Chester Community Preschool

Chester Community Preschool is a Windsor County Head Start program. There are two classrooms at Chester Community Preschool. Both classrooms follow the Creative Curriculum. The program has earned 5 STARS from Vermont's Step Ahead Recognition System and has achieved national accreditation through The National Association for Educating Young Children (NAEYC).

My name is Judy Verespy and this is my fifth year of teaching at Chester Community Preschool. My husband Mark and I live in Chester with our 3 wonderful kids ages 10, 11 and 13. I have a master’s degree in education, and bring to the classroom both a love of teaching and a love of learning. I am thrilled to be working with Tracy Parsons, Susan Kropp and Kathleen Karl this year! We are proud to teach in a center that is both NAEYC accredited, and a 5-star program in the Vermont STep Ahead Recognition System.

Each day is an adventure in our school. There are many developmentally appropriate learning centers and activities for the children to learn as they play. We have a cozy book nook, a computer, a writing table, games and puzzles, a woodworking bench, a block area, a science and discovery center with 2 sensory tables, a well used art center, a music table and a dramatic play area. We rotate items in the centers weekly to ensure the children are always making new discoveries. We foster independent decision making, and facilitate problem solving as children get used to sharing their space and supplies with others. Our themes are chosen based on the children’s interests and generally last about a month. I am looking forward to a year of fun and learning here at Chester Community Preschool!

My name is Susan Kropp and I live in Chester, Vermont. I have two grown children and a daughter who is in the sixth grade. This is my seventh year with Head Start. I have a BA in Psychology and Human Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Development and will be attending a Masters program in January, 2010. I have had numerous trainings surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental Illness and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

I have a passion to bring nature, literacy, science, art, self discovery, music, math and empathy awareness into my classroom. As a classroom we work as a family, helping and encouraging each other through learning and exploring. I like to honor each child's uniqueness and build upon those special gifts. I like working with families so that their child's experience at preschool is a memorable beginning to their child's education. It is an honor to be a part of this spectacular educational beginning. I am also proud to be a part of such an amazing group of teachers at Chester Community Preschool.

Masters Degree in Elementary Ed from the University of Bridgeport in CT. I have taught both second and fourth grades in Stamford, CT. I took time off from teaching to have a family and be a stay-at-home mom to my three daughters. Now that they are all in school, I decided to get back into the classroom.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of the remarkable group of teachers at Chester Community Preschool. Equally amazing is working with Susan Kropp as lead teacher. Every day is an adventure in our classroom. I find teaching preschool to be incredibly rewarding. The children are all so eager to learn and it is so exciting to be a part of that with them.

My husband and I, along with our girls, love to camp, ride bikes, snow shoe and enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities together. I am mildly obsessed with Sudoku and I also love to bake. Although since I started working again, the crock-pot is my favorite kitchen tool!

My name is Tracy Wilcox-Parsons. I am a Teacher Assistant at Chester Community Preschool. I live in Chester, Vermont with my husband and two daughters. I previously worked for Health Care and Rehabilitation Services for many years. I chose to be a stay-at-home mom when my daughters were born. This year my youngest began Kindergarten. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to join the teaching team at the Preschool. I enjoy being with children, watching them learn and grow. It’s exciting to see them make a discovery for the first time.