About UsAt Blue Sky We Believe
* Each child grows and develops at his or her own unique pace. * Children thrive when they are in a safe and nurturing environment. * A thoughtful and prepared environment with abundant choice, honors each child’s learning style. * Relationship between parents, community and nature prepare children to engage in the world in a meaningful, inclusive, and holistic way for the future. |
Michele Jabbari
Michele grew up in a family passionate about nature on the island of Puerto Rico. Steeped in cultural and natural diversity, she snorkeled the coral reefs of the Caribbean, explored the rain forests, and cared for the myriad of animals her family owned. Here her profound appreciation for the beauty and patterns of the natural world took hold.
Today she shares this with the children and community that have become Blue Sky Day School. Along with her current staff, all Bi-Lingual in Spanish, relationships and wonder for the world are celebrated daily. Michele’s dedicated career in Early Childhood Education spans over 25 years as director and lead teacher in a number of East Bay Schools. Drawing on her educational background and experience, Michele opened Blue Sky Day School in 2004. Here she offers a joyful and balanced experience for both families and children in her care. . "Michele has always taken great care in establishing trusting relationships with every child under her care. She closely guides her staff to follow her vision on how early childhood education begins." - Gabriela S “Michele and her team have created a magical environment in which to be a kid ” -Izzy, Krista & Rick |
Philosophy'
At Blue Sky Day School we believe in offering a multi-sensory experience for children where warmth and attention give children the security and confidence to lead their day through a myriad of activities: art, puzzles, dress up, crafts, cooking, indoor and outdoor play. We invite our diverse community of movement, storytelling and music specialists, along with parents to participate in the weaving of this tapestry. In the words of Emilio Reggio, we believe “The environment is the child’s third teacher.” Great care is given in selecting open ended activities to inspire, delight, wonder, and explore. Teachers at Blue Sky Day School invite the imagination and work of the young child to unfold through joy, and in support of a rich social life most of all. We believe that play is the work of the young child, and as such, should be self-initiated as well as self- directed. In this way we hold the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well being of each child. Our learning takes place through active engagement with environment, and in the company of one another. "Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I'll understand." -Native American Proverb |
Curriculum
Our collaborative curriculum encourages empathy and positive social skills. We follow the emergent model of learning which is driven by the children's interests. The teacher is there to assist, support, and ask questions that help each individual construct knowledge while building relationship with their surrounding peers.
At Blue Sky we have carefully selected open-ended toys, learning tools, and recreational areas to ensure the opportunity for fun exploration and stimulation. The discovery of how much rainwater can be collected in a morning, the inherent mathematical spiral in a pinecone, the observation of a cross section of pumpkin under a magnifying glass- these are the kinds of lessons we marvel in. Feathers become studies in beautiful patterns, and mud puddles become living laboratories teaming with vertebrates and invertebrates. Children are immersed organically in the sensory and living world around them. “Michele has set up the school with the highest quality toys made (many of them handmade) of natural materials and beautifully organized. There is every possible type of adventure for the kids. The teachers are of the highest quality and create an atmosphere of nurturing and exploration. It is the perfect little school.” -Jessica W |