PRESCHOOL

At New Joy Preschool, we believe that children learn academic readiness skills, motor skills language/communication and social behavioral skills when their bodies and their brains are ready. We know from experience that different children are often developmentally ready to learn new skills at different times. We also know that to try and teach skills before the child is developmentally ready only leads to frustration and the possibility that he/she will become disenchanted with school and with learning.

In addition, research has consistently shown that young children learn through movement, active social play, and imaginative make-believe play. For these reasons, our preschool classes are designed to provide children with lots of active movement, lots of opportunities to be social, lots of opportunities to communicate with friends and adults and lots of opportunities to use their imaginations. At New Joy Preschool it’s not about academic drill and practice, it’s all about play, play, play with the incorporation of skill building within the play-based activities.

3-yr-old Class — T/Th from 9:30am – 12:30pm

4-yr-old Class — M/W/F from 9:30am – 12:30pm

Miranda Verik
Preschool Director/Teacher

Teaching Experience

2014–18 Teacher 3-yr-old classroom, Thrive Preschool, Westfield, IN

2004–06 Teacher Elem. Special Education, District U-46, Elgin, IL

2000–04 Teacher 3-yr-old room, All About Children, Naperville, IL

Teaching Philosophy

I’ve learned from experience that play is the best way for young children to learn. When young children can have fun while learning, they love coming to school. Throughout my experience with children, I know that even identical twins learn differently and at different rates. No two children are the same. That’s why, especially with young children, learning needs to be very individualized.

I also know from working in an elementary school setting that empathy and kindness are just as important as the academic subjects. Some children may know how to read or do math when they reach school age, but if they don’t know how to get along with others, or how to focus, or how to be empathetic, or show kindness to those around them they will struggle in school. For that reason, I believe that children should never be pushed to learn something that they are not developmentally ready to learn.

Learning through play, enjoying the fresh air, learning to be kind and empathetic, along with large doses of sunshine and fresh air are all good for both young and old souls.

I am so excited to start our 7th year here at New Joy. I’m looking forward to getting to know your children and helping them learn new skills. This will be my 17th year of teaching.

A Little About Me

My husband Geza moved from Illinois to Indiana in 2012 and we feel so lucky to have ended up in the Hamilton County area. We live here in Westfield with our son Drennan (16). Our daughter Anya is a freshman at IU. I stay busy going to Westfield sporting events and taking our dog (Bob) to local parks for walks. In my spare time I have a huge vegetable garden that I love growing veggies for the whole year. I also love cooking and making homemade pizzas for my family and friends.

Krissi Himsel
Lead Teacher for Age 4

Background

I’m excited to be back at New Joy Preschool for our seventh year and it will also mark my 17 years in education! I’m looking forward to playing outside, singing and dancing, painting and drawing, and learning all kinds of cool things. We will work with the kids to prepare them for Kindergarten socially and academically. Let’s have a great year!

I am a licensed secondary English teacher with several years of teaching experience. Teaching and working with children has always been my passion. I believe children learn best by having fun and playing.

A little about me...

I am also a soccer coach and player, a kindergarten and second grade room parent, and an avid outdoors woman.

My husband Nate and I live in Westfield with our two children Destry and Piper, and we love this community! When I’m not teaching preschoolers, I’m most likely reading a book, playing outdoors or playing with my family.

Jill Zeitler
Classroom Assistant

Hi! This will be my third year teaching at New Joy and I am excited for this year! I had been a SAHM for 10 years and absolutely loved it. My youngest, Bryce, attended New Joy for 2 years before heading off to big kid school. I am very passionate about this young age and love watching children grow and learn new skills while having fun and playing.

My husband, Steve and I have lived in Westfield for 10 years. We have 3 children, Hadley (13), Madison (11), and Bryce (7). These three keep us very busy with all their activities: basketball, soccer, volleyball, football and swimming. When I am not coaching or cheering for my kids, I love to read, spend time with my family/friends, walk on the Monon and travel.

Welcome To New Joy Preschool
2025-2026 School Year

New Joy Preschool Forms

Registration Form 2025-26

Emergency Contact Form

Driver Release Form

Media Release Form

Preschool Calendar

Calendar 2025-26

Parent's Handbook

Parent's Handbook 2025-26

New Joy Preschool

Focus Areas by Age Group