We still have some space in our upcoming Clay Workshop.

Posted on June 11, 2015 by reggioinspirations

We still have some space in our upcoming Clay Workshop.

 Integrating Clay into the Classroom and Curriculum: 

A hands on Exploration of Clay

Saturday, June 20th, 2015 9am to 3pm $100.00 Clay reg form

Presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Shirley Vien

  • What is the alphabet of clay?
  • How can clay support literacy?
  • How is clay used to represent children’s ideas?
  • How is clay introduced to the children?
  • How does the use of clay expand and deepen the curriculum?
  • How does clay become a tool for collaboration?

This Workshop includes the price of 25LB of clay that participants can take back to their centers.

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Branches Clay Workshop Date Change

Posted on May 23, 2015 by reggioinspirations

We still have some space in our upcoming Workshops.

Please note the important DATE CHANGE  for the Clay Workshop which will now be on June 20th.

Viewing the World through Our Lens: A Journey Through Photography and Transformation   New Workshop

Saturday May 30th 9am to 3pm  $75.00 Branches_spring_2015_Reg_Form

Presented by Iwonka Dziag and Laila Hussain

  • What is the language of photography?
  • How can photography support literacy?
  • How is photography used to represent children’s ideas and uncover children’s theories?
  • How is photography introduced to the children?
  • How does photography alter our understandings of the world?
  • How does this language support children’s imagination?
  • How does the use for clay expand and deepen the curriculum?
  • How does photography support poetic language?

 Integrating Clay into the Classroom and Curriculum: 

A hands on Exploration of Clay

Saturday June 20th 9am to 3pm $100.00 Branches_spring_2015_Reg_Form

Presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Shirley Vien

  • What is the alphabet of clay?
  • How can clay support literacy?
  • How is clay used to represent children’s ideas?
  • How is clay introduced to the children?
  • How does the use of clay expand and deepen the curriculum?
  • How does clay become a tool for collaboration?

This Workshop includes the price of 25LB of clay that participants can take back to their centers.

About the presenters

 

Patricia Hunter McGrath is the Executive Director/Atelierista of  Branches Atelier in Culver City, California.  Over the past 19 years she has developed an innovated early childhood program inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. From 2005 to 2007 Patricia developed the role of the Atelierista at Bold Park Community School in Perth, Australia. From 1998 to 2005 she was the Atelierista at Evergreen Community School where she developed a unique approach to children’s symbolic languages. Using clay, wire, paint, dance, etc. children enter into relationship with the materials and express, clarify and modify their ideas and theories. She also taught at the Growing Place in Santa Monica for 7 years. Patricia is an artist and has over 20 years experience in Early Childhood Education.  Patricia has taught the Reggio Emilia Class at Santa Monica College and at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia.  Patricia graduated with a Masters degree in Human development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. She also speaks at conferences throughout the United States and abroad and has visited Reggio Emilia, Italy six times.  She is also a contributing author of the book In the Spirit of the Atelier published by Davis Press and Insights and Inspiration from Reggio Emilia also published by Davis Press.

Christina Bianchi is a preschool teacher and environmental atelierista at Branches Atelier. Prior to becoming an educator at Branches Atelier, Christina worked as the Program Director for The Children’s Nature Institute bringing her passions for teaching, children and promoting environmental literacy to the agency. In addition to overseeing both the design and implementation of all new education programs and curricula; Christina also worked with Development staff on grants related to program development, managed a staff of Environmental Educators and coordinated and implemented volunteer training.

Joshua Castillo attended Pacific Oaks College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development with a minor in Social Change.  A student of the Early Childhood Field for over 20 years, Joshua has sought to provide information and support to families, which will enhance their journey through life.  Joshua taught at Evergreen Community School and trained new staff for eleven years. She also was the director and teacher of Hill & Dale Infant/Toddler Family Learning Center.  She has a passion for learning with children with special rights, as well as a wide range of age groups. Joshua firmly believes that formal education merely enhances the foundation created by family.  A long time collaborator with Patricia, it is with great enthusiasm that she has found an opportunity to work alongside her.

Shirley Vien is a preschool and toddler teacher at Branches Atelier. Shirley graduated California State University of Northridge with a degree in Family Studies. She was the Program Associate of a non-profit literacy program called Jumpstart that serves children and their families in low-income areas. Shirley was part of Jumpstart for 5 years in the San Fernando Valley. Shirley was also teaching/caring in the infant room at Bright Horizons for two years. Prior to coming to Branches full time Shirley also participated in developing a Reggio-inspired Christian-based program in Boyle Heights with Professor Wilbur from East Los Angeles Community College and her colleagues. With the love of children etched in her bones, Shirley is passionate about understanding children, how they see, learn and interpret their world.

Iwona Dziag has been a teacher at Branches Atelier for two years. Prior to her venture into Reggio-inspired environments, she taught preschool at the Children’s Center at Caltech in Pasadena for over five years. Iwona holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Linguistics from UC Berkeley and is currently working towards a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at Cal State Northridge. Iwona is passionate about creating dialogic spaces for children where they feel safe and empowered to exchange and negotiate experiences, ideas and perspectives.

Laila Hussain received her BA from Loyola University in Chicago. She then went on to earn her Early Childhood Education Certificate from Santa Monica College. While studying, she discovered a passion for providing children with the opportunity to truly be a child; giving them time to explore, play, wonder, make choices, feel emotions, express ideas and be loved. Recently her interests include researching children’s strategies for connecting ideas and language that cultivates collaboration in the classroom.

For more information about upcoming workshops please visit: www.ReggioInspirations.com

This is the best resource and quickest way to be informed of all upcoming workshops.

For more information about Branches Atelier please visit: www.BranchesAtelier.com

To secure your space, please download the registration form Branches_spring_2015_Reg_Form and mail it in with your payment.

 

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Branches Atelier Preschool/Toddler Teacher Position

Posted on May 19, 2015 by reggioinspirations

Branches Atelier Preschool/Toddler Teacher Position 

Branches Atelier is an innovative, dynamic preschool with a home-like quality, nestled in a beautiful campus in Culver City, California. We are looking for an energetic, passionate, creative, warm, friendly, nurturing and self-motivated teacher to join our Reggio inspired learning community.

Prospective applicants should have a BA in ECE or related field, strong child development background, and at least two years of early childhood experience. We are willing to consider a teacher who holds their teacher permit with 3 to 5 years experience.

Salary & Benefits: $17 – $22 per hour, based on education and experience

Start Date: Possibly July 2015, or no later than September 2015

All applicants must have:

  • A passion for teaching and life long learning.
  • An interest in learning Branches philosophy and values.
  • A commitment to developing a strong and dynamic learning community for children and parents.
  • Knowledge and experience with social constructivism and the Reggio approach.
  • An interest in using creative materials with young children.
  • Strong collaborative and communication skills.
  • Openness for feedback and self-reflection.
  • Great writing skills.
  • A commitment to professional development.
  • An innovative, creative and open mind.
  • A genuine passion and commitment to quality education for children.
  • Computer literate using Mac computers and software.
  • Availability to work approximately 30 to 38 hours/week.

If you are interested in this position, please proceed by submitting the following materials:

 

Visit our website at www.branchesatelier.com so you can learn about our school. Write a cover letter that explains why you are interested in working with us, why you became a teacher, what kind of person you are, what are your interests and what brings you joy.

Along with your cover letter please email your resume to: patricia@branchesatelier.com Incomplete submissions will be deleted.

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Branches Atelier 4 Week Summer Camp Teacher Position Available

Posted on February 19, 2015 by reggioinspirations

Branches Atelier 4 Week Summer Camp Teacher Position Available

Branches Atelier is a multi-classroom preschool with the feel of a home, nestled in a beautiful campus in Culver City, California. We are looking for a teacher to join our Reggio inspired learning community.

We would like prospective applicants to have their ECE units and at least two years of early childhood experience.

All applicants must have:

  • A passion for teaching
  • A commitment to developing a strong and dynamic learning  community for  children and parents.
  • Knowledge and experience with social constructivism and the Reggio approach.
  • An interest in using creative materials with young children
  • Strong collaborative and communication skills
  • An innovative, creative and open mind
  • A genuine passion and commitment to quality education for children

Approximately 30 hours/week June 29, 2015 –July 24, 2015

Salary: $18-$22 per hour

Please contact Becky: Becky@BranchesAtelier.com

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Branches Atelier Preschool/Toddler Teacher Position Available

Posted on February 19, 2015 by reggioinspirations

Branches Atelier Preschool/Toddler Teacher Position Available

Branches Atelier is a multi-classroom preschool with the feel of a home, nestled in a beautiful campus in Culver City, California. We are looking for a teacher to join our Reggio inspired learning community.

Prospective applicants should have a BA in ECE or related field, strong child development background, and at least two years of early childhood experience. We would be willing to consider a teacher who has their teacher permit and 3 to 5 years experience. All applicants must have:

  • A passion for teaching
  • A commitment to developing a strong and dynamic learning community for children and parents.
  • Computer literate using Mac computers and software
  • Knowledge and experience with social constructivism and the Reggio approach.
  • An interest in using creative materials with young children
  • Strong collaborative and communication skills
  • Great writing skills
  • A commitment to professional development
  • An innovative, creative and open mind
  • A genuine passion and commitment to quality education for children

Approximately 30 hours/week

Salary: $18-$22 per hour + Benefits

Please contact Becky: Becky@BranchesAtelier.com

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1401157382215The paintings of Patricia Hunter McGrath  from three series of works, Flow, Interconnected and Memories of Place, will be on display at Fritto Misto in Santa Monica from June 1, 2014 – September 20, 2014.

If you would like to attend the reception on June 1st please click here to register.

 

For more information about Patricia’s work please visit: PatriciaHunterMcGrath.com

Posted on May 28, 2014 by reggioinspirations | Leave a comment

About Mary Hartzell

Posted on May 28, 2014 by reggioinspirations

Hi Wonderful Teachers and Friends,

I have always believed that in a community you help each other out. Mary needs our help. For over 30 years Mary has dedicated  her life supporting children and families all over California, Let’s give back to her with our support.

Love,Tricia

Please forward to anyone you can.

Hi, Friends.  I’m on the team to outreach in support of raising funds for Mary Hartzell’s long term care and forgive me if you’ve already received this from others working to support her.  For me, Mary really impacted my professional growth over the many years as colleagues working together and the community reaps the benefits of what she has taught her teachers and families. All of which makes this news so sad though her gifts will keep on giving.  With that, below is a little blurb from the website and the link for your gift of giving, if you so choose, with Mary in mind.  Feel free to forward this on.  Every little bit helps.

xo Gratefully, Roleen

  

Raising money to support long-term care for Mary Hartzell, Director of First Pres Nursery School.

After more than 30 years as Director of First Presbyterian Nursery School,  Mary is about to retire, and just when she should be relaxing, planning trips and basking in the glow of all her successes, she’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Together we can help make Mary’s retirement years as comfortable and stress-free as possible by contributing to a protected trust which will support her long-term care needs not covered by her insurance. Any unused monies will revert to First Pres as a scholarship fund in Mary’s name.

We have all benefited from Mary’s wisdom, insight, vision and compassion for many wonderful years. Join us in honoring this amazing woman with the same determination and passion she showed our children and us for so many years. Let’s put our love and gratitude into action.

Here is the link: http://gfwd.at/Qg2V6u

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“An Ounce of Prevention” Safety Presentation 4/30/14

Posted on April 29, 2014 by reggioinspirations

Branches Atelier and Safely Ever After present :

“An Ounce of Prevention”

A Safety Presentation for Parents and Caregivers

By Pattie Fitzgerald, founder of Safely Ever After

When: Wednesday April 30th, 2014 7:oo PM

Where: The Westchester Community Room 

7166 W. Manchester Ave. Westchester, CA 90045

Cost: $50 per person

——————————————————————-

Learn how to keep your family safe with effective, child-friendly language and concepts…    in a non-fearful manner!

 Presented in an upbeat style with a positive approach, this comprehensive safety presentation has been successfully presented at schools, community organizations, and Fortune 500 companies throughout the United States.

This topic covers speaking to and empowering your children to protect themselves against “tricky” people/sexual predators.

Features include: 

  • The Super-Ten “Safe-Smarts” Rules for Kids and Grownups
  • How a parent can recognize a “Tricky Person”
  • 10 Prevention Strategies for pro-active parents
  • 12 Most Common Lures & Tricks a Predator Uses a.k.a. “beating ‘em at their own game”
  • 15 Red Flags and Warning Signs
  • Parent Guidelines & language for talking to children in an effective, non-fearful manner

Plus:

  • The myth of “stranger-danger”
  • Identifying the Grooming Tricks of a child predator BEFORE he strikes
  • Protecting kids from people they: “know, don’t know, or know just a little bit”
  • Establishing appropriate personal boundaries for those who interact with your children
  • Information on Megan’s Law in California

 

*Pattie Fitzgerald is recognized as a leading expert in the field of childhood sexual abuse prevention.  She is a former preschool teacher and certified Child Visitation Monitor, in addition to her certification as a Child Safety Educator and Level One Agent through the National Security Alliance/Kid-Safe Network.   Pattie has also worked as the original Community Outreach Educator for the national child advocacy agency, Parents For Megan’s Law.   In 2007, Pattie became a guest instructor for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s M.E.R.I.T. program and her workshops and curriculum are used at schools throughout the United States.  She has been featured on Good Morning America, ABC World News, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, and local Los Angeles television and radio news programs.   Pattie is also the author of the recently published children’s book, “NO TRESPASSING – THIS IS MY BODY!” which has received strong praise from pediatricians, parents and educators across the country.    She is a member of the American Professional Society On The Abuse of Children and the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners.

 

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Branches Atelier Presents “An Ounce Of Prevention”

Posted on March 19, 2014 by reggioinspirations

Branches Atelier and Safely Ever After present :

“An Ounce of Prevention”

A Safety Presentation for Parents and Caregivers

By Pattie Fitzgerald, founder of Safely Ever After

When: Wednesday April 30th, 2014 7:oo PM

Where: The Westchester Community Room 

7166 W. Manchester Ave. Westchester, CA 90045

Cost: $50 per person

——————————————————————-

Learn how to keep your family safe with effective, child-friendly language and concepts…    in a non-fearful manner!

 Presented in an upbeat style with a positive approach, this comprehensive safety presentation has been successfully presented at schools, community organizations, and Fortune 500 companies throughout the United States.

Features include: 

  • The Super-Ten “Safe-Smarts” Rules for Kids and Grownups
  • How a parent can recognize a “Tricky Person”
  • 10 Prevention Strategies for pro-active parents
  • 12 Most Common Lures & Tricks a Predator Uses a.k.a. “beating ‘em at their own game”
  • 15 Red Flags and Warning Signs
  • Parent Guidelines & language for talking to children in an effective, non-fearful manner

Plus:

  • The myth of “stranger-danger”
  • Identifying the Grooming Tricks of a child predator BEFORE he strikes
  • Protecting kids from people they: “know, don’t know, or know just a little bit”
  • Establishing appropriate personal boundaries for those who interact with your children
  • Information on Megan’s Law in California

 

*Pattie Fitzgerald is recognized as a leading expert in the field of childhood sexual abuse prevention.  She is a former preschool teacher and certified Child Visitation Monitor, in addition to her certification as a Child Safety Educator and Level One Agent through the National Security Alliance/Kid-Safe Network.   Pattie has also worked as the original Community Outreach Educator for the national child advocacy agency, Parents For Megan’s Law.   In 2007, Pattie became a guest instructor for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s M.E.R.I.T. program and her workshops and curriculum are used at schools throughout the United States.  She has been featured on Good Morning America, ABC World News, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, and local Los Angeles television and radio news programs.   Pattie is also the author of the recently published children’s book, “NO TRESPASSING – THIS IS MY BODY!” which has received strong praise from pediatricians, parents and educators across the country.    She is a member of the American Professional Society On The Abuse of Children and the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners.

Space is limited, to ensure a space please download the registration form and mail in your payment to: Branches Atelier 11359 W. Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90066

Contact: Reservations@BranchesAtelier.com

Download the flyer for your school

Download the registration form          

For more information about Safely Ever After visit www.SafelyEverAfter.com

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Lessons from Reggio Emilia: At Bright Start Santa Barbara

Posted on March 5, 2013 by reggioinspirations

Exploring Literacy in a Reggio Inspired Classroom $75

Where:  Bright Start Child Development Center 

1617 Anacapa St.

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 963-2024

www.brightstartonline.com

 

When: Saturday, April 20th 9:00am-3:00pm

Presented by: Patricia Hunter McGrath

  • • How is literacy integrated throughout the classroom?
  • • How are storybook journals introduced to the children?
  • • How does the use of story expand, deepen and extend the curriculum?
  • • How does poetry and poetic language support the children’s creativity and    imagination?
  • • How are the techniques of poetry introduced to the children and parents?
  • • Why do we support a culture of oral storytelling?
  • • What are the techniques of oral storytelling?
  • • Why do children weave archetypes throughout their storytelling?
  • • How can parents support literacy at home?

Environment as a Third Teacher $45

When: Saturday, May 4th 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Workshop will be held at two nearby locations:

Morning Session – First Congregational Church 2101 State St., SB, CA 93105

Afternoon Session – Bright Start: 1617 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Presented by Marcela Caceres

  • • How does the environment support individual and group experiences?
  • • How can the function of an Atelier be incorporated into the classroom?
  • • What are the organizational considerations?
  • • How are the natural materials incorporated into the environment?
  • • How are the “Hundred Languages of Children” introduced into the classroom and into the outdoor environment?

 

About the Presenters:

Patricia Hunter McGrath

Patricia is currently the Director/Atelierista of Branches Atelier. Over the past 14years she has developed an innovated early childhood program inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. From 2005 to 2007 Patricia developed the role of the Atelierista atBold Park Community School in Perth, Australia. From 1998 to 2005 she was the Atelierista at Evergreen Community School where she developed a unique approach to children’s symbolic languages. Using clay, wire, paint, dance, etc. children enter into relationship with the materials and express, clarify and modify their ideas and theories. She also taught at the Growing Place in Santa Monica for 7 years. Patricia is an artist and has over 20 years experience in Early Childhood Education. Patricia has taught the Reggio Emilia Class at Santa Monica College and at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. Patricia graduated with a Masters degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. She also speaks at conferences throughout the United States and abroad and has visited Reggio Emilia, Italy six times. She is also a contributing author of the book In the Spirit of the Atelier published by Davis Press and Insights and Inspiration from Reggio Emilia also published by Davis Press.

 

Marcela Caceres

With 30 years of experience in working with children, she holds a degree in EarlyChildhood Education from Buenos Aries, Argentina. Marcela Caceres has been the owner/director of Bright Start Child Development Center in Santa Barbara for nearly 20 years. She has implemented the Reggio Approach at her school for several years, visited Reggio Emilia, Italy and leads workshops related to the Reggio Approach in California. She is also a member of NAREA (North American Reggio Emilia Alliance). Her passion is creating environments where children are respected, loved and able to achieve their highest potential. To register for one or both of the workshops please click on the link below, print out the registration form and mail in your payment payable to Bright Start to the address on the form.

Reggio Workshops flyer & registration form

Thank you!

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