Downey Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten

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Melissa Egan

Melissa Egan started teaching the Tadpoles at Downey in 2007 after seven years of being a co-op parent. Her past experience, including being a preschool teacher from toddlers to four-year-olds and a grade school volunteer, make her a great fit for the Downey team. As a co-op parent, she held a variety of positions, including president, and served on the board of ICPC. Melissa has a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Western Kentucky University and received specialized training in early childhood education at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Melissa is a calming presence in the classroom and enjoys building relationships with the parents. She loves being in nature, spending time with her family, and laughing as often as possible.

Mindy Dant

Mindy Dant began her experience at Downey as a co-op parent when her oldest child was part of the Polliwog class. She has held roles as class rep, president, co-president, and treasure before teaching the Frogs‘ class. She is a graduate of Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduation she spent six years teaching kindergarten. Mindy whole-heartily believes in the “learn through play” motto and cooperative model of Downey. She works to create activities and experiences that encourage children to inquire, explore, and play freely. Mindy enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, being in nature, going on bike rides, and discovering new and interesting children’s books.

Angie Lacy

Angie Lacy serves as our Polliwog and Lily Pad teacher. She has been a pediatric Occupational Therapist for 25 years; specializing in the birth to 3 population. She currently also works for the Indiana First Steps program. Angie has a long time affiliation with Downey Cooperative Preschool; attending Downey herself as a child and as a co-op parent for her 4 children. As a co-op parent, she held a variety of positions including president, secretary, and membership chairperson. Angie also founded and runs a non-profit organization called Project Play, Inc. which provides toys and books to children who need them. She has a strong belief in the power of learning through play.

Triết lý

Downey Cooperative Preschool is located in the heart of Indianapolis’s historic Irvington district and has a simple and happy philosophy — children, parents, and teachers go to school together. Everyone learns from one another in a positive, nurturing environment.

Our cooperative preschool is a parent-run, non-profit organization. We offer families an affordable program and the opportunity to work alongside other parents on creative and challenging projects.

Downey provides an environment in which children are guided in their individual growth and development. We place a special emphasis on helping children build self-identity and social interaction skills. All activities and equipment are designed to integrate into each child’s individual learning path.

Downey Cooperative Preschool is a member of the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives.

Downey has been serving Indianapolis’ children and their families for more than forty years!

Địa điểm

Historic Irvington!

Về chương trình của chúng tôi

Downey Cooperative Preschool is located in the heart of Indianapolis’s historic Irvington district and has been serving children and their families for more than forty years!

Our “learn-through-play” curriculum is based on Montessori and Reggio philosophies that are developmentally appropriate and focus on the whole child — including academics, social skills, and physical skills.