Carlsbad teacher wins special grant

CARLSBAD — The La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten in Carlsbad is beaming with pride these days. Recently, one of its teachers, April Andreola, received a special grant. 

Andreola, along with others in the educational field, vied for the educational scholarship known as the “Amelie Weinfeld Grant,” which was gifted from the San Diego and Imperial Counties’ Chapter of the Association for the Education of Young Children.

The scholarship grant spurs the support and encouragement of early childhood educators and students pursuing the career to made strides in their field. Conversely, this grant lends a helping hand so teachers can provide the best education possible to young children.

Andreola calls her grant win a true honor because, Weinfeld, whom the grant is named after, made extraordinary contributions in the field of early childhood.

“This association, too, represents the best of early childhood educators, and I am so excited and appreciative to receive this grant and recognition,” Andreola said.

Andreola said the organization, also referred to as SDAEYC, awards up to three individuals who demonstrate an understanding of community diversity and the successful implementation into preschool curriculum.

Grant recipients were recognized at a recent board meeting.

Andreola’s grant is for $300. She intends to use it for her further studies at Cal State San Marcos.

Andreola has taught for the last 16 years. For the past year, she has held a master teacher position at La Costa Valley Preschool and Kindergarten for 2- to 3-year-old children.

“Two-year-olds are always on the move; they have an enthusiasm for everything around,” she said. “Creating new experiences for the children in my class is truly rewarding and fun.”

Some of the core curriculum she teaches the children is music, language, math, art, science and sensory exploration. Above all, she tries to instill a love for learning in each child.

Andreola’s interest in childhood development peaked when she attended a course at San Marcos High School.

“I then participated in an on campus ‘Fun with Preschoolers’ class and I was hooked,” she said. “Watching the children learn and explore together was more than amazing — it was at this point I realized my future was in child development.”

Cindy Cesena, executive director at La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten, has been in the childhood education field for more than 35 years and said she is very impressed with Andreola’s abilities.

Over the years, she has worked with numerous educators.

“April is a talented, passionate and successful early childhood educator,” Cesena said. “Students, parents and colleagues all benefit from her contributions and enthusiasm in teaching young children.”

Cesena shared that it is important to underscore excellence in early childhood education and to have it recognized. And this includes praise and acknowledgment from the Association for the Education of Young Children.

In her career, Cesena pointed out how the foundation of a young child’s experiences in school helps poise them for success.

And Andreola has the skill and talent to lead children to that destination.

“April provides a learning environment in her classroom that is engaging, challenging, and most important full of fun and adventure,” said Cesena, noting that she also has a great sense of humor. “April makes positive differences in the lives of her students, their families and our school each day.”