An Introduction from our Director!
My name is Elyse Yurth Adlen and I am very excited to be a part of Plum Hill Preschool! I have been working with children in various capacities since high school, but formally as a preschool and third grade teacher before moving from Los Angeles to Denver in 2001. Since being in Denver, I have been fortunate to have inspiring mentors who helped me combine my love of education and social work. I spent my first five years in Denver at the University of Denver’s Bridge Project as the Education Coordinator, supporting preschoolers through college students. When my own daughter was two years old, I was offered the Preschool Director position at Temple Sinai where I was fortunate to be a part of an incredible learning community and tour Reggio inspired schools throughout the country. From there I moved to Florence Crittenton Services, directing and growing the Early Childhood Education program within a teen parent program.
In my spare time, I consult with families, schools, and the Denver Early Childhood Council as a licensed trainer for the state of Colorado. I am looking forward to offering these resources to the staff and families at Plum Hill Preschool. I have earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Level Five Early Childhood Credential and am deemed an “Infant and Toddler Specialist” by the State of Colorado.
As a resident of University Hills, I have watched the transformation of the Plum Hill Preschool building with great interest. Although I enjoy working with all children, my passion for early childhood is easy to see, as I become a true geek reading about the latest findings in brain development. I feel grateful for the privilege to join this community. I believe that children learn best when provided a safe, loving, and respectful environment and all will find that at Plum Hill Preschool.
Mark Your Calendars for the Plum Hill Preschool Open House(s)!
Plum Hill will be hosting an open house on Saturday July 14th and Sunday July 22nd from 9 am to 1 pm.
We are excited to welcome Ms. Amy to the Plum Hill Preschool team! Amy will be the lead teacher of our Forest room. She is a Colorado native who has been involved in early childhood education since her first job as a teacher's assistant in high school. After leaving the field for several years to support her family, she returned to college to complete her BA in Contemplative Education which allowed the study of education through the lens of psychology and child development, sociology and the ecological system, and holistic philosophy and practice. She has worked with mentor teachers within the Reggio Approach while continuing her research of educational philosophy before taking a mentoring and leadership role herself. During summer breaks, Amy has worked with children and families struggling with hardships including low SES, special right of children on the developmental spectrum, and mental illness. This work has reinforced in her the desire to provide loving early childhood care and support for children and families, as well as recognizing the importance of a child led approach to learning. She is passionate about her work and looks forward to working at Plum Hill.
Help your child prepare for their first day of school with this wonderful back to school reading list curated by Gigi Pagliarulo, Plum Hill Preschool parent and librarian for Denver Public Library.
Buy Mabel's Labels to support our fundraiser!
Labels for clothes, shoes, containers, and more.
August 6, 2018- First day of school!