Ms. Yani started with SCAN's Circle Preschool Program in January 2021 and will serve as the Lead Teacher in our new classroom. She brings early childhood experience and an ability to help SCAN serve more Spanish speaking families We are excited to welcome Ms. Yani to the SCAN CPP team!
What is your role at SCAN/Circle Preschool?
I am a lead teacher at Circle Preschool. I work with young children and help teach them social emotional skills that will help them express their feelings in an appropriate manner while acknowledging what they are going through. In this role, it is necessary to create activities and lessons that will prepare them for kindergarten as well as helping them develop social-emotionally.
What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN and how did you first get involved?
I have been an Early Childhood teacher for 5 years and was a behavioral therapist for a few months. I have a BS in Behavioral Science and am currently earning my MS in Educational Studies. In my college career, I really focused on child development, both physically and psychologically. Throughout my career, I have had experiences working with children that have been through trauma. I was able to put into practice what I learned in school. Working with children has given me a lot of patience. I was also trained to work with children with trauma and learned to have empathy and ask "what happened to this child?" instead of asking "what is wrong with this child?" I came across SCAN through Indeed. I was in search of a teaching job since I moved to Virginia 5 months ago and was intrigued to learn that they worked specifically with children with trauma. I applied immediately, taking a leap of faith, in hopes that I would be qualified enough to work in the school. I am happy to be working with the staff and children.
What inspires you about your work at SCAN/CPP?
Teaching around social-emotional development for children. My personal philosophy in teaching is to first teach children to regulate. If children cannot regulate, if they cannot control their feelings or express them, they cannot learn academics. They are not able to listen to whatever you are trying to teach. So, when I learned that CPP really focuses on teaching children to self-regulate, I was overjoyed. I have worked in schools where they cared only about academics when young children need so much more. I am happy to be a part of this amazing team.
