Academy of Maryland Farms: Meet your new Director!

Friday, February 7, 2020

Meet your new Director!

Hi everyone! My name is Alanna Zalud. I have been apart of the Academy family for 6 years now. I started as the Preschool 4 Teacher at The Academy of Westhaven and advanced my way through the company as the Assistant Director. I have over 10 years of childcare experience ranging from working with 2- 6 years old. I absolutely love childcare and making ALL children feel safe and loved. My favorite part of having this job is definitely artwork! I love getting to put their masterpieces in the hall for you all to see and making the school as bright and colorful as possible!

I was born and raised in Franklin, TN. However, my parents and the rest of my family are from Illinois. I am a single mom to a beautiful 6 year old daughter, named Hadley. She is my whole world and my sidekick! In my free time, I am usually working on DIY projects and organizing things all over the place. I have a fun creative side that you all will see throughout the school.

I want to make AoMF my second family. My goal is to leave here happy and confident that I have done everything that I can do for my families and teachers. I want to make you proud to be a part of the Academy family. I look forward to getting to know each of you over the next couple of weeks. My door is always opened if you ever need anything.

FROGSTREET INFANT PROGRAM

FROG STREET INFANT Designed around the latest scientific early brain development research, Frog Street Infant curriculum is designed to build strong foundations for little ones ages 0-18 months. This child-centered program includes easy-to-use activities that: equip caregivers to nurture the little ones in their care. optimize key windows of opportunity for growth and development. are designed with intention and purpose and organized around developmental learning domains. feature Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline® strategies to enhance social and emotional development.

OUR PREK PROGRAM...Celebrating the joy of learning!

Frog Street Pre-K is a comprehensive, research-based program that integrates instruction across developmental domains and early learning disciplines. The program is engaging for both teachers and children and is easy to implement! The cornerstones of the program are: An extensive integration of theme, disciplines, and domains Social and Emotional development includes Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline ® Differentiated instruction Equity of English and Spanish materials and instruction Joyful approach to learning

KINDERGARTEN BOOT CAMP: AN ACADEMY EXCLUSIVE

The Academy is recognized by the community for our kindergarten specific programs including our one-of-a-kind Kindergarten Boot Camp. Our Pre-K program includes hands-on explorations that create new learning connections in language, math, science, social, emotional and physical development. Children investigate “Big Ideas” and are actively involved in seeking answers to their own questions. Intentional daily plans cover a specific range of guidelines that prepare our children to meet and exceed kindergarten readiness standards for both public and private schools. Kindergarten Boot Camp, offered exclusively by Never Grow Up, is a dedicated summer program that teaches important, yet often overlooked, skills needed to navigate kindergarten with confidence. Skills such as remembering a lunch number, carrying a lunch tray or returning a library book are examples of how we “train” our Academy kids to “be all they can be”!

OUR PARENT COMPANY

"WE'RE CREATING CHILDHOOD" The Academy Child Development Centers and Preschools are privately owned and operated by our parent company, Never Grow Up, Inc. Based out of Louisville, KY, family owned Never Grow Up, Inc. operated nearly 30 child development centers in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. Never Grow Up, Inc. is committed to providing private child care for parents who want only the best for their children. We understand that "we're creating childhood" every day for the children in our care, and we hold that privilege with the highest regard.

GOLD SNEAKER FACILITY

GETTING A JUMP ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY Healthy habits are instilled at a young age, with most habits being formed during adolescence. We feel it important to instill good habits at an early age, addressing behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning. The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child care facilities across Tennessee. Policies we've adopted include minimum requirements on physical activity, sedentary activities, breastfeeding, meal time, behaviors, portion sizes, and a tobacco-free facility. Together, we can create healthy habits for life.