Basics
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Our Teachers
Hello! I am Jessika Santana, the founder of Bella’s Castle Wonderschool. I was inspired to start my own program because I have loved working with children since I was young. I have 10 years of experience working with young children.
background and experience - not first program, opened another that is still running on 148th st with other directors, in business for over 8 years. worked with other programs in the bronx.
decided to open up her own because of her daughter (wanted to spend more time, wanted to teach what . i was seeing in the programs. wanted to expand that learning to parents who were working and needed quality care for their child.) . get them ready for school! get them ready for life! make sure they’re not intimidated by school setting.
B.A. criminal justice, minor in english; paralegal in immigration issues.
Philosophy
At Bella’s Castle Wonderschool, we believe that children grow, learn, and thrive by feeling safe, loved, and nurtured. It is our goal to provide an environment that makes children feel welcomed and at home. In our program, children will feel genuinely cared for and cherished.
Location
Bella’s Castle Wonderschool is located in a welcoming, beautiful townhouse in the Washington Heights neighborhood.
We’ve designed our care environment with play and learning areas that allow children to explore various developmentally-appropriate activities based on their interests. Some of our favorite areas include art area (for expressing emotions and ideas), block area (for gross motor skills and problem solving), and music and movement area (for physical activity and cultural learning).
Children will have some outdoor time everyday at a local park or playground. Connecting with nature is vital to a child’s happiness and growth.
At Bella’s Castle Wonderschool, I want to provide a loving home away from home.
About our program
favorite activities: blocks –> they love it. it helps them be more productive and be more creative. they make castles, streets; divide by colors, shapes, etc.
follow a weekly planner –> might pick a letter or some of the things happening in the month, also pick a color for the month
bilingual program with a focus on spanish
there is a park nearby, we also during the summer will do a picnic at riverside dr (river bank)
Admissions
Join the Bella’s Castle Wonderschool community in four easy steps:
1. Explore our website
We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.
2. Tour our program
Come see what makes Bella’s Castle Wonderschool unique. Please schedule a tour or attend an Open House event.
3. Submit an Enrollment Application
If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/bella-s-castle-wonderschool-4494/apply – Please note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.
4. Enroll
After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.