About The Teacher

Kindergarten Teacher: Ms. Grano

Elementary School: St. Ferdinand School

Early Childhood: Kindergarten

School Phone #: 773-622-3022

About The Teacher

Ms. Grano has an undergraduate degree from Concordia University in Elementary 
Education. She is currently attending the Dominican University graduate 
program for a master's degree in Early Child Education with an endorsement in 
Special Education. She is currently in her fourth year at St. Ferdinand 
School.

Early Childhood Program Philosophy

We Believe that...

- An essential component of developmentally appropriate practice is that 
learning at these age levels takes place through play which is child-
initiated, child-directed, and teacher supported. We look at both age 
appropriateness and individual appropriateness for all activities.
- We provide a safe and nurturing environment through the use of interest 
centers that promote the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and 
religious development of young children. 
- We view learning as an interactive process. Our interest centers are 
designed around the child and enhance the development of his/her religious 
awareness as well as social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language 
skills. We see the resultant learning-taking place on all levels through 
active exploration, which includes interactions with adults, other children, 
and materials. 
- In this developmentally appropriate program, we define the role of the 
early childhood educator as a facilitator. The Early Childhood teachers 
provide a variety of activities and materials. They allow the children to 
move about according to their own interests, while providing a safe 
environment. They assist the children in developing positive social skills. 
The teachers also facilitate the development of self-esteem by respecting, 
accepting, and comforting children.
- We see our children's parents/guardians as their first teachers. Therefore, 
we establish and maintain frequent contact with the family. We also share 
child development, knowledge, insights, and resources through parent/guardian 
conferences and as a part of our regular early childhood communication 
process.
- We believe that the mixture of races, cultures, and ethnicity present in 
our student population greatly enhances our program. We acknowledge this 
multicultural wealth and build upon it by offering multicultural experiences 
and materials for children of all ages.