With the support of the Early Learning Coalition of Central Florida, funders like Helios Foundation and community advocates, we can help move the needle on increasing awareness in support of the early care and education industry which is the backbone to economic growth in our communities.
Sheets of construction paper receive a healthy dose of glue as chatter, laughs, and occasional shouts fill the classroom at Winter Park Day Nursery. While aspiring young artists create the morning’s art project, instructors and assistants continue a tradition that dates back to 1939. Winter Park Day Nursery was founded during a time when mothers, working at the local citrus packing plant, would need their elementary school-age children to miss classes in order to care for their preschool-age siblings. Elementary school principal, Dr. Nelson Glass, worked with a local church group to create the day school as a means of getting older children back to class and providing younger children with daycare and an educational foundation.
To read the rest, visit The Culture of Caring at WPDN by Jim Carchidi with the32789!
