Ms. MJ with her family.
Our House Lead Teacher & Director, Ms. MJ Sleeper
I am a 55 year-old mother and step-mother of six beautiful children and two grandkids. My soulmate, Liam, and I live with our dog and two cats. Our children range in age from 24-29. I graduated from the University of Vermont in 1993 with a Bachelor of Education and I hold a current Vermont Level 1 teaching license for birth to grade 3. I have worked in preschool and kindergarten settings for over twenty-five years, most recently as the Executive Director of Childcare Programs for The EDGE Kids & Fitness. I love to play, teach and learn. Hosting a preschool in my home has been a lifelong dream.
Ms. Heather with her family.
My name is Heather Hamilton. I was employed at The Edge Kids & Fitness as a Director/Teacher for 28 years, and have been a part of the amazing Our House team for the last two. I have my Bachelor’s Degree and License in Early Childhood. It has always been my passion to work with children and am excited to start my next journey teaching at Our House. I love a hands-on explorative approach to learning that incorporates natural investigation and exploring our world through different lenses through cooking, science, and art.
When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my husband Dan, and 3 children; Dylan 22, Allie 19, Katie 18. Dylan is at RIT, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I spend most of my free time going to the kid’s sports events, being outdoors, and lounging with my pets Jazzy and Rusty.
I am a true believer in advocating for your children and respect constructive open communication and feedback. I am excited to get to know your little learners and be a part of Our House. See you Soon!
Heather
Ms. Kate
My name is Kate Sleeper, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Vermont. I studied Mechanical Engineering but have decided to pursue something that I love upon graduating. I have been working (when I was able) as a support at Our House over the past three school years, and have been babysitting/nannying for 6+ years. I love spending time with children and helping them learn and grow! It brings me so much joy to watch kids overcome difficulties and grow into confident, curious, and expressive versions of themselves. I want to create a space comfortable enough for facing challenges.
I am one of four sisters, and was lucky enough to grow up with my cousins and grandparents close to home. I cherish my family and those that have become chosen family very much. Spreading love and kindness is something that I choose to do every day. I enjoy cooking, outdoor activities, music, and cuddling with my cat Phoebe. I cannot express my excitement for this upcoming school year.
Goals & Values
- Your child will feel safe. We want “Our House” to be just that, a home away from home where they can learn, thrive and grow.
- Your child will want to come to school each day and find their school to be a place of wonder, magic and opportunities to be themselves. A place where they feel loved, valued and successful.
- Your child’s self-esteem will flourish. Through our work/play they will experience positive reinforcement, be given choices to support their autonomy and feel reassurance in challenges they may face through gentle guidance and positive redirection.
General Rhythm of the Day
subject to change based on children’s needs
8:00 – 8:30 – Arrival
8:30- 9:15 – Choice time
9:15 – 10:00 – Clean up, snack and bathroom time
10:00 – 10:45 – Outdoor time
10:45 – 11:45 – Circle and Project time
11:45 – 12:45 – Free play, Clean up, bathroom time and lunch
12:45 – 1:00 – Transition to quiet/nap time
1:00 – 3:00 – Nap and quiet time
3:00 – 4:00 – Choice time