Children deserve to learn in beautiful places, full of wonder and excitement, where they can let their imagination take over!
Meet Teacher Danica
Danica came to Canada 20 years ago from Europe, where she was working as a psychologist, working with a variety of challenging cases involving children and adults. After meeting her husband in English class, she made the decision to stay in Canada and start a new life. She decided to start a family, and decided to stay at home with her children. As her children got older, they got to the age of preschool, and there, Danica met her childrenʼs fabulous preschool teacher, who talked her into becoming a preschool teacher. Danica took Montessori and ECE (Early Childhood Education), and later on, she also took training in the Tribes Learning Community. Learning all these different methods and points of view, she realized that the main teaching in all of these philosophies was the vision of a child as an independent, capable self-learner, who will grow and will be eager to learn, as long as teachers prepare an encouraging environment for learning.
Danica believes that through play, creative art, scientific discoveries, and block building, children expand their vocabulary, learn math and solve problems in a respectful way, and become resilient independent learners for life.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” – Albert Einstein
Working closely with parents and children for 3 years in a Parents Participation Preschool, Danica believes that parents play a very important role in their childʼs early learning. Burke Mountain Preschool invites parents to be a part of this exciting process, and with an open door policy, she makes it possible for parents to participate and contribute as much as they would like to in their childʼs growth and learning. Danica believes that Burke Mountain Preschool is not just a preschool, but a place for people to meet and become life-long friends.
Danica is a mother of 2 growing children. She likes to read books, go on enjoyable nature walks with the family dog, and absolutely loves to ski. In the summer time, she also enjoys traveling and going on camping trips with her family.
“My daughter had the pleasure of being taught by Danica at Como Lake Preschool. She is a passionate, caring educator who is dedicated to her students. She encourages her student’s independence and creativity, and also creates an environment of respect and consideration in her classroom. I wouldn’t hesitate
to recommend her to anyone!” – T. Lane
Meet Teacher Chelsea
Chelsea was born and raised in the lower mainland of BC and has called Burke Mountain home since 2016. Chelsea has 4 boys and a farm full of animals. Chelsea has spent the last 12 years being a stay-at-home mom, but then decided to pursue her ECE Certificate. She’s looking forward to completing her program in December 2024!
Chelsea is excited to join the Burke Mountain Preschool team and put her knowledge into play. She’s excited to learn and explore with the children through play.
““Education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings. Only then can we play along in their world.”
“ – Vince Gowman
Family and community are an integral and important part of every child’s early life, and Burke Mountain Preschool is a place where the whole family is welcome, valued and supported.