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Simone Nielsen - Director, Teacher
- Nurturing Preschool Writers
- Enhancing Literacy
- Conflict Resolution Strategies
- Thematic Units for Preschool
- Boys and Girls Do Learn Differently
- Teaching in the Integrated Setting
- Crises and Challenges
- Preparing for Preschool
- Learning and the Brain: Brain Focused Teaching
- Learning and the Brain: Emerging Instructional Options
- Language Arts for At Risk & ESL Students
- Practical Strategies for Inclusion
- Learning and the Brain: Views of Intelligence
- The Effect of Attachment Trauma and Stress on
Children's Brain Development - Teaching Children with ADD, ADHD, CAPD, or a
Memory Disorder
Q & A with Mrs. Nielsen!
Why did you choose a co-op preschool for your children when you were a parent?
When we moved to Shaker Heights, my two oldest children were in elementary school and my two
youngest children were preschoolers. I chose the co-op for them because I wanted to be involved in
the day-to-day workings of their classroom. I was a stay-at-home mom and didn't need the longer time
frame that some other schools offered, but I still wanted my children to be able to interact with others
and to be prepared for elementary school. The idea that I could be intimately involved in this transition
appealed to me.
Why did you choose our co-op in particular?
I chose this particular co-op because of the great things I had heard, the wonderful staff, and the fact
that there was a very welcoming atmosphere at the school. Parents were encouraged to be as involved
as possible and were readily welcomed into the classroom.
You are now the Director of our school. How did that come to be?
My involvement as a parent led me to becoming a substitute teacher at the school because I loved
working with the children and getting to know them, and I enjoyed being a part of the open, family-like
atmosphere that permeates the school. Eventually, I became a teacher and now, eleven years later,
I'm the Director. I still love what this school stands for, and take pride in the friendly, welcoming
atmosphere for parents, and the nurturing, fun approach our school takes to learning for the students.
What would you say our co-op is best know for?
I would say our school is known both for its welcoming, supportive atmosphere and it's academic
excellence. Actually, it is my hope that we become known more for our friendly, nurturing atmosphere
than for our academic excellence! While academics are certainly important, I feel that children at this
age need to feel safe and loved in order to set up a positive experience and expectation for the rest of
their academic years. When the foundation is strong, the rest of the building falls more easily into
place. I believe that we provide that excellent foundation.
What do you personally like about being a teacher in our co-op preschool?
I really enjoy getting to know the families of the children enrolled, and I have made some lasting
friendships. The parents are really the ones who make this school unique. Each one brings their own
skills and talents to our "family, " and they are always willing to share those gifts with us. Every year
brings different talents and new friendships, but the spirit and vision of the school remains the same. I
feels especially honored to help pass on the wonderful beginning that my own children received.
And finally, for those prospective parents who may not be familiar with a co-op preschool
experience, could you describe what being in a co-op actually means?
A co-op experience is different because parents are more actively involved in their children's
education. They run the school, and therefore, make the decisions that directly affect their children. Not
only that, but there is always a parent in the classroom. This not only makes the teachers more
accountable, but allows the parents to have ongoing, firsthand information regarding what their
children are doing every day and how they are progressing. The part that is really special is when
parents share their talents with us. We have had musicians run our music program, chefs cook with us,
artists paint murals and work on art projects with us, and even grandparents that have spent time
sharing their expertise.
Why did you choose a co-op preschool for your children when you were a parent?
When we moved to Shaker Heights, my two oldest children were in elementary school and my two
youngest children were preschoolers. I chose the co-op for them because I wanted to be involved in
the day-to-day workings of their classroom. I was a stay-at-home mom and didn't need the longer time
frame that some other schools offered, but I still wanted my children to be able to interact with others
and to be prepared for elementary school. The idea that I could be intimately involved in this transition
appealed to me.
Why did you choose our co-op in particular?
I chose this particular co-op because of the great things I had heard, the wonderful staff, and the fact
that there was a very welcoming atmosphere at the school. Parents were encouraged to be as involved
as possible and were readily welcomed into the classroom.
You are now the Director of our school. How did that come to be?
My involvement as a parent led me to becoming a substitute teacher at the school because I loved
working with the children and getting to know them, and I enjoyed being a part of the open, family-like
atmosphere that permeates the school. Eventually, I became a teacher and now, eleven years later,
I'm the Director. I still love what this school stands for, and take pride in the friendly, welcoming
atmosphere for parents, and the nurturing, fun approach our school takes to learning for the students.
What would you say our co-op is best know for?
I would say our school is known both for its welcoming, supportive atmosphere and it's academic
excellence. Actually, it is my hope that we become known more for our friendly, nurturing atmosphere
than for our academic excellence! While academics are certainly important, I feel that children at this
age need to feel safe and loved in order to set up a positive experience and expectation for the rest of
their academic years. When the foundation is strong, the rest of the building falls more easily into
place. I believe that we provide that excellent foundation.
What do you personally like about being a teacher in our co-op preschool?
I really enjoy getting to know the families of the children enrolled, and I have made some lasting
friendships. The parents are really the ones who make this school unique. Each one brings their own
skills and talents to our "family, " and they are always willing to share those gifts with us. Every year
brings different talents and new friendships, but the spirit and vision of the school remains the same. I
feels especially honored to help pass on the wonderful beginning that my own children received.
And finally, for those prospective parents who may not be familiar with a co-op preschool
experience, could you describe what being in a co-op actually means?
A co-op experience is different because parents are more actively involved in their children's
education. They run the school, and therefore, make the decisions that directly affect their children. Not
only that, but there is always a parent in the classroom. This not only makes the teachers more
accountable, but allows the parents to have ongoing, firsthand information regarding what their
children are doing every day and how they are progressing. The part that is really special is when
parents share their talents with us. We have had musicians run our music program, chefs cook with us,
artists paint murals and work on art projects with us, and even grandparents that have spent time
sharing their expertise.
Simone Nielsen - Director, Teacher
Mrs. Nielsen is in her second year as director and currently teaches the Young 3's Class and the 3- &
4-Year-Old Class. Simone has been a part of the school as an assistant teacher, substitute, and
parent helper for a decade. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Wheaton College and a
Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (Teacher Licensure) from Trinity College.
Mrs. Nielsen is in her second year as director and currently teaches the Young 3's Class and the 3- &
4-Year-Old Class. Simone has been a part of the school as an assistant teacher, substitute, and
parent helper for a decade. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Wheaton College and a
Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (Teacher Licensure) from Trinity College.
Continuing Education
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