COMING SOON:
home-based before/after school care

Pumpkin Hill Atelier will provide an arts-based and play-based environment for children between the ages of 5-12 years. This before/after school care program is being thoughtfully created to offer Oceanside families childcare in a warm, small-group environment. In addition to the art aspect, there will be opportunities for open ended play and outdoor time. With only 8 spots in the program, Pumpkin Hill will be a place where meaningful connections can grow and each child is known and valued for who they are.Pumpkin Hill Atelier is currently in the planning stage. The full website is under construction for an anticipated opening in September 2027. If you would like to be kept in the loop, please join the interest list below.For direct inquiries, please contact:
[email protected]
778-917-8695
Mona Sabzevari

Interest List

Philosophy

Why an atelier? Inspired by the Reggio-Emilia framework of early childhood education, an atelier is an artisan's workshop where children engage in research of the senses, investigation of ideas, and the exploration of various mediums. "Children are innately receptive to the possibilities that materials offer and interact with them in order to make meaning and relationships, explore, and communicate." - Charles Schwall, In the Spirit of the Studio.Similar to a maker studio, children will have the opportunity to experience hands-on activities in a small group setting where they will develop confidence, social-emotional skills, and self-efficacy that will support them well beyond their time at Pumpkin Hill. The atelier is one part of a broader school-age care program. This is not an art class; it will be a licensed In-Home Multi-Age Child Care program with an arts component.My philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is unique, capable, and deserving of an inclusive learning environment. I believe children construct understanding through play, relationships, inquiry, and meaningful experiences. I recognize families as children's first and most important teachers and believe learning is most meaningful when we work in partnership.This program will have an educator:child ratio of 1:8 because I believe meaningful relationships are the foundation of learning. A smaller setting allows an educator to truly know each child, respond to their individual interests and developmental needs, and create a welcoming community where every child feels a sense of belonging.

Meet the Educator

My name is Mona Sabzevari and I am a certified Early Childhood Educator with a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser Univeristy and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I have a diverse background working with children across a variety of educational and caregiving settings. For three years, I have worked in a preschool and before/after school care centre in North Vancouver. Prior to this, I was an elementary school teacher for the North Vancouver School District. Other experiences include working as a nanny for two professional families and volunteering as a KidStart mentor with vulnerable youth.These experiences have provided me with a broad understanding of children’s development from the early years through the elementary transition. My education in psychology and teaching strengthened my understanding of child development, learning environments, and educational practices, while my experiences in childcare settings have shaped my approach to building strong relationships, supporting individual needs, and creating meaningful learning opportunities.

Sample Schedule & Fees

A.M.
• 7:30-8:30am Gradual arrival; gentle invitation to the day with soft music, open-ended play; children may eat their breakfasts from home if they wish
• 8:30am-9:00am Drive to school in the van for morning drop off. I will stay on site until the first bell rings. Kindergarten students will be escorted to their classrooms and handed off to their teachers or designated school staff.P.M.
• 2:50-3:20pm Afternoon pick up. Kindergarten students will be picked up from their classrooms; older children to meet at designated spot. Drive in the van to Pumpkin Hill.
• 3:20-3:30pm Gathering Circle: check in, table talk, healthy afternoon snack provided by me
• 3:30-4:15pm Guided Studio Session with a select medium, style, or open-studio time; group clean up
• 4:15-5:00pm Outside time, rain or shine.
• 5:00-6:00pm Open-ended play until pick up timeFEES
• As a new program, Pumpkin Hill Atelier will prioritize registering full time spots in order to build on consistency
• Full time spot means a family requiring both before and after school care (4 hours and 40 minutes care per day), 5x a week. This includes school drop off/pick up and an afternoon snack = $610 monthly.
• Pumpkin Hill Atelier will apply for the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative but there is no guarantee it will be available immediately upon enrolling. The maximum parent fee reduction for in-home child care is $320 for Kindergarten-aged children and $145 for Grades 1 - Age 12 (per month). Similarly, Pumpkin Hill will seek to participate in the Affordable Child Care Benefit that eligible families may enroll in.

"Teacher Mona has been an absolutely fantastic preschool educator for our son over the last 2.5 years. Kind, supportive, and genuinely interested in what children are saying or sharing, she has consistently impressed us with her affection for children paired with a very professional relationship with adults. Her knowledge and skill in early childhood development are evident in how she can gently guide a child while making any task fun. We particularly appreciated that she shared areas where our son could use support as well as where he was flourishing... Any classroom would be lucky to have her, and our son is better for the time he's spent in hers. We will miss her!"— Lauren C., Parent of a Former Preschool Student"Mona approaches the classroom with confidence. She makes the students feel comfortable and confident themselves... If I'm lucky enough to have children someday, I would be thrilled to have them in Mona's class."— Esther C., Elementary School Practicum Supervisor