Atelier Kids is a new, innovative Miami children’s school designed intentionally, inside and out, so that children feel happy, comfortable and safe.
We believe that children need to be loved and respected above all. With that in mind, we have designed a unique, progressive and holistic educational approach to early childhood education for our community in Miami.
At our school children are encouraged to discover on their own and follow their interests and passions. They will learn through play, art and direct contact with nature, in a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
Our program combines the best of the three main child centered education philosophies: Reggio Emilia daily activities; Montessori materials and Waldorf nature connection.
We would love to have you as a part of our Atelier Kids family and embark on this journey together
Our Values
We believe in education designed to nurture children with a holistic approach, taking into account that every child is unique and has a natural inclination for learning and exploring within a prepared environment in the classroom as well as in nature. We believe in nurturing the children’s innate curiosity and his desire to express himself in a safe and playful setting.
Our school has been envisioned to promote self-esteem, teamwork, a strong sense of community and responsibility with the Earth.
Our Mission
- To offer a unique early childhood educational approach to families that believe in creating a positive impact by nourishing the child as a whole.
- To empower children to express themselves, explore the world, create meaning and challenge their own thinking.
- To nurture children’s self-confidence and independence.
- To offer a safe and loving environment that respects every child’s rhythm and unique qualities.
- To let the children learn through play, art and in nature.
- To incorporate art as a powerful tool in the learning process.
- To observe and offer the appropriate ways to help children expand their learning and development according to their innate interests.
- To create a sense of community through collaboration within the classroom and outside of it with parents and families.
- To support a symbiotic parent-teacher relationship to ease transitions and new experiences for children while encouraging parent participation and involvement in our school.
Our Approach
Learning happens when children feel passionate, motivated, respected and loved. We believe that every aspect of a human being needs to be nurtured: intellect, physical body, emotions and spirit. In connection with these four dimensions, our emergent curriculum is inspired by three of the main child-centered educational approaches:
Montessori, which promotes self-confidence by offering a well-prepared environment where children are free to move and explore materials with the teacher as a guide and observer. Our Montessori inspired classrooms are divided into five different areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and Culture. Following Maria Montessori’s method, we will go from the concrete to the abstract, letting the child explore what interests him to learn during what she calls “the sensitive periods”.
Reggio Emilia, where teachers provide visual documentation of the children’s ideas, hypotheses and theories and use these observations to plan activities and projects. The learning process will occur through “provocations”, using natural materials as well as mirrors, light boxes and projectors. Our school has The Atelier- a Reggio trademark- a room to create art and discover new and unexpected paths to learning.
Waldorf, which emphasizes the nature connection through observing the rhythms of life. This reveals our kinship with all living things and encourage the children to learn from the natural world. This educational approach also gives a special place to fantasy and free play. Our school provides plenty of outdoor space, where children will be able to create and express themselves. Storytelling, oral expression and crafts with natural materials are encouraged.
Mariana Gallardo
Owner
