741 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Young children are naturally curious and eager to learn. Winter Park Day Nursery’s science program supports and encourages this desire through scientific inquiry. Children are given opportunities to explore, predict, experiment and share their findings in a safe environment. Teachers provide materials that spark children’s imagination and curiosity, then ask questions that encourage students to think and explore.
Winter Park Day Nursery’s students experience both indoor and outdoor activities to enhance their gross and fine motor skills. Simple tasks that develop hand-eye coordination, whole body movement, balance and control are set up daily on the playground and in classroom centers. Children have opportunities to practice skills and challenge themselves under the watchful eye of a caring teacher.
Young children develop competency in their abilities along with an understanding of emotions and empathy towards others. Winter Park Day Nursery follows the Conscious Discipline character-development program developed by Dr. Becky Bailey. Classroom rules are based on safety, a feeling of belonging and being recognized as a valuable member of the group. Children learn that they are important as they help keep the classroom safe and running smoothly by doing simple jobs and reminding each other of the rules. Teachers help children develop conflict resolution skills and work toward win-win solutions.
Mathematical thinking includes not only number concepts, but also understanding patterns, relationships and mathematical processes. Our teachers use manipulatives and real-life mathematical problems throughout the day to help children develop an understanding of concepts such as time and measurements.
Literacy is not an either-or phenomenon. It is a gradually emerging competency. The International Reading Association lists five phases of literacy development beginning at birth. Our programs help children develop through the phases of Awareness, Exploration, Experimental Reading and Writing to gain the understanding of print that is necessary before learning to read.
Kitchen Manager – kitchen@wpdaynursery.org
Ms. Shirley has a culinary arts credential from Lake Technical School and taught culinary arts at Umatilla High School. Ms. Shirley encourages the children to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, prepares almost everything from “scratch”, and limits serving processed foods.
“The best thing I like about working at WPDN is the way everyone pulls together as a team. I also enjoy watching the children progress as they learn from the very dedicated teaching staff.”
Program Director – megan@wpdaynursery.org
Ms. Megan has worked with children since she was a senior in high school. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in social work and she also has her CDA. When Ms. Megan is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, reading, and dancing.
She truly believes, “A person’s a person no matter how small.” Dr. Seuss
Alessandra (Ali) DeMaria, M.A.,
Executive Director, Winter Park Day Nursery, Inc.
Ali DeMaria grew up in Colorado where she attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. After moving to Florida and working in the hospitality field, Ali sought a more meaningful work experience, bringing her to the Winter Park Day Nursery (WPDN). She was hired in 2005 as a teacher assistant in the two – year old classroom and soon had earned her Florida Child Development Staff Credential through coursework at Seminole State College. After taking on progressively more administrative duties at the day nursery, Ali was encouraged to further her education. She graduated from Rollins College’s Master of Arts degree program in Mental Health Counseling, while also earning a Certificate in Relationship and Family Therapy. While working on her counseling degree, Ali created the Family and Behavior Services position at WPDN. She was promoted to Director of Education in 2010. At this time, she began working toward her Advanced Level Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential, which she earned from the Florida Department of Children and Families. In late 2011 Ali accepted a promotion to the chief executive role of the Winter Park Day Nursery and continues to serve in this capacity. In 2013 she earned a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Rollins College Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership Center.
Ali has worked diligently to increase Winter Park Day Nursery’s profile in Central Florida as the source for high quality care and education and also for its commitment to empowering all children and families to work toward a stronger, safer, healthier community. She is accomplishing this through her involvement in the Orange County League of Women Voters where she actively serves on the Education and Speakers Committees. In 2014 she also became a member of the Rotary Club of Winter Park, where she actively serves on both the Club Service and Community Service Committees. She also is a graduate of Leadership Winter Park (Class XXII), a program of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce that identifies and promotes potential leaders from the business community by offering a behind the scenes look at and study of the critical issues and challenges facing Winter Park. She remains involved in the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce as an active Leadership Alumni. She also has served as a member of the Florida Department of Children and Families Childcare Advisory Committee and the Orlando Tech Early Childhood Education Program Advisory Committee.
Ali has been married to her husband, Geoff, since 2008. Their son, Dillon, was born in April 2012.
Every month WPDN shares a newsletter with our families about what is happening at the school. This newsletter is posted on our website. Please feel free to check in on the website every now and then to get caught up on the little things happening at our amazing school! The parent newsletter can be found under the “Families” tab.
WPDN receives 0.5% of the cost of each eligible purchase through AmazonSmile.
If you want to donate items we use regularly to the school, you can do so through our Amazon Wish List!
WPDN is now equipped to receive gifts of Stock! There is now a link on our website with more information on how to use a gift of stock and other securities to invest in the future of the children at WPDN!
Easy ways to donate to WPDN:
Using eBay + eBay for Charity = WPDN donations
Visit charity.ebay.com for details.
To make a monetary contribution or to become a monthly donor by selecting “show my support by making this a recurring donation”, click here.
Executive Director – exec@wpdaynursery.org
In 2003, Ms. Ali graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and earned her Florida Child Development Associate Equivalency from Seminole Community College in 2005. Ms. Ali received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Rollins College in 2010, where she also earned a certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy. In July 2011 she received her Advanced level Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families. In 2013, Ms. Ali earned her certificate in Non Profit Management from the Rollins Philanthropy and Non Profit Leadership Center. Ms. Ali joined the staff of the Winter Park Day Nursery in January 2005 and has accepted roles of increasing responsibility over the course of her time at the Nursery.
