Our Qualified Teaching Team

A team can be defined as a co-operative unit of people who share a common sense of direction and a sense of community. The teaching team at LAP presents a wonderful example of the power of collaboration. Shared values and beliefs about the abilities and potential that children possess, and interdependence on each other's skills, capabilities, gifts, talents and resources enhances and broadens the learning experience for the teachers, as well as the children of LAP. Our teachers are supported in their efforts in the classroom and I their professional development by having funds and time made available to them to attend ECE conferences and training sessions. Our staff is ECE trained and first aid certified. They are members of professional organizations, such as ECEBC, connecting them with a community of colleagues and a wealth of information and research in the field of ECE. Communication with parents, children and the community enable our teachers to co-ordinate and plan a quality learning experience for the children.

LAP has been blessed, over more than thirty years, with a consistently high quality of staff. Whoever our personnel, their love, collaboration and enthusiasm draw the wide variety of children in our in our classrooms into the exciting world of learning.

Meet the Little Ark Preschool Teachers

Jennifer Medak - Director & Teacher

Jennifer Medak has been dedicated to Little Ark's program since her student practicum in 2001. She has been working full-time at Little Ark since September 2003 and feels honoured to have taken over Directorship of the school as of September 2005. Jennifer has a passion for art, literature and nature that she eagerly shares with her students. She views herself, along with her colleagues, the children and parents, as partners in learning. Jennifer works hard to create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, investigation and creativity. Jennifer has been working with children since 1994. She is ECE and First Aid certified and makes time for ongoing professional development. Jen has planned and implemented a preschool program at a local community centre, was an integral part in planning and hosting a regional Reggio Emilia Network meeting, and has also written and presented curriculum workshops to ECE students at several local colleges.

Emme Bryant - Teacher

We are excited to welcome Emme Bryant to our teaching team at Little Ark Preschool! She has completed her studies in Early Childhood Care and Education and is First Aid certified.

Her experiences include preschool, daycare, and peer counseling. For Emme these experiences have fostered a love for teaching young children. Emme is a very thoughtful teacher who structures her activities to suit the individual learning styles of the children. She facilitates this process by engaging children through asking questions, challenging ideas and presenting a stimulating environment.

Emme's authenticity, creativity and enthusiasm is a valuable addition to Little Ark Preschool.

Jessica Wheeler - Teacher

Jessica grew up in a family of six children in Whiterock, BC. The exhilarating energy of a preschool environment feels like home to her and she even likes the noise! An outdoor enthusiast, Jessica enjoys skimboarding on the sandy beaches of Spanish Banks and winter sports on the local mountains. She is intrigued by cultures around the world, plans to learn Spanish and holds a Certificate in Travel and Tourism.

Jessica is Certified in First Aid, and obtained her ECE Certificate in June of 2004 from Capilano College. Her previous work experiences with children include daycare and after-school care. Jessica's philosophy of education is based in a belief that children learn through play. She works to create stimulating environments in which children feel free to investigate different learning possibilities. Jessica brings with her an enthusiasm and love for learning that she is eager to share with the children in our program. She is excited about building relationships with the children and their families in a new community.