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 care 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 this before/after school care program, every child will be seen, heard, and valued for their unique background and identities.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.Similar to a makers 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. This is not an arts class. It will be a licensed in-home, multi-age 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.

"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