THE VILLAGE PRE-SCHOOL, BETHEL CONNECTICUT

Since 1971, the Village Pre-School has embraced children’s learning by creating
wonderful friendships and lasting memories while providing a firm, educational foundation.
All teachers have experience in early childhood education and are trained in first aid and CPR.

Celebrating 40 Years!

Randi Rote, Director & Art Specialist:

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Randi Rote as our new Director. Randi comes to the Village Pre-School with almost 20 years of experience as a teacher of young children. She earned her BA in Education and Art Therapy at SUNY Buffalo, and received a Master's Degree in Child and Adolescent Study from Western Connecticut State University. Randi also holds a Head Teacher Certificate, as well as a Connecticut Teacher Certification in Pre-K through grade 6. Randi's teaching background includes writing and implementation of curriculum for Pre-K through kindergarten age children. She was attracted to the Village Pre-School beacuse of it's philosophy of education, creative programs, dedicated teaching staff and the involved parent community.

"As an educator and a parent, I have the same concerns about children's education as all moms and dads, and look forward to working with the teaching staff to provide a positive and exciting educational journey for all of the children at the Village Pre-School." - Randi Rote

Randi lives in Newtown with her husband, Chuck. While Randi was completing this past school year at her current position, she had been joining the VPS teaching team over the last few months and has begun to familiarize herself with the school, parents, and children. Randi officially began her position as Director on July 1, 2011. We are pleased to have her as part of our team.

Caryl Timmel, Head Teacher & Music/Movement Specialist:

This is Caryl’s nineteenth year as she joined us in 1992. Caryl is the mother of two daughters and two sons. Caryl, who has a Masters degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University, is our music and movement specialist in addition to being an early childhood teacher. Caryl’s background and experience ensure that your child has music every day they attend school. Her innovative ideas include our “visiting artist” program, as well as “music around the world.” Caryl is an accomplished dancer and enjoys playing the piano and guitar. She loves to share her French and Spanish stories and poems with the children. Her enthusiasm is contagious! Caryl always has new dance steps, instruments, and drumming techniques to keep the children current with new musical trends and to further inspire the children to love music as much as she does!

Elizabeth Burwell, Teacher Literacy & Sign Language Specialist:

This is Liz’s seventeenth year with the Village Pre-School. Liz graduated from Keene State College with a BS degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. Before coming to the Village Pre-School, she ran a daycare center in her home. Liz is the mother of two daughters and has a grandson. She brings a special gift to the Village Pre-School by teaching the children and staff American Sign Language, incorporating it into the music, art, and literature curriculum. It is mesmerizing to watch Liz communicating with the children!

Margaret Malatestinic, Assistant Director, Head Teacher & Physical Fitness/Movement Specialist/Pre-K Teacher:

This is Margie’s fourteenth year with the Village Pre-School. She has a BA in English and Literature from St John’s University and is a member of Pi Lambda Theta, an International Honor Society and Association of Professional Educators. Margie continues to take early childhood education classes at Naugatuck Valley Community College. Margie has just completed a course on Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs, the first of many Director Credential classes. Margie is the mother of two children and lives here in Bethel with her family. Her physical education movement program is outstanding and all the children excitedly anticipate “gym day”. A few activities that the children enjoy are hoops, balls, scarves, the parachute, and maneuvering obstacle courses. Margie is also the teacher of our Pre-K class. Margie is a master at teaching and empowering children to think and problem solve. We thank Margie for taking on the position of Interim Director last year. This year, Margie will take on the new position of Assistant Director in addition to her teaching programs.

Barbara Gaines, Teacher, Fine Motor Specialist

Barbara is one of our newest staff members. She received her BS in Education, Magna cum laude from Adelphi University in New York. Barbara lives with her family in Sandy Hook, CT. She is an experienced early childhood educator who has worked with children from 18 months through grade 5. Barbara is very involved in the Flagpole Radio Café in Newtown, CT, where she is a creator, producer, writer, and performer. We look forward to Barbara sharing her many talents with the children.

Mai Hendrix, Administrative Assistant/Accounts Receivable

Mai joined the school in January, 2010. She has a Masters Degree in Business. Mai lives in Danbury with her husband and two children. Mai has made many valuable contributions to the school and is currently involved in updating our technology and systems.

The Village Pre-School is owned and sponsored by the Bethel United Methodist Church.
It is a self-administered, non-profit, non-sectarian pre-school open to all three, four and five year old children in the community.
villagepre@sbcglobal.net 203-743-9497 141 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT 06801