ABOUT US — WE BLOOM PLAYSCHOOL

MISSION

We Bloom cultivates an inclusive and play-based in-home learning community for children. We are dedicated to a cohort-model to build relationships and trust between teachers, children, and families that continues to grow over time. Our program centers around respect, collaboration, community, art, and the environment. We’re passionate about creating an environment that is developmentally appropriate and encourages each child to explore at a pace that feels right for them. We provide a safe space for children to question and learn about who they are and the world around them.

OUR SPACE

PHILOSOPHY

We Bloom Playschool’s approach to learning is a combination of philosophies that align with our values. We are most closely inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. We believe in the power of play and allowing children to help create a program that resonates with them. Learning is meant to be hands-on and messy, and we believe children learn about the world through their senses. Art will be everything from crayons to painting with our feet. Playing in the mud will be encouraged! Sometimes sand will end up in a diaper. Getting outside, regardless of weather, is part of our daily experience. Structures are meant to be built and destroyed. Dancing and singing cultivate joy. Quiet moments are appreciated and needed. Every emotion is valid. All of these are developmentally important and we welcome them here.

Teachers are facilitators, guiding children and encouraging independence as much as possible. We know children are capable and intuitive little beings and treat them as such. We also believe in helping children learn to listen to and trust their bodies. We give them the chance to take physical and mental risks every day. Consent is fundamental to our approach, and we understand and respect the need for bodily autonomy in the earliest years of life. We also believe strongly in trusting children to explore all aspects of their identity, including gender. Teachers stay curious alongside the children, thoughtfully addressing gender and stereotypes while fostering an environment rooted in acceptance, care, and respect.

Community is the heart of our program. Through regular gatherings, accessible resources, and invitations into the classroom, we aim to foster meaningful connections among families, teachers, and children. We also commit to anti-bias education which is reflected in our curriculum and classroom materials. We value our families and the diversity they all bring to our space.

TEACHERS

Caitlin Jones
(She/her)
Teacher/Owner

Over the past thirteen years Caitlin has worked at schools, organizations, and with families that have all led her to her current work and views on education and early childhood development. Caitlin is passionate about supporting children in developmentally appropriate ways that make them feel safe, supported, and encouraged. She has worked with a diverse group of children and families over the years and values an inclusive, community-based program. She graduated from Syracuse University with a business degree and has since gone on to take various trainings and college courses in Early Education/Early intervention. Making her way through both the public and private education systems, she has realized how life altering the right program can be for a child. She recently completed the Childcare Business Academy through MESO, a local nonprofit, and was awarded a grant that helped make We Bloom possible. Caitlin has dreamt of starting her own preschool program for years and is grateful for all the families entrusting her with such important work!

Sophia
(She/her)
Teacher

Sophia and has been working with preschool aged children for the past 9 years. She received her BA in Child Development and is currently working towards a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She’s worked primarily in preschool settings, but has experience teaching kindergarten and working as a learning specialist for children receiving special education services. When she’s not at work, she enjoys reading, checking out new coffee shops, and spending time outdoors.