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Our Teachers
Victoria Joy “Mz Thor” Director of de La Madre Daycare
RN, MSN, CDA credential (in progress)
BLS, Certified Positive Discipline Classroom Educator
Although Thor is a natural leader and educator, she also has the appropriate education & experience to support her community endeavors as evidenced by her Master’s in Nursing Education and a Child Development Associate Credential (in progress).
She is a community health nurse (10+ years as a registered nurse), as well as doctoral candidate for community health nursing to research the implementation of ‘nature play’ as a developmentally-appropriate learning tool to reduce the rates of overweight & obesity in Texas children ages 2-5 years old.”
She is a full-time mother and utilizes all these experiences to inform “De La Madre Daycare;” which is much more than a daycare, but it is a community for young children with the fundamental values of nature, free play, community and simplicity.
Deyfilia Mora “Mz Dey” Teacher
BLS, pediatric first aid
Dey is the mother to one beautiful son and boasts years of experience working with young children. Her background as a mother and early childhood educator inform the way in which she engages with the children. She is full of energy and loves being active with the children.
LaNia Ellis “Mz Nia” Teacher
Nia brings lots of experience to the classroom. She loves to teach the children through play and interaction. She is a great storyteller who always captivates her audience. She contributes thoughtful art projects for the kids.
Philosophy
At our nurturing home-based daycare, we believe children can reach highest potential when engaged in FREE PLAY in NATURE within a COMMUNITY where they belong. Our SIMPLE daily rhythm allows for just and more; including building confidence from predictable schedule, working together, etc.
Our outdoor learning environment is informed by the 12 best practice indicators developed b the Natural Learning Initiative at North Carolina State University. Our spectacular playground offers sandbox nature fort , sensori-scape, garden center, tricycle track and so much more!. It also offers a host of climbing structures (stumping steps, ropes, tires, ramps, climbing wall, etc) designed for gross motor development in the young child.
Although much of our day is spent in nature…we have a nurturing and cozy indoor space. Our child-centered daycare boasts beautiful Waldorf-inspired play areas where creativity & imaginative play is sparked in every corner.
Location
Located in East Austin but only 10 minutes from downtown. Providing a natural, child-friendly & slow-paced oasis in a bustling urban city. We are located within a couple of blocks from several nature trails such as Red Bluff Preserve, which is great for our daily nature walks.
About our program
De La Madre (of the Mother) Daycare creates a community for young children which fosters free play and nurtures connection to nature. It is safe & simple environment where children can feel as though they belong.
We believe that structured academics has NO place in early childhood, we allow plenty of play-based learning to unravel organically in a natural environment. Mother Earth is the best place to facilitate these events and our rustic daycare environment is primarily outdoors to do just this. Our outdoor learning environment is informed by the 12 best practice indicators developed b the Natural Learning Initiative at North Carolina State University.
Here are just a few of the ways they will learn through playful exploration through the lens of nature:
-Sensory play with water, dirt and sand -Fine and gross motor skill development through outdoor free play -Natural cycles such as weather pattern, seasons, moon cycles & more -Gardening & animal care -Food awareness through gardening & snack preparation -Promotes physical activity
We implement the method of positive discipline, as created by Dr Jane Nelson; “To create a peaceful world by teaching Positive Discipline social emotional life skills for respectful relationships.”