Join Our talks
Brooklyn Preschool 101
Wednesday May 25th 7 pm - via zoom - 1 hour + Q & A.
This talk explains the early childhood culture in Brooklyn for families of babies and toddlers who don't know where to start. Have people told you that you are already late in applying for school or that you will never get in? Don't listen to them. Get a calm and clear explanation of how things work here so you can be empowered and confident in your choices.
Learn about the differences between preschool and daycare.
What is the difference between preschool and prek?
Early childhood philosophies explained.
Understand the differences between private early childhood programs and ongoing private schools.
Age cutoffs and other curiosities.
What to consider when you are choosing between schools.
Intro to Public School: Pre-K and K
Tuesday June 7th 7 pm - via zoom - 1 hour + Q & A.
This live webinar is a clear eyed translation of the DOE's timelines and procedures plus the insight of an educational consultant, experienced educator and Brooklyn mom.
Kindergarten options and what they mean; zoned, unzoned, charter, magnet and gifted and talented.
How the match works and how to make a thoughtful application
How the Pre-k process is the same and different than K and what is important to know about Pre-k "strategy"
What to look for in a classroom
The timeline and what K can mean for the future
This webinar is appropriate for families in any neighborhood, it is not location specific. I discuss individual schools in private consults.
how i can help you
During Casa Parenting mentoring sessions, we work collaboratively to identify your parenting strengths and challenges, and use this knowledge to develop a plan of action with clear strategies to help you accomplish your goals.
As your parent mentor, I offer support, suggestions, and solutions as parenting situations arise or evolve. Parents will gain new perspectives and skills which they may carry with them as they continue their parenthood journey.
Our sessions can focus on any of the topics below.
Supporting your child’s independence
• Build autonomy in your child’s play.
• Foster confidence and self-esteem in your child.
• Create an organized working space for your child.
• Assess your child’s toy repertoire.
• Declutter play space or bedroom.
Choose furniture that encourages your child’s independence.
Positive
Discipline
• Establish routines for your child.
• Develop healthy habits in your child.
• Set limits and clear rules in a loving way. Prevent and handle challenging behaviors.
• Facilitate healthy sibling relationships.
• Conquer bedtime and mealtime struggles.
Coping
with Covid-19
• Discover how to make remote learning a success for your child.
• Address challenges around attending school in person vs. remote instruction.
• Structure a pod for your family and establish best strategies.
• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a sitter, teacher or tutor.
about me
Education has been my life’s project.
10 years ago, I founded Casa Montessori, a bilingual pre-school serving families in Brooklyn. Consulting with parents about their young children was a natural and rewarding part of my role. Since the arrival of COVID-19, I decided to focus my efforts on coaching parents, using my experience of 20 years as a teacher, director, and mother.
Dana Szarf founded Casa Montessori Pre-school in 2010. She was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She currently lives in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn with her husband and two daughters.
She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Early Childhood Education degree from Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas, Venezuela.Dana received her Montessori training from the Center for Montessori Training and Education. She worked as a Montessori teacher for over 20 years and was the Director of Casa Montessori Pre-school for 10 years. She recently became a Positive Discipline parenting class facilitator. Through her love and passion for early childhood education, she is now helping parents with the challenging task of parenting during these difficult times.
casa PHILOSOPHY
Positive
Discipline
Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen. It is based on the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs and designed to teach young people to become responsible and resourceful members of their communities. Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills such as self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and problem-solving in a manner that is deeply respectful.
Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori Philosophy is centered around building children's independence. Independence promotes confidence in the child as he learns through his own success and explorations. By providing an organized and hands-on environment at home, children will feel more included and productive. As a result, parents experience a calmer atmosphere and purposeful meaning in family life.
Get in touch.
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Get in touch.
Please complete the form below