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About UsUnlike many traditional preschools, we spend much of each day exploring and discovering together outside, hands-on the world around us. The Redwing Pond House Preschool provides a child an opportunity to learn in an environment where they are nurtured, supported and challenged at their own pace, while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.
Children and teachers spend much of their time every day exploring the beautiful grounds and trails of the Nature Center. We garden throughout the school year, and enjoy messy projects within the classroom. We also spend a great part of our days exploring and creating in our Natural Playground, where there is no limit to imaginary play and investigation. |
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Developing Skills
The Pond House is a wonderful place for your child to explore outdoors with their peers, but also offers exceptional preparation for life long learning within the beautiful, ‘green’ building. Necessary learning skills are introduced and incorporated into each lesson. Literacy, math, and science, as well as social, gross-motor and fine-motor skills are integrated throughout our days. The Pond House offers a supportive and enriching environment for children to develop the skills necessary for success as they move on to their next steps of learning. |
Learning Together
Teachers support children’s natural curiosity and interests, and learn alongside them. The mixed-age group enables children to also learn from their peers, the younger children learning by example, and the older children gaining confidence by taking the role of the ‘experienced’ peer in many situations. This relationship, where everyone in the class is learning at different levels, allows for wonderful discussion and active learning by all involved. |
Jacqueline Lema, Director / Head Teacher |
“I have always been inspired by the enthusiasm, curiosity, and natural inquisitiveness of young children and have been fortunate to have spent over 20 years working with preschoolers and their families. I hold a degree in Education as well as a Connecticut Director’s Credential and a Head Teacher Certificate granted by the State of Connecticut.
I enjoy gardening, reading, traveling, cheering for my daughter at her soccer games, and exploring outdoors! I am also a professional photographer and spend much of my time outside of the classroom with my camera. I believe that giving children the opportunity to explore in a safe and nurturing environment is a crucial and positive component to encouraging a lifelong love of learning. I am honored to play a part in young children’s education and support their developing relationship with nature and their environment alongside my incredible staff in this unique and exceptional school.” |
Jen Shuart,
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Jen Shuart studied and worked at the UCONN Child Development Laboratories before having children and moving to Ansonia with her husband. After her youngest started Kindergarden, Jen started another new chapter in life by joining the RWPH in December 2012. Jen grew up on a dairy farm (so she isn’t squirmy around scat!), is our resident spider identifier, and makes the World’s Best Key Lime Pie. When she’s not researching spiders varieties or baking, Jen spends her time playing Old Maid with her children Max and Reese, running 5Ks with her dog Pepper, and dragging her husband Josh to see corny 80’s cover bands.
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