Administrative Staff
Jen Block
Day Home Coordinator/Consultant and Home Visitor
Welcome, I’m Jen! After graduating from the Early Childhood Program in 2000 with my Diploma and Level Three Early Childhood Educator Certification, I have spent my time working in the Early Learning and Childcare field ever since. I have worked in many settings; an educator in centre-based care, an educational assistant in elementary school, ARCQE mentor, and a day home educator. Co-learning and exploring possibilities with children, their families and co-educators is my passion.
I have been with The Children’s House Child Care Society as the Day Home Coordinator, Consultant, and Home Visitor since 2012. I love to co-learn alongside educators as they create responsive environments and places of vitality for children, their families and the community. I value supporting families through finding early learning and care that reflects their vision and needs for their children.
I am passionate about reflecting on my work in early learning and child care and throughout the years have received my certificate of completion of the Flight course: Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum: Play, Possibilities and Participation through MacEwan University, Brain Story Certification as well as Leading Through a Pedagogical Lens through ARCQE.
Exploring in nature; hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, snowshoeing, kayaking and gardening are a few things I love doing with my family. I also love to be in the kitchen making sourdough bread and baking.
Our Educators
Debbie
Educator
"I teach to enable, enliven and encourage"
While my background post-secondary education and continual ongoing training have allowed me to gain expertise in the field of Early Childhood, I believe my greatest strength is my passion for working with young children. I have been with Children's House Satellite Family Day Home program since 1993 (and over 40 children in my care later) I still continue to find joy in welcoming, nurturing and teaching in my North side Day Home.
I reinforce my philosophy, "Children are Mighty Learners, they learn through play” by expanding on their interests and needs and providing them with experiences to learn though such play. I believe in being an Educator who is a Co-Learner, Co-Researcher and Co- Imaginer not only with the child but with the families, the Children’s House Educating Team and the community. My years of experience has taught me well what children respond to. I offer a large playroom with a variety of toys and activities which I feel makes my day home a unique place to learn and grow. I offer many child related play areas: Literature and Quiet, Dramatic Play, Blocks, Sand and Water, Manipulative Centre, Art as well as a large outdoor area to run, climb and play. I also transport children and we can be found at the Public Libraries for story times and book lending, the Family Centre for Family Day home Play Time in their large playroom. As well we have outings to many beautiful parks like our River Bottom and playtime at the many playgrounds our city has to offer.
During my free time I am busy making great memories with my husband, two grown daughters, son in law and our lovable pup, Winnie.
I would love to have the opportunity to further discuss my services and unique program available to your child and family.
Visit my day home online at: https://debbz30.wixsite.com/debsdayhome
Lacey
Educator
Hello! My name is Lacey! I was born and raised right here in Lethbridge, AB. My spouse and I have three young children. We have a family dog named Baloo. He is a lab mix and is such a gentle giant. We decided after our second child that I would stay home and raise our family. As a mother, I know how important it is to find the right care and I would love to welcome your children into my home.
As a provider, I will help develop the children’s interests and skills so they can thrive when learning how to create, discover, explore and use their imagination.
I believe in providing a happy and safe space where your children are respected and nurtured. I'll encourage learning through play while exploring the world around them including reading, outdoor playtime and activities. Our day is structured with some flexibility. Snacks, lunch, quiet time and outdoor times don’t change; however, our activities vary. Snack and Lunch are provided, and I encourage healthy eating, following the Canada’s Food Guide.
I look forward to meeting with your family very soon!
Leslee
Educator
Hello! My name is Leslee and I have been part of the Children’s House family since June 2015. In 2022 I completed my ELCC Diploma and have my level 3 certification. I have been fortunate to be able to work with all ages of children at the centre, from our toddler room (Birch Room) to our 4 year old room (Evergreen Room). In 2018 I completed the Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum: Play, Possibilities and Participation (FLIGHT) through MacEwan University and began to develop my own practices of an emergent curriculum based on the children’s interests. In 2018/2019 I was fortunate to join a pilot project through GRIT and became the Site Lead for A.S.a.P. where I worked to implement social and emotional development in an inclusive environment within my classroom. In September 2019 I accepted an administrative position of Pedagogical Mentor where I work with my co-educators (both at the centre and in our day homes) and the children in their classrooms as we implement the Flight: Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum in our centre. In 2022 I became Daycare Program Supervisor in addition to mentoring my co-educators.
I love exploring the community around my early learning environment and building strong relationships with our community members. Working at the centre, I was excited to build a partnership with the children in my classroom and the residents at the Edith Cavell Care Home with regular monthly visits to play and build relationships. I also created a Riverbottom Program where the children (ages 2-6), Jen and myself spent the whole day in the river bottom exploring and connecting with nature.
My favourite part of working at Children’s House is learning about each child and their family’s individual values and reflecting on how we can nurture those beliefs together. I am excited to continue growing with Children’s House as I start my new journey of opening my day home in June 2023. I believe that children are confident-capable mighty learners and that every day is meant to be the best day ever!
In my down time I enjoy wandering our local Riverbottom with my dog Harlee, spending time with my extended family, and taking time to plan my next camping and kayaking trip!
Please feel free to follow me on my Early Learning Instagram Blog: https://www.instagram.com/playfulponderers
Elen
Educator
I am Elen! I was a high school teacher who taught grade eleven and twelve. My original country is Syria, so my first language is Arabic. I came to Canada with my family because the war in my country. I have two daughters, one is in grade twelve and the other in grade seven. I lost my husband during the covid pandemic, but with all the support from the people around me, my friends in the job, and families who have sponsored us to come to Canada, I stayed standing and helped my daughters grow up and continue on their path. We are Canadian citizen's now since 2021!
After a few years of working in the Children's House Daycare, I have decided to continue my path in the Early Learning and Child Care field and open my day home. I want to use all my experience and build my space. I would like to provide the day home with Syrian food and share all special traditions, and practice some different holidays with the child in my care.
I am looking forward to meeting you and your family!
