Shauna Harrison - Director

    I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Easton Country Day School. My name is Shauna Harrison and in 2007 I purchased Easton Country Day School. I am the owner and director of this wonderful school.  The school has a rich history since 1967. In 40+ years so many families have enjoyed our school. Many grandparents had their children come to our school and now have their grandchildren come to our school.

    I have over 10 years of experience in the field of child care, which spans all types of programs. I am Director II and Lead Teacher certified in Massachusetts. I have obtained my degree in early childhood education from Bridgewater State College. I have attended many conferences and workshops that have advanced my knowledge in child care development. As a director I feel that it is very important that I, as well as my teachers, continue on with their experiences and knowledge of the field by continuing to complete workshops and conferences throughout the year. It is a requirement that each staff member complete 25 professional development training hours each year that  include: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership, as well as meeting the needs of all learners which include special needs children. Our entire staff are trained annually in both infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use.

    At Easton Country Day School I have a wonderful team of teachers that have been carefully selected for their experience in early child care as well as their attitude in caring, guiding and creating a wholesome atmosphere for the young child and his or her development. The staff is interested in the personal development of each child. They offer educational programs designed to promote social, intellectual, and emotional experiences that will help your child in reaching his/her full potential.

    Finally, I know leaving your child at school is often difficult, but our hope is that you may consider Easton Country Day School as a second home for your children. Our school offers a warm and nurturing environment for all children. We can ensure that your child's health and well being are maintained and that he or she will receive a positive and creative learning experience. We encourage you to meet the staff, and see for yourself the high quality of care offered at this school. We hope you will join the Easton Country Day School family.

What is my teaching philosophy?

My philosophy of education is rooted in several ideologies. Fundamentally, I believe children have an internal timing and pacing to their development that is unique to each child. Just as children don’t walk and talk at the same exact age, we don’t expect our preschoolers to acquire skills in the same time frame. Many factors affect development. Each family is different and provides different types of stimulation and guidance. It is my goal, as children enter my program, to assess their development, taking into account all areas. I then design my curriculum to suit their individual needs. Based on research and experience, I believe young children learn differently than their school age counterparts. Young children learn through their senses and experiences. Hands-on exploration is best for a preschooler. Rote memorization of facts is data gathering, and is not knowledge children will retain. Actual experience and repetition is key; it must be concrete and real. I view teachers and parents as facilitators. We provide an enriched, inviting environment in which children feel safe and supported. This then allows them to pursue their areas of interest, be stimulated to try new activities and explore new ideas with confidence and curiosity. This type of differentiation is difficult, but research and the growth I see over the school year supports this type of learning and planning.

“I have been told that the greatest effect on cognitive development in young children derives from social interaction. In my experience at ECDS, I have seen just that. ECDS is a place where children get the opportunity to develop their skills and it is amazing to actually witness that."

Pat Colbert- Kindergarten

Pat Colbert received her B.S. in Education from Boston University.  She worked for two years as a math and computer science teacher at Grafton High School.  She was recruited by Interactive Data Corporation to be a systems programmer and later became a manager.  She stayed at Interactive Data for 22 years and was able to utilize her love of teaching by training new hires and developing and implementing the company "Learn at Lunch" program.  After leaving Interactive Data Corporation, Pat returned to education by substituting at her town's elementary school and teaching summer programs.  Both of Pat's children, Patrick and Mary, attended Easton Country Day.  When Patrick was in the nursery program, she was asked to be a teacher aide at Easton Country Day.  She loves being at Easton Country Day!  She began at Easton Country Day as a teacher aide in 2003. She fulfilled the course requirements of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care and became a certified Kindergarten teacher in 2010. She has continued to enhance her professional development as a Kindergarten teacher by maintaining her certification by completing trainings and workshops. This year she has completed courses that fulfill: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership. She is also trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use. Pat has also been teaching religious education at her church for 24 years and has taught all different ages, from grade one to grade nine.  She is involved in her community by being a committee member of two town sponsored organizations.  One organization runs a yearly litter cleanup and does beatification projects around town.  The other organization raises money for the town's Animal Shelter.  Pat's interests include being with her family, gardening, walking, skiing, and playing with their family dog Miley.

What do you feel the children leave ECDS with?

When children leave our school to go on to the next phase in their education, I have faith that we have built a strong foundation of knowledge and experiences. This, in turn gives our students the tools for being a successful student. Our approach helps children to develop a love of learning, the ability to ask questions and to express their needs and wants in a productive manner. We want our children to approach each learning experience with confidence, knowing how to handle all the rigors of a classroom environment such as negotiating with others, listening, following directions, and being a positive member of the group. We give each area of development a chance to bloom, following each child’s internal timing and pacing. Our students are not only ready to learn, but know HOW to learn. They have a concrete base of knowledge that sets the stage for all future education and true learning. I believe our school offers children a chance to grow, learn and develop in a non-competitive environment, where opportunities to enhance their individual development in all areas are present each and every day. Parents are supported, welcomed and involved. The message we want to provide to each of our students is that what they do every day is important, is heard and celebrated. Our nurturing, loving environment gives children a sense of security, so learning occurs naturally; the children have so much fun. Indeed, learning and play go hand-in-hand.

Joyce Burns- PreK / Nursery

Joyce has been teaching at ECDS since 1999. She has a tremendous gift for working with young children. Mrs. Burns is certified in Massachusetts to work with toddlers and preschool children. She teaches our Prekindergarten and nursery programs. She was carefully selected for her experience in early child care as well as her attitude in caring, guiding and creating a wholesome atmosphere for the young child and his or her development here at Easton Country Day School.  Joyce attended UMASS Boston.  Before she became a team member of Easton Country Day School she was an Executive assistant at an insurance firm for 15 years. She then took some time off to raise her two children, Lyndsey and Kyle. Both of Joyce’s children graduated from Easton Country Day. She fulfilled the course requirements of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care and became a certified preschool teacher. She has continued to enhance her professional development as a preschool teacher by maintaining her certification by completing trainings and workshops. This year she has completed professional development and training that fulfill: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership, as well as meeting the needs of all learners. She is also trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

“I enjoy watching the children grow and change, challenging them to be independent thinkers, and the hugs and smiles are great too.”

What advice can you give a parent looking for preschool placement?

Luzann Noonan - PreK / Nursery

Luzann Noonan has been teaching at Easton Country Day School since 1994. She was born and raised in the Midwest. She developed a love of travel and adventure early on. After receiving her BSN degree she joined the U.S. Air Force where she worked as a nurse. She and her husband Larry raised their 5 children right here in North Easton. She was a stay at home mom until joining the staff here and has enjoyed working with the children using her nursing skills and experience at home to help maintain a safe , fun and nurturing environment for her students. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at My Brother’s Keeper, reading, traveling and spending time with her friends and family. She has continued to enhance her professional development as a Preschool teacher by maintaining her certification by completing trainings and workshops. This year she has completed professional development and training that fulfill: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership, as well as meeting the needs of all learners. She is also trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use.

Why should parents enroll their children at ECDS?