Dragonfly Preschool
Welcome to Dragonfly Preschool
Philosophy
Dragonfly Preschool is a preschool in a sunny home in Northeast Portland in the Irvington neighborhood. We have a nurturing learning community where each child's unique abilities and interests are valued and supported. Through a play based curriculum we help each child become a confident, joyful, lifelong learner. Our days are filled with art, music, dramatic play, dance, and nature. Our schedule includes ample time for free play, as it promotes friendship, problem solving, and discovery of the world. Our structure allows for flexibility to develop according to children's interests and passions. Dragonfly Preschool teaches a love for learning and wonder for life's experiences.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the latest research in early childhood development. We provide a play-based learning environment that allows children to explore and learn at the own pace. Our program includes literacy, math, science, art, music, and movement. Our themes last as long as students are engaged and excited. Each day brings new opportunities for learning. Some past favorite themes include space, oceans, bugs, and red pandas.
Creativity
We value the individuality of every child. Our mixed aged classroom of ages 2.5-5 years old allows for each child to learn at their own pace. We encourage the ripping of paper, getting paint on our hands, and squishing play dough. Our art projects are about the process and exploring materials. Song, dance, music, stories, and movement at circle time create community and laughter. We have fun!
Commitment
Our teachers are dedicated, compassionate, and consistent. We communicate with each other and our families to meet each student's needs and together we create a safe and welcoming learning community. Each day has a new experience while maintaining the consistency and structure many children need.
Our Teachers
Lisa Wernick, M.Ed. Owner/ Teacher
Lisa Wernick, M.Ed. Owner/ Teacher
Lisa Wernick, M.Ed. Owner/ Teacher
Lisa (she/her) has worked with youth of all ages and especially loves the energy of preschoolers. She has a BA in Psychology with an emphasis on Infant and Toddler Cognition and her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education. For the last 16 years she has loved spending her days with Dragonfly students and
Lisa (she/her) has worked with youth of all ages and especially loves the energy of preschoolers. She has a BA in Psychology with an emphasis on Infant and Toddler Cognition and her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education. For the last 16 years she has loved spending her days with Dragonfly students and learning with them each day.
Lisa enjoys farmer's markets, playing games with her children, reading, and finding great picture books.
Maia Pillot Teacher
Lisa Wernick, M.Ed. Owner/ Teacher
Lisa Wernick, M.Ed. Owner/ Teacher
Maia ("Maia" instead of pronouns) has been a preschool teacher for 10 years. Maia has worked in various music teaching settings and teaches music lessons (guitar, piano, and ukulele) when not teaching at Dragonfly. Maia loves working with young children and witnessing the joy and wonder they experience each day. Maia has been bringing mus
Maia ("Maia" instead of pronouns) has been a preschool teacher for 10 years. Maia has worked in various music teaching settings and teaches music lessons (guitar, piano, and ukulele) when not teaching at Dragonfly. Maia loves working with young children and witnessing the joy and wonder they experience each day. Maia has been bringing music to Dragonfly students for five years. Maia has a B.A. in Sociology from Grinnell College.
Maia writes and records original music, plays tennis, and enjoys creating a podcast based on conversations with kids in Maia's life.
Brittany Coll Teacher
Lisa Wernick, M.Ed. Owner/ Teacher
Brittany Coll Teacher
Brittany (she/her) loves working with children of all ages and has worked with them in a variety of settings. She loves sharing her knowledge of children's yoga with Dragonfly students. When not at Dragonfly, she works with elementary school students at an after school program and teaches yoga to people of all ages.
Brittany enjoys yoga, cooking, reading, and catering to her amazing cat, Mitch!