Teachers
Teacher Liz
Elizabeth Reid received her training in Early Childhood Education in England. “Teacher Liz,” as the children call her, has been the hidden gem at Little People Preschool for more than 30 years. During this time, she has received numerous awards of recognition and has played a significant part in the development of Early Childhood Education teaching programs. Teacher Liz’s gift for fostering the development and socialization of young children derives from her enthusiasm and creativity.
A typical preschool morning at Little People is filled with “teachable moments.” Liz’s goal: to answer the never ending questions of why and how does this work? Her energy and enthusiasm for the children is so infectious that parents find their ‘duty days’ a joy. Teacher Liz’s energy rubs off on the children and it is no wonder that she has been described by the Westcoast Families newspaper as “a modern-day Mary Poppins!”
Teacher Liz is a very active person within her community and believes in the importance of her work so strongly that she also spends some evenings educating adults in Early Childhood Education (ECE) at the North Shore Continuing Education Lucas Centre. Further, Liz has been an active member of the ECE Team at Langara College. There she was on the Articulation and Advisory Board where she assisted in creating the outline for Langara ECE students. In addition, Liz attends monthly work shops put on by the Parent Participation Preschool (PPP) Teachers Association. Teacher Liz is the past President and past Vice President of the PPP Teachers™ Association.
Teacher Alexandra
Alexandra Bagnall joined Little People Preschool in 2007. She obtained her Early Education Childhood Education Diploma from Langara College in 2006 and has her Ortin Gillingham teaching certificate. She is the recipient of the 2009 Child Care Award of Excellence for Promising New Early Childhood Educator.
Growing up in a close-knit family has had a significant impact on Alexandra’s desire to work with young children and their families. In particular, she felt the preschool years are essential development years in which we must create a positive social and learning environment to prepare children for kindergarten and school. Alexandra has a strong commitment to the philosophy around parent participation as she recognizes the impact of family on a child’s growth socially, emotionally and academically.
Alexandra’s focus at Little People has been to foster an environment in which young preschoolers can thrive in a creative and play-based community. She is known to be fun-loving yet knowledgeable and approachable. She is level-headed and compassionate. Alexandra prides herself on having open and honest communication with the families and the teachers at the school. Alexandra believes in getting down to a child’s level and building on their individual interests and personalities. She makes everyday experiences teachable. She fosters social bonds between the children. Alexandra also believes that each child deserves to have a space where they can feel comfortable and safe, allowing them to explore, create and develop.
Alexandra attends monthly professional development workshops and monthly parent education seminars. She is involved in teaching college students in ECE programs during their practicums at the school. Alexandra’s vision for Little People Preschool is to continue to bring families and communities together. She wants an inclusive and accessible school for parents and children.