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.

A Little About Me

We moved from Illinois to Indiana in 2012 and I feel so lucky to have ended up in the Hamilton County area. I live in Westfield with my husband Geza, daughter Anya and son Drennan. When I’m not teaching preschoolers, I love to cook, read and play games with my family.

Krissi Himsel
Lead Teacher for Age 4

Background

This year will mark my sixth year at New Joy and 16 years in education! 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.

Open Enrollment Now

New Joy Preschool Forms

Registration Form 2024-25

Emergency Contact Form

Driver Release Form

Media Release Form

Preschool Calendar

Calendar 2024-25

Parent's Handbook

Parent's Handbook 2024-25

New Joy Preschool

Focus Areas by Age Group

Upcoming Preschool Dates to Know

Preschool Trunk or Treat

Preschool Fall Break

No Preschool

Preschool Thanksgiving Break

Preschool Christmas Program