Introducing Little Stars Preschool and Ms. Holli!

As a parent, you are faced with many options when it comes to preschool.  Many preschools believe in a play-based, student-led curriculum, while many others focus on teacher-led academics, with a little play on the side.  You should know that I am firmly on the side of play as an efficient method of learning.  I believe that preschool should provide a strong foundation for advanced academic skills.  I aim to provide a safe, comfortable place of learning, and strive to build a positive relationship with each child.  I know that children learn at their own pace and that is brilliant.  I believe preschool should be a place of fun and exploration, which leads to learning and growth.  Mostly, I believe that a preschool should be a place that builds up each child and makes them feel like they can and will succeed, that they are a STAR in their own way.  My Little Stars will get all that and more at my preschool.

I am Holli Vella (the kids call me Ms. Holli)  and I am thrilled to be teaching preschool from my home.  I grew up in Utah in a family of 5 kids, where I was the middle child that learned young how to hold my own in a house full of boys (my wonderful sister came last and was worth the wait).  My mom was a part time teacher and my dad a civil engineer.  I had a wonderfully happy childhood.

When I became a teenager, I began to have opportunities to teach at church and realized how much satisfaction it gave me.  I started teaching piano lessons in high school, then attended BYU and studied Human Development.  While at BYU I volunteered at a preschool for children of ESL students.  I also did a project teaching mothers the importance of reading aloud to their children.

I married and moved to Arizona.  When my first born was preschool age, I decided to try teaching my own little preschool, and loved every second of it.  A friend and I started up an official preschool in Kingman, which I taught for 3 and a half years.  Now that I have my own home in San Tan Valley, I am eager to begin teaching again! I love to teach, and I love preschool aged children.  Thank you for considering me to be a part of your child's life.