Front Yard
Allyssa Adair
Front Yard Teacher- Director
Cooperative schools have been an essential part of my life from my early beginnings. I began as a preschool student at Children’s Community Center in 1972 and then continued to Crestmont, a co-op elementary school. I was a teacher at another local co-op, El Cerrito Preschool Co-Op, for 11 years, and I have been the Front Yard Teacher-Director at Children's Community Center since 2000. I started my preschool teaching career 35 years ago. I have also been a parent in a co-op with my son, Will, who is now an adult. I can’t imagine a more natural and nurturing first school experience than one in which the whole family joins a community and participates in their child’s exploration and learning. Children need a connection to be at ease; they thrive when teachers and parents work together.
I began my Early Childhood Education at Contra Costa College and was immediately excited by the field. I was fascinated by child development and struck by the importance of nurturing small people. I have been fortunate to be mentored by experienced teachers who were dynamic, creative, and passionate about teaching. I have learned the most and developed my foundation of core beliefs by observing children and teachers and talking with my mentors.
Every child has an excellent opportunity to grow into their most genuine selves in a school community that supports and respects uniqueness, individual temperament, development, a child’s sense of self, and timing. I love the work of gently guiding children as they gain awareness and the ability to express their feelings and needs and navigate the world of peers and community. We all continue to learn and grow together.
Being a preschool teacher is a fulfilling and important job. It is also super fun, and I love my job! I often joke that preschool is like the best collaborative home ec /maker/engineering class ever! We sew, cook, create art, sing, pump water, build rivers and dams, build forts, garden and so much more. Children become confident, take risks, and are full of industry, which is contagious. Being a teacher can sometimes be hard and messy, with lots of emotion and misunderstandings of perspectives and different styles, but these challenges ultimately create understanding and a strong community.
When I am not at school, I have a full life with my wife Simone and our three dogs, Sparky, Stella, and PacoTaco. We enjoy gardening and home projects, going on walks and runs, hosting parties and cooking, playing games, and swimming.
Kathy Chew
Front Yard Teacher
My training as a teacher was at San Francisco State University, where I earned a degree for preschool through kindergarten. When I graduated, the only opportunities were in Alaska and as a Bay Area person, I knew that was not going to happen.
My teaching opportunities were put on hold until our family had the opportunity to enter the world of preschool when our daughter Kim was ready for preschool. We did not enroll at CCC , but at a parent co -op and I knew immediately that a parent cooperative was how young children should be introduced to preschool. Magically, when our son Richie was ready for preschool, I was introduced to CCC, put on a waitlist and finally accepted.
The magic continues.
I have worked as the front yard teacher for 30+ years. My day starts with the early morning children and continues a few days in the afternoon program. I continue to be blessed and amazed with working and playing with new and alumni families.
My motto is “I work/play at CCC Monday-Friday “ then focus on family on weekends. I view CCC days as a career where I continue to grow as each FY class offers me the opportunity to grow with three year olds and their families.