about
us
Our Philosophy is to “Love Out Loud.” We are a local, Wesley Chapel, family owned and operated preschool with a solid sense of community. Our nurture and teach approach to learning is incorporated into everything we do at Little Pioneers. We strive to encourage EVERY child in our care to excellence by looking at the child as a whole, not just intellectually. We look to enhance every aspect of the children in our care, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially.
What Makes Us
Exceptional
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At Little Pioneers, we use the very effective method of modeling, where appropriate methods of problem solving, empowering language, and leadership are discussed and modeled through “Pause and Learn” and role-play. This technique enables teachers to safely and effectively target areas that our little ones are growing in at the preschool age.
We use the redirection method of discipline when needed, in which teachers guide children from potential harmful behavior toward a more appropriate behavior. If a child is engaged in behavior not conducive to a safe and happy learning environment for him/herself and/or others, the child will be redirected toward a more appropriate option.
The use of physical punishment or harsh language as a discipline or training method is strictly prohibited.
leadership
training
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We are extremely proud of our excellent staff of teachers and Directors and the longevity with which we pride ourselves.
Our teachers are chosen not only on their credentials to educate, but also on their ability to create wonder and a love for learning in each and every child. Our teachers have a desire for every child in their care to feel special. They work to foster relationships built on trust and respect with and among the children.
Our entire staff is trained in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid, Infectious Disease Control, Injury Prevention, and Child Abuse Awareness & Center Responsibilities.
Additional training is required in curriculum, child development, classroom management, as well as developmentally appropriate activities necessary for creating a superior and safe learning environment. At Little Pioneers, we go above and beyond the state requirements with monthly Q & A training meetings, and our teachers are required to attend professional development workshops on a yearly basis as well.
our
team
Katy Wilbekin, owner and Director of Little Pioneers Preschool, holds a Director’s Credential in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida. She and her husband, Svend have three sons; one graduated from University of Florida, one from Wake Forest University, and the third from Husson University. Their oldest is in his tenth season playing professional basketball. Working for the Memphis Grizzlies, their middle son is the Assistant General Manager for their G-League team, while their youngest is a Doctor of Physical Therapy practicing in New Mexico. The couple homeschooled their boys, learning, growing, and loving every minute of it. In her teaching career aside from homeschooling birth through high school, Katy began teaching at the collegiate level, and has taught high school, middle school, elementary, and preschool. She is an educator at heart. Our Owner/Director believes all children deserve to have a safe, nurturing, educational environment in which to learn and grow. At Little Pioneers, we strive every day to provide a rich and lasting education in each child who comes through our doors.
our owner /
director
Children’s first teachers are their parents. We rally behind that and are here to partner with families for the best experience possible. The expertise of our professional staff and teachers is on display from the moment our families walk through the front door until they return after work to hear all about their child’s day. New skills are reinforced through daily communication with parents, keeping a close connection between home and school.
The relationship between families and school staff is vital to the success of a child’s early learning experience. We believe building a teacher-parent partnership, using open communication, will benefit the child in making a positive connection between school and home.
The following is a list of practical matters where parents can assist in ensuring a smooth transition from home to school.
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Sign your child in and out at the foyer table at which point they will proceed to their classroom
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Have all forms completed before the child’s first day of school
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Update forms when changes occur
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Insure that staff is informed of special needs or changes that might affect your child’s behavior
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Notify Little Pioneers if your child will be absent
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Keep your child home if they have had a fever of 101 within the 24-hour period prior (Or any symptoms listed in our wellness policy)
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Being mindful of the 9:00am cut-off time for instructional purposes
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Dress your child properly for the weather
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Provide a change of clothes for any mishaps that may occur during the day
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Not allowing your child to bring in toys from home
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Bring any concerns you have to the Director
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Not speaking negatively about staff members, teachers, or other children
our
families
Scheduled Holidays
January New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
March/April Good Friday
May Memorial Day
July Independence Day
September Labor Day
November Thanksgiving Day and day after
December Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and day after