Semillas Childrens School

WHO WE ARE

Semillas Children’s School is a mixed-age, play based preschool caring for children ages 18 months-4 years of age. We use an emergent curriculum based on the children’s and teacher’s interests. Our rich indoor and outdoor environments allow children the freedom to make choices and provide opportunities to learn problem solving skills and to use their own ideas to create meaningful play. In our safe and supportive space children express themselves freely, take risks, build confidence and positive self-identity. A strong emphasis in social and emotional development builds lasting and loving relationships with peers and teachers where children learn to value the differences among us. We initiate activities to foster a sense of empathy and respect for ourselves, our community and nature. Above all, at Semillas we have a lot of fun learning, exploring and playing together!

OUR APPROACH

PLAY-BASED

Play-Based Approach - In play, children learn to solve their own problems, recognize and negotiate differences, control their impulses, harmonize emotions, see from others’ perspectives, and get along with others as equals. We provide a safe and loving environment with endless time to play, dream, explore, and wonder where children may navigate and experience the world through their own lenses.

MIXED-AGE

Mixed-Age Learning Approach - Children are placed in a diverse family space from years 18 months-4yrs with the same teachers and are allowed to move at their own pace. Creating a structure that allows educators to fit the school to children rather than the children to the school. This approach allows children to learn from one another. Younger children learn from the older ones. Older children become big siblings to their younger playmates creating a family feel. In a mixed age setting, children who may not have siblings get to experience what that feels like.

EXPLORATION

Encourage Exploration - Encouraging children to explore inspires them to care for our world and become stewards of our environment through exploration, discovery and using natural curiosity. Semillas provides a fun learning adventure environment, expanding the children’s idea of school, classroom and learning.

COMMUNITY

Building Community - We recognize how important family and the community is in child development. A child who feels safe, loved, and cared for will reach for the stars! Our approach enables teachers to address the children’s individual needs and work together with their parents as a community to build a strong foundation. We facilitate community building opportunities such as potlucks, cultural celebrations and meet-ups outside of school. Here bonds are formed, our network of support for one another expands and our village is strengthened to hold our children in its arms. Our example teaches our children respect, empathy, compassion, responsibility and how to positively relate to one another.

PHILOSOPHY

Folks often ask, which educational philosophy does Semillas follow? My answer is this, we do things the Semillas way! While we learn about and appreciate the great teachings of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and more, we take the parts that we like, mix in a little extra love, mud, and magic and ta da! The Semillas Way was born. At Semillas school we see each child as a unique individual with their own set of needs, ideas, and feelings. Through play, movement, exploration, and plenty of time to wonder, we see seeds blossom into the most incredible flowers and then when it is their time, we send them off knowing that these flowers will color our world in remarkable ways. At the heart of what we do is play. Our children get messy and never seem to want to leave!

We have a daily routine which our children quickly learn to follow. Every day begins by taking the temperature of the group. If the group temperature says we have outside energy today, we scratch the projects and spend our day outside in the yard or out in nature in our community instead. If the energy is feeling tired and cozy, we’ll have more of an inside day with fun art activities, cozy story times, cooking, baking and more! The skills learned during play are far more important than pushing a teacher-centered agenda on any child. When the play is good- then let the play live on!

MEET SEMILLAS TEACHERS

ELISA PASQUINI

DIRECTOR/LEAD TEACHER

Teacher Elisa (she/they) was born in Brasil and raised in the Bay Area, the daughter of a preschool teacher. During a year-long bicycle journey from Berkeley to São Paulo, she was inspired by children of all walks of life to open her own school—a loving, playful space where kids learn through movement, mud, and music. Elisa believes children are crucial to making the world a better place. In her spare time, she can be found with her family, chasing chickens, playing capoeira, or gardening barefoot.

PAULA PASQUINI

LEAD TEACHER

Teacher Paula (she/her) was born and raised in São Paulo, Brasil, where she began teaching at 16 and never stopped! After earning her Montessori teaching degree, she ran her own daycare for 10 years, then taught preschool in Berkeley for 15 years. She believes children learn best through play in a safe, loving environment. Paula has three grown children, two grandchildren, and a passion for arts, music, storytelling, and cooking. For the past 8 years, she’s been fulfilling her dream of working alongside her daughter at Semillas, building a joyful, caring community of children.

MEAGAN SLAGLE

ASSISTANT TEACHER

Teacher "Tweety" (She/Her) is a person who is kind and enjoys helping children learn to express themselves through words and feelings. She likes to do messy play, sensory play and art with children. When not at school she loves to play Capoeira, practice Spanish, learn to speak Portuguese, and watch movies.