"Every
time my daughter has learned that Kikanza will be teaching the
kinder she is very excited. Kikanza
is loving, nurturing and provides an environment of fun and creativity with
stories and songs. She
is a fabulous story teller. I am happy my daughter has been able to
spend time with Kikanza and I know
my daughter is too."
-- Kavita Ladnier, parent, actor
"The home setting, Waldorf-like environment gave Aurelia
a
very warm welcome. She had a relaxed time in the Village Playgarden
program.
Climbing trees, gardening, cooking, and creative artistic activities
nurtured
little hearts. Kikanza always wears a warming smile and works through
non-violent communication to help resolve conflicts between the
children.
Aurelia always comes home talking about fun things, or showing me foods
or
crafts she has done. Best of all, Village Playgarden gives me peace of
mind. No
media, loving learning environment, and organic food."
-- Chao "Sephanie" Chen, parent, dentist
"Kikanza Ramsey is a steady, beautiful presence
in the
classroom. The love and care with which she holds the children make her
the only teacher we trust to take over our classes when we need a
substitute.
She's the best."
-- Mark and Hara Lewis, parents, Sunnyhill
Waldorf Kinder teachers, KITE theater teachers
"Kikanza and Village Playgarden are an oasis for my
daughter and our family.She blends
Waldorf Home Schooling, Ruth Beaglehole?s nonviolent, empathic paradigm,
diversity, respect and expert child development into a enchanting program for
preschoolers.It is a holistic approach
to caretaking, and I know that my child is being loved, watched, taught, and
guided throughout her day at Village Playgarden.The setting is inspiring for play and
exploration.I am watching my daughter
transform into a calmer, more empathic person.Yet she's simultaneously more gregarious in her play.The indoor/outdoor play areas are idyllic.They garden, play in nature, explore art and
crafts and sing songs, engage in storytelling....I can go on and on.Oh, I can't forget to mention the live,
nutrient rich organic lunch and snacks cooked fresh every day...such a relief
to have my child in a setting where the food and the cleaners that are used are
non-toxic and environmentally friendly.All in a home-based care setting.
Whenever I arrive to greet my daughter at the end of her
day at Village Playgarden, I walk in hearing her singing or squealing in
playful jubilation.There is no sound
more satisfying for this working mother, it eases my mind and heart to know
that my beloved is in such an honored & loving space while I'm off
working.The next best thing to
home.Thank you Kikanza for Village
Playgarden."
"Village Playgarden is a dream come true for anyone who wants
a gentle and intimate learning, social, and creative environment for
preschoolers and kindergarteners. Village Playgarden is ideal for
homeschoolers and/or parents who are not rushing to put their preschooler or
kindergartener in a school institution. Kikanza is
truly a gifted and creative teacher who sees all children in their beauty--
from the frisky and rambunctious to the easy going citizen- do-right. She
understands children, listens to their needs , and offers them her home and a curriculum of
love, beauty, communication, creativity, and fun. These are truly the building blocks
of emotional and academic intelligence."
--Chavonne Long, parent, educator
"Though our family believes in home school, we participate at
Village Playgarden to allow for the social development our son requested.
Village Playgarden allows our son to develop relationships with other children,
practice communication and learn about the world he lives in. Kikanza is
a gifted facilitator, who is able to see children's unspoken needs, and assist
them in building positive relationships, using a language of love and
life. Her gifts of empathy and compassion allow her to be truly present
with the children, and provide a model for building peaceful
relationships. We are grateful to have found a school that adds to and
builds upon the reverence and rituals we establish at home."
-- Maura Duvall, parent, teacher
"I could not imagine a more ideal setting for my two
children. Village Playgarden is a small,intimate community where children truly
learn nonviolence in its many forms, learn to appreciate diverse cultures, are
constantly engaged with nature, eat healthy food, and have a great time.
Kikanza is a calm, loving, and inspired teacher who has played a key role in my
childrens' development - we consider ourselves to be very fortunate that we
found Village Playgarden.
Village Playgarden is the home-away-from-home that all
working parents hope for their children, a place where we feel confident that
our children have new opportunities to grow, learn, and discover in a safe and
caring environment that both respects children as individuals while, at the
same time, nurtures a healthy appreciation for playing, working, and growing
together. The teachers are patient and accommodating with each child and work
very hard to tailor the daily activities to meet everyone's needs. And unlike
so many other preschools that we've either been a part of or visited,
we never worry about whether or not our children are getting the best possible
care at Village Playgarden. We know it by the many ways we have seen them
mature during their time there."
-- Laura Pulido, parent, Professor, USC
"There is no
where I would rather my daughter be when she is not with me.Village Playgarden has embraced Clover into a
magical world where she learns how to live, eat, and play communally, connect
with nature, and interact with adults who have nothing but the utmost respect
for her ever changing needs.I am so
grateful to have Kikanza in my daughter's life.The grace, intention, respect, and love she brings to her work is awe
inspiring."
--Kelly Dietzen, parent, mid-wife
Village Playgarden ♦ (626) 296-6901 ♦ Kikanza@villageplaygarden.org
