THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL?

hat a challenging and scary question for so many new families to ask. If you google the question, you will find a list of things to look for from:

1. Ask for referrals.

2. Pay attention to that first impression.

3. Learn about accreditation programs.

4. Consider the preschool teachers' qualifications.

5. Ask about the curriculum.

6. Visit the outdoor space.

7. Look for signs of community.

8. Read the fine print.

9. And so on and so forth.

There are so many things that’s you can prepare to ask and expect from a preschool, but the answer is quite simply.

Sure there are needs based on culture, lifestyle, financial status of the family and perhaps religious believes. But at the end

By Ivis Mateos

Wof the day when you sit with your spouse or significant other to make the decision, and once you have decided what your family budget will be for preschool, the answer is quite simple.

After every tour where i go through and answer of the parents concerns, I always remind the parents that although prices are important , sanitation, curriculum, and spaces, location & safety are too, the best way to know which is the right school for your child, is to listen to your inner voice, your intuition or how i call it, YOUR GUT!

Your gut will never fail you, you instinctively as a parent is the most valuable of all considerations.

Your guys knows best, it will give you a sense of peace of family or community when you walk through the school with your child.

The perfect preschool is unique to each families needs. What might be a perfect fit for your friends, might not be a fit for you for many reasons. So relax, take the tour and go with your gut!

▸ Ivis Mateos is a mother of two boys and has more than 22 years combined experience in educational consulting and management. In addition to earning her National Administrator Credential, Mateos has lead workshops on curriculum development, teacher development and parenting. She has been the General Manager at Tiny Planet Preschool and an Educational Consultant for Graven International Group for the past three years. For more information, call 954-384-4884.

Welcome to the Arts Council of Greater Weston’s 2023 Summer Instagram Photo Contest. This event has grown every year in number of entries and quality of submissions. This popular event is open to local amateur photographers. But- no AI, no photoshopping, no chatbot allowed. We want to see the world through your lens.

This year’s theme is “Shades of Blue”. Go beyond the sky and water and unleash your creativity. Showcase your best bluethemed photos. From deep navy to baby blue, this contest is all about capturing the beauty and versatility of different shades of blue. So use your cameras or phones and let the blue magic unfold.

Official rules and regulations can be found at www.1weston.com. Post your pictures using #ACGWSUMMER23 on Instagram and tag us @1westonfl. Entries will be accepted through July 31.

There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and Instagram most liked. Select pictures will be exhibited at the Weston Broward Library September 1-30, 2023. merican schools and teachers have undergone significant changes to accommodate the diverse educational needs of students. The United States Census Bureau (USCB) has reported a historic increase in the number of immigrants, making the United States home to the largest immigrant population in the world.

Lifrancis Rojas, Director of “Shades of Blue”, is eager to see what this theme brings out. “The color blue is often associated with serenity, peace, and wisdom, evoking images of the sea and sky. It also calms the mind and helps us meditate. I am looking forward to seeing the Instagram feed of @1weston in shades of blue. I believe it will be a challenging and enjoyable summer activity, so I encourage everyone to put their cameras to work and take lots of pictures”.

These immigrants have entered the country through various means such as citizenship, legal permanent residency, or seeking humanitarian protection. Between 2019 and 2023, many student and employment-based visas were issued by U.S. embassies. This international population has contributed to the economic and cultural strength of the United States. Welcoming and supporting international students in schools and colleges has been crucial in maintaining this diversity. The United States remains a top destination for individuals and students seeking professional, economic, and sociocultural advancement.

Certain states, including California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida, attract a significant number of international and immigrant students. The

By Dr. Katya Pizarro, Founder, ESL & Higher Education

Apresence of these students in American classrooms has had a profound impact, enhancing the intellectual and cultural environment for native students. As a result, teaching and learning settings have had to adapt, fostering a more competitive and diverse understanding of knowledge among all students. This exposure has led American students to develop higher levels of self-confidence, leadership skills, and intellectual growth. They have acquired the ability to contextualize current issues historically, read and speak foreign languages, evaluate political and religious beliefs, and challenge preconceptions about different ethnic groups.

Teachers have expressed mixed feelings about including international and immigrant students in their subject-area classes. While they recognize the enrichment brought by multicultural diversity, they also emphasize the importance of English proficiency for mainstream classes. Teachers often create lesson plans and employ specific strategies to adapt content for non-native English speakers, but proficiency in English remains critical for academic success. Nevertheless, teachers unanimously acknowledge the positive impact of multicultural diversity on tolerance among students and teachers. American students show a growing interest in learning about the cultures of their international peers, fostering cooperation and interaction in the classroom. Teachers understand the need to be certified to teach English as a second language to effectively address the needs of the diverse student population.

The involvement of teachers and administrators in adopting best teaching practices will continue to grow. The interactions and lessons learned from having a diverse student population in American classrooms have lasting effects on personal, socioeconomic, and professional growth for individuals worldwide.

▸ Dr. Katya Pizarro is the Founder and President of Elite Language Academy (ELA), a hybrid-virtual language center in the USA. As an innate educator, she lectures as a Professor at Broward College in Florida. Her research interests and publications relate to TESOL education, multiculturalism, schooling settings with ESL students, and professional development. Her dissertation Exploring Private School Teachers’ Perceptions and Pedagogical Efficacy with English Language Learners, has effectively contributed to ESL teaching in the U.S. She has frequently delivered presentations at Annual TASS, Teaching Academic Survival and Success Conferences.