Our Philosophy & History
Sequoia Parents Nursery School's primary philosophy is that play, especially with playmates, is one of the most important experiences of childhood and through it children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and socially. Play is the work of children and from play they learn and grow. SPNS offers a large in-door and outdoor space, complete with age-appropriate toys and games, so that children can get down to the business of play.
SPNS also offers daily structure, including regular opportunities for the child to bond with the teacher, learn to share, listen in a group setting and develop new skills by participating in hands-on art, science and cooking projects. SPNS has successfully prepared children for admission to kindergarten for over forty years.
SPNS also offers education to parents immediately following their workday in Explorers and Pre-K and during class every other week in Sprouts. The Teacher guides discussions about the parents' observations of the children and parenting topics, such as child development and modeling good communication skills. SPNS fosters fellowship between member families by providing social opportunities throughout the year, including, an ice cream social, harvest potluck, holiday pageant, spring egg hunt, camping trip and moms' nights out.
Anghelika Elliott Maddalena
Administrative Director
Anghelika joined SPNS in the Fall of 2011 as the Administrative Director. Originally from Athens, Greece, she received her BA from Bennington College, Vermont. Since moving to California in the early '90s, she received her early childhood education certification, raised two children, and has been teaching preschoolers - and their parents - on and off for the last 15 years. She also brings 10 years of experience as Director of the children's programs at a local church in Palo Alto. She is genuinely committed to supporting the cooperative community experience at SPNS - a place that is safe and nurturing for all families.
Teacher Nancy
An SPNS alumnus, Nancy Martin, teaches both the Explorers and Pre-K classes along with an afternoon Creative Arts class in the spring. Teacher Nancy has earned both a Single Subject teaching credential in English and Drama at UC Santa Barbara, a Special Education teaching credential and Master's degree in Education at San Francisco State University as well as an Early Childhood Education Certificate at Canada College. She has taught high school for seven years at South San Francisco High and currently teaches drama at Carlmont High in the afternoon. Nancy was the director of SPNS for ten years and has been a teacher for twelve years. She is delighted to be able to teach both the wonderful children and their parents at SPNS.
Teacher Catherine
An SPNS alumnus, Catherine Heller, teaches the Sprouts Program for two year olds. Teacher Cathy earned a Multiple Subject teaching credential at UC Davis and for fifteen years taught second through fifth grade in the Mt. Diablo and South San Francisco Unified School Districts. In 2005, Teacher Cathy helped pioneer SPNS's Sprouts Program, returning to the classroom and her first love, teaching pre-school aged children.
Non-Discriminatory Policy
SPNS does not discriminate based on color, race, religion, creed, national origin or sex in the admission of members or students, in the operation of the corporation or any of its activities.
