About Us
Objectives | History | Facility | Red bags and books | Teacher bios
Our objectives:
- To guide the children toward self discipline and independence
- To build feelings of confidence and self-esteem
- To guide the children towards sharing and cooperating with others
- To learn through play and exploration
History of the School
Muppets was originally called Happy Tots and was started by a group of parents who wanted their children to go to a co-operative preschool. St. Elizabeth’s Co-op was full and always had a waiting list.
Happy Tots was started in 1975 and was operated out of the basement of a Presbyterian Church on New Street. The name was changed to Muppets in 1977.
Muppets moved along New Street to Ascension Catholic School in 1980, where it remained until September of 1985 until it moved into Frontenac Public School. The final move was made to Appleby United Church in 1988.
Our Facility
Muppets preschool occupies 2 bright and colorful classrooms on the second floor of Appleby United Church.
There is an auditorium/gym available and a park close by for physical activities.
Muppets is licensed and inspected by the Ministry of Community Family and Children’s Services.
Nut Free Classrooms: both of our classrooms are nut free.
Red Bags and Red Books
The Red Bag has long been a symbol at Muppets. Each child is given a red bag at our September Open House. Each day the child brings his or her Red Bag to Muppets with their snack and a change of clothes in, and hangs it on their coat hook. At the end of the morning the Red Bag is taken home and it usually contains lots of artwork. The Red Bag is returned at the end of the school year.
Each family is given a Red Book when they enroll in the school. They are asked to read the contents over the summer and bring it with them to our first General Meeting held in early September. The Red Book contains lots of information about our policies, answers questions about responsibilities, duty days etc.., and even has a playdough recipe.
Teacher Bios
Supervisor: Brada Cochrane
Brada Cochrane is an Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.) teacher, from Sheridan College class of ’84. She has been working with families at Muppets since 2001 and became Supervisor in June 2007. Brada provides a loving and positive learning experience for the children. Her goal is to educate young people in an atmosphere where they can learn, socialize, grow and feel good about themselves and their successes. She partners with the parents of the children during class, empowering them to actively participate in their children’s learning adventures.
Brada has previously worked with the Region of Peel, Peel Board of Education and Oakville Parent/Child Centre. In the summer months Brada is an educator with Halton’s “Even Start” program. She also works privately with special needs children one on one and holds a part-time position at a seniors’ retirement living home in Burlington.
Brada resides in Burlington with her husband David and their two children, Bradley and Michelle.
Assistant Supervisor: Carolyn Walker
Carolyn Walker is an Early Childhood Educator (E.C.E. Montessori) from Sheridan College, class of ’81.
Carolyn has more than 9 years of experience in the independent school environment, teaching Preschool, Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten classes. In addition, she has ten years of experience with a Public School Board and various pre-school centers in Halton and York Region.
Carolyn’s philosophy as an Early Childhood Educator is to respect and appreciate each child as a unique individual, with various learning styles, and their own unique personalities. She has an excellent rapport with the children and is continuously bringing out the best in them. Carolyn believes it is important for children to have a safe, cooperative and supportive learning environment that encourages each child to explore the world and excel. Her goal is to make each child’s learning experiences positive, and to help them develop a passion for learning that will last throughout their lives.
Carolyn likes to expand her knowledge of early childhood learning practices and strategies through professional development courses. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and entertaining, reading, gardening and going to the cottage.