Director
Hi, my name is Kelly Schmidt, but I go by Ms. Kelly. I am excited about joining the family here at Teddy Bear Preschool. I originally grew up in Michigan but have resided in Seaside for over 30 years. I am happily married and have two grown sons. My experience working with children is extensive. I have owned and operated my own daycare, been a teacher and a director many years. My hobbies and interests include karate, archery, creative arts, and swimming.
Our Teachers
DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH OF YOUNG CHILDREN
At Teddy Bear Preschool LLC, our teachers are well-educated in the field of child development. They all have college credits or degrees in Child Development. They also stay current with research on brain development and children’s issues by attending conferences, seminars, and in-service trainings. All our teachers are certified in Infant, Child, and Adult CPR and First Aid.
My passion for working with children began at age eleven, and after attending the college courses necessary and earning my Child Development Certificate, I began the career that I truly love. I have worked with young children for over 23 years, the past 16 of them at Teddy Bear Preschool. It feels great to witness so many "firsts." I get to be a part of their messy, amazing learning process. I get to see their smiles, and most of all, I get to form meaningful friendships with children and see how I can impact them every day!
I have been working with infants and young children for over 30 years, beginning as a volunteer while in high school. My college courses included Child Development and Infant/Toddler. I found my home with Teddy Bear Preschool eleven years ago. I truly enjoy teaching and building strong relationships with the children at our preschool. They never fail to amaze me with their enthusiasm for learning and their capacity for love.
Hello, my name is Maria Bland. I'm excited to be your TK teacher and look forward to a year full of learning and adventure. I was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula with my husband and two grown children. I have many years of teaching experience with children of all ages. My hobbies are restoring old furniture, cooking and baking.
Our TEAM
DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD
Our teachers are genuinely interested in what the children are doing, how they are feeling, and what they have to say.
Teachers bend, kneel, or sit down to establish eye contact when talking with children. Teachers show respect for children’s feelings, ideas, and respond quickly and positively to children’s needs and questions.
Our teachers work in partnership with families to help children develop their full potential.
