This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Giovanna Pennella Is Appointed Director of Little Oaks School

Ray Carile, the owner of the Little Oaks School in the Shrub Oak section of Yorktown, has announced the appointment of Giovanna Pennella as director of the preschool and child care center. 

Pennella joined the school in March, 2013 as the pre-kindergarten teacher; she has been working in the early childhood education field for almost 14 years, both as a regular teacher and as a special education instructor.

Little Oaks School, purchased by Carile in March, 2012, occupies a spacious location in a Shrub Oak mall with extensive inside and outdoors space—well stocked with educational toys and games. Currently, it is enrolling children starting at the age of six months for four fall programs. Each program accepts children for either full-week or part-time participation; part-week attendance can be for two days, three days or five half-days. 

Find out what's happening in Chappaqua-Mount Kiscowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The programs are:

1. Infant program. Age range: Six weeks to 18 months. Attention is especially paid to the development of language skills and  motor skills.

Find out what's happening in Chappaqua-Mount Kiscowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. Toddler program. Age range: 18 to 36 months. Hands-on activities strengthen performance skills and stir the imagination.

3. Preschool program. Age range: Three to four years. Academic readiness and having fun are the priorities

4. Prekindergarten. Age range: Four to five years. Focus is on furthering acquired skills, developing awareness of science and social studies, growing interpersonal and self-help skills, and grasping fundamentals of computer use.

"In all four programs," Carile said, "children are aided in developing their independence and self-awareness within a social setting."  

Children are encouraged to explore their environment

"Children rely on structure and consistency and each of our classrooms provides that," Carile pointed out. "Toys and games are available at all times allowing the children to explore their environment freely." 

Pennella also was an administrative director for a non-profit organization working with developmentally disabled children and adults. She graduated from Pace University with a bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology and Human Relations and received a master's degree from The College of New Rochelle in Early Childhood Education—with dual certification in Regular and Special Education. 

The school serves breakfast, lunch and a snack daily to the children; the menu is approved by a licensed nutritionist.

Little Oaks School, 1390 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every week of the year except for the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. 914-536-2000.www.thelittleoakschool.com

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?