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Laurie Lasky, DirectorLaurie received her B.A. in Sociology and Women's Studies from the College at New Paltz, University of New York, and her Master of Social Work from the University of New York at Stony Brook.
After graduating from New Paltz, she worked at an early childhood program which served both regular and special needs pre-school children. In this position, Laurie worked both with parents in their homes and directly with children in the classroom. Her head teacher was an enormously talented teacher who provided Laurie with invaluable developmental training. At Stony Brook, she worked for two years as an assistant teacher (children ages 2-5) at the university's child care center. Here she had the good fortune to again be mentored by another remarkable woman, the center director, whose guidance and coaching greatly augmented Laurie's foundation for her career in early childhood education. Laurie married in 1984 and moved into Brookline Village. After starting her own family, she opened the doors of her home as Little Feet Daycare in 1990, and has since served over 300 families in the area. Laurie's continued commitment to her work is fueled by her love of young children and their development, as well as her passion for supporting growing families. |
“Little Feet has been so wonderful for our family! This is our daughter's second year there and we couldn't be happier. The staff is so warm, loving, and responsive to each child's needs. Our daughter is slower to warm up to new people and environments, but they have taken the extra time and care to make sure she feels comfortable and safe each day. They provide a variety of stimulating activities for the kids every day and carefully select their activities in order to cater toward the ages, needs, and preferences of the children at that time. They also offer nutritious lunches and snacks, which is a huge plus for busy parents-- no packing lunches everyday. One of our favorite perks is the hundreds of pictures we get in our inbox on a weekly basis-- it's so nice to see first-hand what the kids have been up to, and to be reassured that they are happy and smiling when away from us. Our daughter is constantly talking about her friends and teachers at school. I highly recommend Little Feet!” - Laura S.
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Gina BaccariGina Baccari has been a member of the Little Feet staff since August of 2012. A graduate of both Mass. College of Art and Fisher College, Gina’s first degree is in Community Art Education. After obtaining this degree, Gina discovered an over-riding passion for working with young children and decided to obtain her second degree in Early Childhood Education. Gina’s great love for and dedication to furthering the development of young children, are just two of the many assets that Gina brings to Little Feet. Her warmth, sense of humor and deep compassion make Gina is a great team member who is beloved by our children and their families.
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“From the very first time we visited Little Feet it has felt like home. Laurie and her staff are absolute professionals with a clear vision for educating toddlers. It seems that each day my son comes home with a new skill and many stories to tell. The curriculum is strong with a variety of seasonal activities a wonderful emphasis of learning through play. The outdoor space is a real asset - snowy outdoor fun in the winter and sandbox & water play in the summer. On the weekends and holidays he genuinely misses being there - he'll often ask if we're going to see [and names many of the staff and children]. The healthy snacks and lunch are a huge plus. It means my son gets to try new foods and we don't have to prepare them at home.” - Jay B.
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Sarah PavelecWe welcomed Sarah to our Little Feet staff in May of 2015. A recent college graduate with a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sarah has been working with children for nine years. Her experience includes work as a swim instructor, lifeguard, assistant teacher in an afternoon preschool, and Sarah also worked as a full time summer nanny during two of her college years. Sarah is a wonderful teacher who loves projects, games and organized physical play. She has become our yoga guru, not to mention inventor of creative on the spot directed games. Sarah loves music and provides great inspiration during our weekly music class and frequent dance parties. Sarah can often be found surrounded by a group of children avidly engaged while she is reading books or showing them new ways to build and play. In the Fall of 2019, we will be bidding farewell to Sarah as a full time staff member. I September, Sarah will begin her new adventure as a graduate student at Boston University. We will miss her sweet, upbeat presence and look forward to seeing her at Little Feet as a substitute teacher from time to time. Best of luck to Sarah!
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With Laurie's thoughtful curriculum and well trained staff, she set the stage for a joy of learning that has served our son well. She is incredibly knowledgeable about children, takes a personal interest in "her kids", was the first to recognize our son's abilities and helped me understand some of the supports he needed to thrive. Laurie has a deep and well informed understanding of how children develop and is able to provide the nurturing and structure they need to grow. She and her staff can hone in on their unique qualities and bring out their best. Laurie also puts a lot of energy into preparing organic foods as well as hiring and supporting the right staff. Little Feet is an excellent daycare.” - Beth R.
Zev Levi Spiegel
We are very excited to announce that Zev Levi Spiegel has joined our Little Feet staff as of August 2019. He comes to us fresh from New York City, with a Bachelor of Science degree from NYU in Educational Theater. Zev recently completed two years of early childhood teaching before moving to the Boston area. He is a warm and gentle soul, a creative and innovative teacher, and a gifted storyteller. We feel so fortunate that Zev has become a member of our Little Feet community.
We are very excited to announce that Zev Levi Spiegel has joined our Little Feet staff as of August 2019. He comes to us fresh from New York City, with a Bachelor of Science degree from NYU in Educational Theater. Zev recently completed two years of early childhood teaching before moving to the Boston area. He is a warm and gentle soul, a creative and innovative teacher, and a gifted storyteller. We feel so fortunate that Zev has become a member of our Little Feet community.
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Now a substitute teacher for our program, Alex was a part time staff member at Little Feet from 2004 to 2014. Having grown up surrounded by Little Feet (Alex is Laurie's oldest son), Alex certainly feels at home working in the program! In addition to many years of babysitting for numerous Brookline families, Alex worked for five summers at Ramapo for Children, a program located in Rhinebeck, N.Y. which serves special needs children ages four through sixteen years. After working as a life guard and swim instructor at the Evelyn Kirraine Aquatics Center in Brookline, where he primarily taught infant, toddler and pre-school classes for five years, Alex is now continued this work for another year at the Longfellow Sports Club in Natick, Ma. He has a B.S. degree in psychology from UMass Boston. Alex’s love of teaching, coupled with his compassionate heart and the capacity to love unconditionally, make him a great asset to our program. We are very fortunate that he is available to provide staff back-up.
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Maddie Rose - AKA "Maddie"
Lovely, sweet and even tempered, Maddie joined our family in early March of 2016. As our little daycare dog in training she quickly became a sweet and loving (junior) member of our staff. Always smiling and wagging her tail, with favorite toy of the moment in her mouth, she always is there to greet all who enter. The children and our families have come to love this little pup as she has made her way so easily into our hearts. In January 2018, Maddie earned her Canine Good Citizen credential and a few months later became a Certified Therapy dog. With maturity she has come into her own as a beloved daycare dog at Little Feet. |
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Sadie - R.I.P. August 2001 - January 2016Following nearly a year of gradual and careful training, Sadie joined the staff of Little Feet Daycare in the fall of 2002. She was an extraordinary creature, a source of comfort, love and companionship to over 200 children. Sadie turned fourteen in August of 2015 and remained the most gentle and beloved member of our staff until her death in January of 2016. She was an exemplary model of patience, tolerance and unconditional love until the very end of her life. Beloved by many, she will always be remembered.
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