Teacher Biographies'
At Mundelein Cooperative Preschool (MCP), we take play seriously! It is through play that children learn the most during their preschool years. Our teachers have degrees in education and actively pursue further enrichment through educational periodicals, seminars and research. We are pleased to introduce you to our staff:
Laura Davenport, Director and teacher for the three-year-olds, graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in early childhood education. She began her career in early childhood special education, and worked with developmentally delayed preschoolers prior to moving to the Mundelein area. She was employed at a social service childcare center affiliated with Children’s Home and Aid Society for seven years, which helped Laura embrace a deeper understanding of child development. During this time Laura had the opportunity to work with children of all age levels, from infants to Kindergarteners. In addition Laura also has extensive experience working on parent education, helping families understand their children’s behavior and stages. Laura, a former MCP parent, joined the MCP staff in 1992. Laura and her family reside in Mundelein.
Teacher Q & A:
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy of education is rooted in several ideologies. Fundamentally, I believe children have an internal timing and pacing to their development that is unique to each child. Just as children don’t walk and talk at the same exact age, we don’t expect our preschoolers to acquire skills in the same time frame. Many factors affect development. Each family is different and provides different types of stimulation and guidance. It is my goal, as children enter my program, to assess their development, taking into account all areas I then design my curriculum to suit their individual needs. Based on research and experience, I believe young children learn differently than their school age counterparts. Young children learn through their senses and experiences. Hands-on exploration is best for a preschooler. Rote memorization of facts is data gathering, and is not knowledge children will retain. Actual experience and repetition is key; it must be concrete and real. I view teachers and parents as facilitators. We provide an enriched, inviting environment in which children feel safe and supported this then allows them to pursue their areas of interest, be stimulated to try new activities and explore new ideas with confidence and curiousity. This type of differentiation is difficult, but research and the growth I see over the school year support this type of learning and planning.
What do you like best about being a part of MCP?
I really enjoy the “cooperative” nature of our school. Working with parents in the classroom really helps me learn about each child, and how they interact with their family. I see parent education as a huge component of our work here. I am able to take time in our busy day to model teaching and parenting strategies, and give helpful tips and advice to each family.
What do you think the children leave MCP with when they go to Kindergarten?
When children leave our school to go on to the next phase in their education, I have faith that we have built a strong foundation of knowledge and experiences. This in turn gives our students the tools for being a successful student. Our approach helps children to develop a love of learning, the ability to ask questions and to express their needs and wants in a productive manner. We want our children to approach each learning experience with confidence, knowing how to handle all the rigors of a classroom environment such as negotiating with others, listening , following directions, and being a positive member of the group. We give each area of development a chance to bloom, following each child’s internal timing and pacing. Our students are not only ready to learn, but know HOW to learn. They have a concrete base of knowledge that sets the stage for all future education and true learning..
I believe our school offers children a chance to grow, learn and develop in a non-competitive environment, where opportunities to enhance their individual development in all areas are present each and every day. Parents are supported, welcomed and involved. The message we want to provide to each of our students is that what they do every day is important, is heard and celebrated. Our nurturing, loving environment gives children a sense of security, so learning occurs naturally; the children have so much fun. Indeed, learning and play go hand-in-hand.
Teacher Q & A:
Did your children attend MCP? Did that influence your decision to teach at MCP?
Both of our daughters are alumni of MCP. In a way yes, it did influence my decision to teach here. My youngest daughter was entering the MWF four’s class when the previous teacher had to take an unexpected leave. I was asked by the director at the time to step in and help out. She was aware of my teaching background and knew that had kept all my credentials current. I always had the utmost respect for the teachers at MCP and honestly was not sure I could measure up—Preschool is very different from Kindergarten. I originally stepped in to help out temporarily and was eventually asked to stay on. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work here ever since.
What do you think children who attend MCP come away with?
MCP students have a sense of comfort and belonging from their first day of class. In addition, our students develop healthy relationships with their peers, and hopefully the ability to continue those relationships as well as foster new ones. We strive to encourage the social and emotional skills every child needs as a foundation to grow and flourish during the elementary school years.
Why should parents enroll their children at MCP?
Each child comes to us with a different personality and background. I strongly believe the entire staff of MCP truly puts each child’s individual needs at the forefront. We always strive to create an inviting atmosphere for each child to feel safe, happy and welcomed. We encourage each child to grow and develop at a rate that is appropriate for them by offering a variety of opportunities for them to participate in and experiment with each and every new skill, both emotionally and intellectually.
What is your favorite part of the school year?
I love the spring because we see the most growth and excitement from all the children. The children are amazed with themselves and incredibly proud of what they have accomplished over the year. They can’t wait to move on and continue to learn while sharing all they know and love.
How do you come up with the curriculum?
Our curriculum is primarily based on the children’s interests. Many times our themes may be extended or shortened based on the dynamics and interest level of the class. We try to introduce each theme in an age appropriate, true-to-life and engaging way. Many topics and themes will be revisited each year or stage throughout the children’s educational career and you will find that each time they will take away something new and thought provoking. We focus on what a typical three or four year old will take away from each theme throughout the curriculum. Laura Davenport, our 3's teacher, and I often collaborate and research new ideas to incorporate into our curriculum.
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