A to Z Montessori Preschool

Children & Child Care-Education-Family Activites

A to Z Playhouse (A to Z Montessori Preschool) takes a holistic, child-centred approach to educating children aged two and a half to five years. Children are taught and cared for by certified professionals and learn in a Montessori-based environment. Explorative play is a crucial part of this time-honoured educational model. A to Z emphasizes self-esteem and personal responsibility throughout every facet of care and instruction. A to Z’s curriculum also includes an introduction to French immersion and teaches concepts of multiculturalism.

Meet Denise Chamberlain

Meet Denise Chamberlain

When Denise Chamberlain became a mom, she wanted a career that wouldn't keep her away from her children, so she opened up a home-based family daycare. She operated it for many years in Smithers until moving to Vancouver Island where she pursued an education in peer counselling and continued to operate her home-based daycare. After completion, she moved back to Smithers intending to find a career in the public education system. However, when no work materialized, she accepted a job teaching French part-time at A to Z Playhouse. It soon leads to an offer of more work within the pre-school, where she fell in love with the Montessori philosophy.

When the owner decided to move and sell the business, she offered the opportunity of buying the business to her staff members. Denise jumped at the opportunity and became the owner and operator in 2012.

Her favourite part of the job is watching and helping children flourish into their greatest potential, or hearing them break into speaking French while playing on the playground. She also enjoys seeing the whole child develop in her or his own unique way. Denise loves running into students who have graduated and seeing how they've blossomed in their personalities and their education. She adds that Smithers is a safe, caring and supportive community for raising children, and she is grateful to have raised her own family here.

1636 Princess St
Smithers, BC V0J 2N0

Hours

Monday to Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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