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Everything Is Based In Communication. Hi I'm Susie. I sign, sing, teach and play with babies, toddlers and kids - and parents. I use sign because I deeply believe in the importance of Early Communication and the Power of Language, Connection and Self Expression in babies and kids development. I also love to share science-based insights to help parent's support their child's development and am a certified trainer of The Growing Brain, from zerotothree.org.
Kids who feel seen and understood are happy kids. I've worked with new parents, taught and sang to and studied so many babies and kids, for years and years. If I've anything I want to share from it, first it is this: Babies and kids deeply want us to understand them - to really get them and who they are.
Early Communication has a profound impact on your bond with your child - and that is essential - but also how we communicate, read and understand a child can effect and support a child's developing brain, cognitive and social emotional development. Foundations for relationships, self-esteem, school success. and beyond. Signing is a wonderful way to connect early with your baby and support their communication skills.
It's got to be fun! (And easy please :) We know children learn best through play, but guess what? So do adults! We retain the baby signs, and techniques more easily when it's simple and fun. So I like to keep everything I teach easy and fun.
Communication is everything.
Sunshine Babies & Kids. Drawing from extensive experience in Early Childhood developed research-based, super-fun, engaging classes that enrich children's lives and early learning in a holistic way. Classes with age-appropriate combinations of Music, Sign, Art, Sensory and Creativity for Play-based learning. An ongoing, informed, joyful, creative teaching practice based in both current brain development science and the philosophy of respect for the child. Active Teaching Artist, Staff Training and Program Development. Parent-Cafes, Family Workshops and Teacher Trainings.
Director Of Early Childhood: Moon Soup Inc. Founder of this renown NYC Early Childhood Program, incorporated best practices of Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Waldorf education. Locations Midtown East, Astoria, Wall Street, Upper West Side. Developed an extensive Teacher Training Program and Early Childhood Curriculums for ages 0-3 years. Provided parent support, hosting Workshops, Discussion and Support Groups on infant and child development and parenting.
Director Of Early Childhood: Aha! Learning Partners. Innovative, research-based "Play Lab" program, NYC; Building and creating Immersive Sensory Environments for parents, babies and toddlers. Gave Parent Education talks and presentations, sharing child development philosophies, insights and teaching practices with parents of infants and young children. Served as the atelierista, expanding the ideas of young children through materials in this Reggio Emilia influenced program; Curating children's work; Wrote documenting the developmental aspects of children 's class activities for parents. Trained teaching staff and oversaw teaching staff.
Director of Classrooms; Programming & Teacher Training for Early Learning Concepts, Inc.. Work included in depth training and required a broad knowledge of infant and early childhood development. Developed multi-site Teacher Training Program, oversaw site and classroom team management systems in locations for 13 centers across NYC, DC, and VA. Developed a highly successful Preschool Alternative Program, along with Music and Gym curriculums for ages 3 Months to Three Years old for Early Learning Concepts, Inc. Originally hired as a class teacher, first promoted to training teachers, then to Director of Classrooms, developing teacher trainings, curriculums and class programming.
Created & Taught Teacher Training Workshop, Gymboree, Inc. Communication and Theatrical Techniques for Class Teachers.
Teaching Artist/Lead teacher for various Parents & Child Classes NYC;. Including: After School Art teacher, Jefferson Market PreSchool; Music & Baby Sign Teacher, Manhattan Jewish Montessori; After School Drama Teacher, United Nations School. Experienced in teaching programming in Music, Art, Drama, Yoga, Gym, Science, Messy Art & Play and Cooking to young children.
My Work With Children & Other Humans
Education & Training:
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Early Childhood Education, SUNY, Bachelor of the Arts.
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Certified The Growing Brain Trainer of Trainers ZERO TO THREE.org.
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Postpartum Doula Training (DONA approved training).
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RIE Foundations:Theory and Observation (Resources For Infant Educarers)
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Certified Life Coach (ICF Approved Training).
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Early Childhood Music Education training, Kindermusik.
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Alexander Technique & Voice training, Jean McClelland.
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Studied ASL at New York Sign Center, ASL NYC, Signing Online and others.
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Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training.
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Baby Yoga and Infant Developmental Movement, training with Karma Kids.
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Workshops with Richard Lewis, The Touchstone Center.
Memberships, Organizations & Other Passions:
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Member of The National Association For The Education Of Young Children.
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Member of Zero-To-Three.org.
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Certified American Heart Association CPR Instructor.
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Director/Dramaturg/Actor/Performer: Member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA and SDC.
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Double major in theatre studies SUNY.
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Voice Actor, Performer, Singer, Musician, Creative Movement.
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Director in the Directors Unit and Playwright Directors Workshop at The Actors Studio NYC. Have taught drama to children.
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Life Long Artist: Working in paint, pencil, clay, mask making, decoupage and other. Have worked as an art teacher for young children.
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At the heart of all this creative and teaching work, is a passion, facility and understanding of the vital importance of language and communication skills in the happiness and well being of children and other humans.
It is all about communication.
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