Staff Bios
Moji Shabani
(centre operator)
My love for teaching started as a very young girl. In 2001 I graduated from Capilano Univercity from the Early Childhood Care and Education Program. Since then I have experienced working with variety of age groups and programs. It was always a dream of mine to have my own daycare. I worked at two different centres for six years, and gaining all the experience in the childcare field, I felt very confident about opening my own centre. I didn’t only want to open a daycare, but I wanted a place where parents could feel comfortable about leaving their children in a safe, clean, bright and a warm environment, and at the same time give them the education necessary to enter Kindergarten.
In 2007, I opened Smiling Stars Daycare, at a smaller location, this allowed me to gain further experience in operating a daycare. In February 2011, we got the opportunity to re-locate Smiling Stars Daycare to a bigger location, licensed for fourty seven children. I am very proud of the organization that Smiling Stars Daycare has become. I understand that one of the main asset to a successful daycare is the caregivers, , our team is made up of a group of teachers who have similar morals, values and teaching style that promotes and fosters a caring, nurturing and healthy environment for our children to explore, experiment and learn. All of our staff display a strong passion for caring and educating children. Our teachers attend monthly staff meeting where they are able to share ideas and goals helping to create a strong team environment. We provide them with all the tools necessary to teach and care for every age and stage of children enrolled in our program.
Jessica Bechard
(Centre Supervisor)
I have been working in the childcare field for 9 years and at Smiling Stars Daycare for 5 of those years. Throughout this time, I have seen and worked in various centres. I have found it rewarding to build unique relationships with each child and their families. However, before working at Smiling Stars Daycare, I was searching for a centre with distinct qualities. I was so pleased to have found Smiling Stars Daycare and I have been working as supervisor since it opened in 2007. I am so proud to be part of such an amazing organization. This is a daycare that each child can feel it is their home away from home. Our families feel comforted dropping their child off knowing they are in great hands. They are consistently up to date and involved in their child’s progress. We are aware in order to have such a successful daycare the main asset is to have good staff. All our staff has been carefully chosen because they each possess a unique quality that makes our daycare what it is. Throughout my experiences I have found that there are few daycares like Smiling Stars Daycare, and I am very proud that I am a part of it.
Mydie
(Infant/Toddler leader)
I enjoy working with children because...
It brings me back to the joy of observation. When I am with them, I learn again to pause, to listen and to wonder. Everyday always brings new discoveries and the best thing of all... an endless reason to laugh.
I enjoy working at Smiling Stars Daycare because...
I like the professional camaraderie amongst staff. Everyone is very supportive.
Violeta
(Infant room Teacher)
I enjoy working with children because..
I love children and it is a very rewarding career. Being a part of their development physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially gives me a wonderful feeling. Their smiles, hugs I receive from the children and, the way they tap my back as they hug me, erases all my worries and springs me back to work again. Seeing the children appreciate the songs I sing at circle time, by swinging their bodies and clapping makes me happy and fulfilled. Hearing the children who have developed their language ask for more songs gives me the energy to go on and on. Calling my name even through babbles is music to my ears. It is fun working with young children, they don’t only learn from me, but I learn from them also.
I enjoy working with Smiling Stars Daycare because..
We are treated as equals, a place where ones opinion or suggestion is heard, allows creativity for children and staff to prosper. It has a welcoming atmosphere, with dedicated supportive and friendly staff.
Cristina
(Toddler room teacher)
I enjoy working with children because..
It is a hard work but rewarding. Children never cease to fascinate me. I am always intrigued or surprised of how quick they learn. They never bore you and always keep you smiling.
I enjoy working with Smiling Stars Daycare because...
the place is so welcoming, staff are very friendly and approachable to their co-workers and the families at the centre. Everyone is very open to suggestions, and they love to listen to the children’s needs. I feel that we are all one family with one purpose and goal.
Katy
(3-5 room team leader)
I enjoy working with children because..
It allows me to experience life through their unjaded eyes. To be able to get excited about the little things that we sometimes forget or are too busy to notice as adults, is the greatest way to keep positive perspective on life.
I enjoy working at Smiling Stars Daycare because..
It has given me the opportunity to do what I love in an encouraging, respectful atmosphere. As a teacher, this team gives me the confidence and support I need to take chances and work to my full potential. Smiling Stars is a great environment to encourage children`s self acceptance, and confidence through exciting activities.
Jasen
(3-5 room Teacher)
I enjoy working with children because..
They teach me things that I can learn from which in turn, I can use to help and support others. Each child is different and I enjoy playing, creating, and communicating with each one.
I enjoy working with Smiling Stars Daycare because...
The staff are very interesting, different, communicative, expressive, kind and generous to each other, children and parents. We are a team, and we work as one and we are here to help you in many ways.
Sima
(3-5 Room Teacher)
I enjoy working with children because..
Each child is seen as a unique explorer and learner. I have the privilege to watch them grow and make discoveries through play and exploration. Children are truly amazing and they put a smile on my face every day.
I enjoy working with smiling stars daycare because..
It promotes opportunities for exploration, play, learning and growth.
Marianne
(infant/toddler room teacher)
I enjoy working with children because...
Each child brings a special quality to the daycare. It is enjoyable and rewarding to see the children change grow and see their learning progress. As a teacher it is rewarding to share your learnings and experiences with the children as well as other staff. Children love to learn, explore and observe, these are the tools they carry on throughout their lives.
I enjoy working at Smiling Stars Daycare because...
I get to work with a variety ages of children. The staff are all experiences and knowledgeable. I have learned and gained valuable experiences through working at Smiling Stars Daycare. This centre provides a warm, caring environment for all the children that attend here. Parents often comment on how friendly and helpful the staff are. Smiling Stars Daycare is not just a daycare but a place a child can feel at home.
Soledad
(Infant /3-5 room teacher)
I enjoy and love to work with children because..
I learn through their experiences.
I enjoy working with Smiling Stars daycare because..
The working relationship I have gained with other staff. I enjoy having a fun and good relationship, especially the respect towards each other and the children. This creates a healthy working environment.
Farnoosh
(Toddler/3-5 room teacher)
I enjoy working with children because
They are happy, innocent and they still love unconditionally!
Their imagination and wonder of this world is amazing; it is very interesting how they experience new things, how they learn them and how proud they get when they learn new things!
A small hug or smile from them makes my day worthwhile and joyfulJ
I enjoy working with smiling stars daycare because, I had this chance to do my practicum there and that was amazing experience! How the teachers there, treated me was wonderful!
It is a very friendly, respectful and happy environment with great teamwork which I can learn from both children and other teachers. Also the place is neat, beautiful and lovely that makes it a special daycare to work withJ