13501 Community Road, Poway, CA 92064
Elm Park Preschool Academy
We provide a safe and nurturing environment that instills a love for learning and prepares your child for kindergarten.
About Us
Our Mission
Elm Park Preschool Academy provides childcare for children 2-6 years of age in a smaller setting at an affordable price. Our classrooms enrolls a maximum of 12 children per classroom so they receive the attention they need in a safer environment. Our goal is to provide a loving and nurturing environment where your child can enjoy learning through positive experiences and lots of hands on exploration. We offer various fun and enjoyable opportunities for your child to learn and grow. We encourage children to make friends, take turns and learn to problem-solve. We believe encouragement and positive guidance builds a strong foundation for confidence and is vital to your child’s growth upon entering grade school. For children preparing to enter kindergarten, we implement a curriculum (Mother Goose Time and Zoo Phonics) to teach core content standard that is aligned with the state and PUSD standard requirement. Our daily activities also involve a touch of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). At Elm Park, we believe instilling a love for learning provides a head start in your child’s lifelong learning career.
Our teachers are dedicated to Elm Park's mission to prepare children academically, socially, and emotionally to enter the Poway Unified School district.
First-Rate Curriculum
Elm Park Preschool uses Zoo-phonics for phonemic awareness, pre-writing, pre-reading, and spelling skills. Zoo-phonics is aligned with the California state standards and the Poway Unified School District and uses a playful format to teach sequential, developmental, and age-appropriate content. Elm Park also uses Mother Goose Curriculum to teach core content standards and it also aligned with state and PUSD standards. It is an awesome curriculum that makes meaningful connections through studies. A touch of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ARTs and Math) is also incorporated in the studies throughout the entire school year.
Incoming students are observed and/or informally assessed and progress is monitored throughout the year. Elm Park strives to prepare students for the Poway Unified School District while also encouraging the child's natural love of learning in a warm, nurturing environment. Children thrive in our small classes geared for kindergarten readiness.
Dedicated Staff
Elm Park teachers are first aid/CPR certified and have backgrounds in early childhood education. They pass background checks and are encouraged to continue training in the field. Our teachers are trained to use positive reinforcement and redirection in the classroom for behavior modification.
Our teachers are dedicated to Elm Park's mission to prepare children academically, socially, and emotionally to enter the Poway Unified School district.
Meet the Team
Mrs. Denise, Director
Hi. I’m Mrs. Denise. I have been working with children and families since 2001. I received my Associate’s Degree in Child Development at Southwestern College and my Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development at San Diego State University. I began my career working and volunteering at various preschools. While at school, I worked for YMCA Community Resource Services and also substituted for San Diego City Schools. Thereafter, I started my own family daycare. Eventually, I decided to work for Neighborhood House Association’s Head Start Program where I continued on for 11 years. After my ventures, I learned that I genuinely enjoy working with preschoolers and I am overjoyed to be back where I belong. Preschoolers’ sense of wonder brings me so much joy and motivation. I love to watch them develop, progress, and succeed. I believe the preschool years are precious and set the foundation for a child’s love of learning throughout his/her entire life. During these years, learning should be fun, creative, and full of explorations that build a love and desire for learning
Mrs. Elli, Teacher
Miss Elli relocated to San Diego from Germany in 2010, she received her early childhood education at Miramar College. Through play, she believes children can develop better social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain self-confidence which helps them engage in new experiences and different environments.
When not working, Elli enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening, exploring new places & walking. She also enjoys arts and crafts.
Mrs. Modessa, Teacher
Miss Modessa has worked with children since 2004 and has worked in preschools since 2013. Modessa taught in preschools in Anaheim and Fullerton before joining us here at Elm Park in 2018. Miss Modessa obtained her Early Childhood Education Certificate from North Orange County CCD in Anaheim. Miss Modessa uses her exceptional teaching skills and love for children to make a impact in the classroom as she helps children grow and learn. She uses gentle discipline and kindness to shape student behavior. Modessa is married with two children who attend schools in the PUSD. She enjoys socializing with other families in the community and cooking!
Ms. Ariana, Teacher
Miss Ariana has an Associate's Degree in Health and Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She grew up in Poway and initially taught in PUSD for 4 years as well as multiple preschools for 6 years.
Being a teacher has always been in her heart and it brings her so much joy to be able to work and assist with children's developments. She works diligently at adjusting her curriculum based on each child's level of development so children can participate confidently and learn at their own rate-- thus, building them for success. She encourages children to be independent while at school while at the same time providing them with a loving and nurturing environment.
Though she grew up in Poway, she now resides in Northpark with her boyfriend and their 7-year-old daughter. During her spare time, she enjoys eating out, hiking, painting and reading. When given the opportunity, she also enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures and their cuisine.
Ms. Sancharee, Teacher
Mrs. Sancharee has been in the field of early childhood education since 1991. She loves being a teacher and feels the time she spends with children brings her to her "Happy Place." She enjoys watching children's personalities unfold and learn and grow through explorations, full of excitement.
When she's at home, she loves spending time with her family. She has been married for 31 years and together they raised twin boys who are now 31 years old and are getting ready to be married. She also spends a lot of time at her farm, taking care of her animals and garden.
Mrs. Rosalie, Floating Teacher/ Substitute
Miss Rosalie has a long career in education, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Certificate in Early Childhood Education, then she quickly realized how much she loves teaching and making an impact in young students’ lives. Rosalie has served students as a guidance counselor, preschool teacher, preschool director and curriculum coordinator. She received Montessori Training at Teacher Montessori Education Center in San Leandro, CA.
Rosalie believes that children are a gift and a blessing. She loves helping them be the best version of themselves as they learn and grow. Unlocking their potential, encouraging them, and seeing them get something after many attempts is truly her greatest joy!
Miss Rana, Teacher Assistant
Ms.Rana has been working with children since she was a young teenager, but recently decided that working in a preschool is her ultimate passion. She adores young children because they are sweet, innocent and a blast to be around. She loves the idea of play-based learning and believes that children learn best through humor, fun and positive reinforcement. She has been working in a preschool setting for 4 years and majoring in Child Development. She is working towards her bachelor’s degree so she can provide the best experience to children that she is blessed to be around. Her hobbies include hiking, swimming, going to the beach and reading amazing books.
School Calendar
2021-2022
August 18 School Begins
September 6 Labor Day Holiday
Sept 27 Non-Student Day, Professional Growth Day
October 30 Halloween Celebration
November 11 Veterans Day Holiday
November 22 – 26 District Recess
Dec 20-January 1 Winter Break
January 17 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Non-Student Day
January 31 Non-Student Day, Professional Growth Day
February 21 – 25 District Recess
April 11 – 15 Spring Break
May 30 Memorial Day Holiday
June 9 Last Day of School
Typical Daily Schedule
7:30-8:30 Arrival and Free Choice
9:00 Morning Circle
9:15 Wash Hands/Bathroom
9:30 AM Snack/Reading
9:45 Outside Play
10:30 Large Group (Focus Topic, Creative Art, Zoo Phonics)
10:45 Small Group Table Activities/ Learning Stations
11:45 Music and Movement
12:00 Handwashing/Lunch
12:30 End of Part-time Program
12:30 Full-time Children Bathroom/Bedding/Nap Time
2:00 Wake Up/Bedding/Bathroom
2:30 PM Snack
3:00 Afternoon Outside Play
4:00 Table Activities/Work Stations
5:00-5:30 Departures
Summer Program
Summer Program 2022
Come join our summer program! Children will enjoy activities, games, outside play, and interaction. We will also work on gearing up our future TK/Kindergarteners.
Session Dates Summer 2022
June 13th-August 5th, 2022
Enrollment
Our summer enrollment is now full. We hope to see you next summer (2023).