LE PETIT PARADIS

BILINGUAL FRENCH PRESCHOOL

Founder & President

  Christina Houri

 

I come from an international background. My high school years were spent at the “Lycée Français de New York”. After graduation, I attended “The Fashion Institute of Technology” in New York City. I worked as a fashion designer intern with Givenchy in Paris. Upon my return to New York, I got a job as a buyer for a few years. Then by a twist of fate,  I was hired as an Assistant Teacher at “Le Jardin à l’Ouest”, a French- American preschool, with a Bank Street philosophy on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

 

There, I realized that I have a natural ability and a passion for teaching children. I developed an interest in education, which led me to take classes at “Bank Street College”. After two years of teaching at “Le Jardin à L’Ouest”, I decided to take the Montessori training program, which was an enlightening experience. I then taught at “Riverside Early Learning”, a Montessori-based center in New York City.

 

Afterwards, I decided to return to the corporate world. But I couldn't get my teaching experience out of my mind, it was so fulfilling. So I pursued my dream and opened “Le Petit Paradis” Preschool. I realized that I was never as gratified as when I was a teacher and that my purpose really lies in making a difference in children’s lives. Having learned languages at an early age, I know that giving children the opportunity to learn a second language is an occasion parents should not miss. That is why I incorporated French into the preschool program.

 

My goal is to create a cozy, relaxed environment where teachers are approachable and where parents can communicate with ease. I understand the important step it is for parents to choose someone other than themselves to take care of their child. I hope that children will benefit from our program, and that it will give them the foundation to become confident and fulfilled adults.

 

 

 

Le Petit Paradis Corp, Preschool  1656 Third Ave New York, NY 10128

Tel/Fax (212) 410-0180 www.lepetitparadispreschool.com

 

EnglishTeacher

 

 Chrysie Koch

 

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher. My passion for educating started during my teenage years, when I held various jobs that involved working with young children. It is that passion that helped me to achieve a degree in Early Childhood Education. I graduated from The State University of New York at Cortland.

 

I was lucky enough to land my first teaching position at a bilingual preschool. My responsibilities included teaching English lessons and working closely with the Mandarin teacher. It was there that I learned how important it was to acknowledge other cultures and learned valuable tools for teaching in a bilingual setting.

 

I am delighted to be a part of Le Petit Paradis Preschool and I am confident that my teaching experience and style will provide a productive and enjoyable learning environment. I recognize that the preschool years play a significant role in a child’s development and I am excited to instill my students with a love of learning that will last a life time. 

 

 

Le Petit Paradis Corp, Preschool 1656 Third Avenue New York, NY 10128

Tel/Fax (212) 410-0180 www.lepetitparadispreschool.com

 

French Teacher

   Daniel Villeneuve

 

I am a native French speaker from Quebec City. I am married and a father to a 4 year old bilingual little girl. 

 

Throughout my professional career as a visual artist and musician, I was a French tutor to children and adults. My teaching experiences and fatherhood inspired me to complete a Child Development Associates Certificate with Bank Street Teachers’ College.

 

Most recently, I was a substitute and an assistant teacher for the Bank Street Head Start preschool program in New York City, which is recognized as the national model for programs throughout the United States.

 

I regularly incorporate songs, music, drawing and building with light materials into my teaching method.  I strive to develop in children the French communication skills they need to express their ideas and work through their challenges. The confidence I have in children’s capabilities empowers them, as well as creates a safe and motivating learning environment. 

 

 

Le Petit Paradis Corp, Preschool 1656 Third Avenue New York, NY 10128

Tel/Fax (212) 410-0180 www.lepetitparadispreschool.com