(909) 747-6076
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Star Kids Preschool, our philosophy is to provide a variety of academic and creative learning experiences in a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment. Our developmentally appropriate classrooms will encourage each child to reach his/her full potential cognitively, emotionally, physically, and socially. Each child will have the opportunity to explore the areas of education appropriate for his/her age and stage of development, while utilizing his/her five senses, therefore enabling the child to develop a feeling of accomplishment and self-confidence.
Young children develop rapidly. In fact, more development occurs during the first five years than at any other stage of life. A balance of social, emotional, intellectual, and physical stimulation is essential for development to be optimal. In our program, we support and enrich individual development through several goal areas.
MEET OUR TEAM
Qualified Teaching Opportunities Available
Christy Avila
Owner / Director
In 2017 Star Kids Preschool was opened by Christy Avila.
As a young adult, Christy Avila worked in a variety of child development programs with young children. She began her career in early childhood education while in high school. She spent 2 years working as an instructional aide in a toddler classroom, for a private preschool. She was offered a full-time teaching position after high school graduation, as a 3-year-old teacher. After 2 years, Christy accepted a full-time position as a Lead Pre-Kindergarten teacher. Within a year, she was promoted to Assistant Director. After working in a private preschool setting for 6 years, Christy began teaching Pre-Kindergarten at a State Preschool for the Colton Joint Unified School District. She taught State Preschool for 2 years. Christy then accepted a position working for the San Bernardino City Unified School District as an R.O.P. Child Development Careers teacher. There, she spent 12 years teaching high school students the fundamentals of child development and supervised their community-based internships at local preschools and daycare centers.
Throughout her career, Christy earned several degrees, including her M.S. in Early Childhood Education, a B.A. in Child Development, a B.A. in Psychology, and an A.S. in Early Childhood Studies. She also obtained her Program Director Child Development Permit from the State of California and maintains an active membership with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
As an advocate for quality early childhood education, Christy opened Star Kids Preschool to fulfill her dream of providing the best care and early education for young children.
Jocelyn Alvarez
Director
Ms. Jocelyn graduated from Victor Valley College with an associate in science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has gained experience working in the field for the past seven years. During this time, Ms. Jocelyn has worked as a Lead Teacher with a variety of age groups, including 2-year-olds and Pre-K. Ms. Jocelyn strongly believes that there is no greater joy than being able to teach such young minds, while watching them grow and develop each day. Ms. Jocelyn's favorite quote comes from C.S. Lewis: "Children are not distraction from important work, they are the most important work."
Marina Reyes
Lead Teacher
Marina Reyes is currently attending San Bernardino Valley Community College, where she will soon be receiving her associate degree in Child Development, as well as an associate degree in Liberal Arts. Ms. Marina has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for 6 years. Her goal has always been to work with children and make a positive impact on their lives. She finds working with children to be something special. She loves to see them grow into their unique personalities.
Cellina Ramirez
Lead Teacher
Ms. Cellina began her teaching career working with high school students. She obtained
her child development units from San Bernardino Valley College in 2020 and earned an
associate’s degree in psychology. Ms. Cellina furthered her education and earned a
bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal Baptist University. She chose to enter the
field of teaching because she always had a love for education and aspired to be a
teacher since she was in the third grade. Ms. Cellina loves to watch how young minds
work in action and teach children new things. Her favorite thing about teaching is having
the privilege to witness the growth that the students make in the classroom, even if it is
something as simple as tracing their name or memorizing their colors. Ms. Cellina is
excited to see how much her students grow this year and evolve as little people.
Fatima Coronado
Lead Teacher
Ms. Fatima started her journey in child development by volunteering in Kindergarten classrooms in her free time after class in High School. She now has 3 years of experience working with children ages 2-12 years old. At Riverside City College, Ms. Fatima earned an associate’s degree in Communication, Media and Languages, an associate’s degree in Humanities, Philosophy and Arts, and an associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Studies. Her next goal is to complete her Bachelor's degree in Child Development at
CSU San Bernardino.
Ms. Fatima hopes to always have the satisfaction of seeing the way children light up when they enter the classroom, and their excitement when they learn something new. She believes it is all worth catching the “AHA!” moment when they finally understand a subject. She hopes to always provide a loving and trustworthy environment that satisfies a child’s need to succeed.
Mercedes Jimenez
Lead Teacher
Ms. Mercedes has three years of experience as a preschool assistant teacher, where
she had the privilege of supporting young learners as they explored their world. This
hands-on experience deepened her understanding of child development and the unique needs of preschoolers. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood
development from California State University, San Bernardino. Ms. Mercedes’ journey
into education began with a passion for nurturing young minds and a desire to make a
meaningful impact on children’s lives. She believes that every child deserves a strong
foundation for lifelong learning, and she wanted to be a part of fostering that
environment. Ms. Mercedes believes the most rewarding aspect of teaching for her is
witnessing the growth and development of each child. She loves watching children
discover new concepts and express their creativity. Ms. Mercedes is continuously
inspired by their innate curiosity.
Elizabeth Peng
Lead Teacher
Ms. Elizabeth graduated with a bachelor’s degree in child development from Cal State Los
Angeles. Her next goal is to obtain her teaching credentials and master’s degree to further
pursue her career in teaching. Ms. Elizabeth gained a passion for teaching when she was a
member of Leaders/Counselors in Training at a summer camp. After attending the summer
camp, Ms. Elizabeth realized she loved to be around and teach children. She wanted to
continue to impact their learning for their futures. Ms. Elizabeth believes seeing children smile and enjoying school is the biggest accomplishment. She also loves to watch their personalities awaken. Ms. Elizabeth in confident that she has the motivation and passion to teach little minds now, to later become successful in all areas of life.
Jocelyn Lopez
Cook / Floater Teacher
Ms. Jocelyn began working with children as a volunteer. She worked with children ages
3 to 4 years old at The Children’s School in Claremont. Additionally, she has 5 years of
experience working with toddlers. Ms. Jocelyn has always had a love for children and
child development. Ms. Jocelyn attended school at Chaffey college, where she majored
in Child Development and obtained her early childhood education teaching units. Ms.
Jocelyn also has extensive experience in food preparation and restaurant management
Jocelyn Lopez
Cook / Floater Teacher
Ms. Jocelyn began working with children as a volunteer. She worked with children ages
3 to 4 years old at The Children’s School in Claremont. Additionally, she has 5 years of
experience working with toddlers. Ms. Jocelyn has always had a love for children and
child development. Ms. Jocelyn attended school at Chaffey college, where she majored
in Child Development and obtained her early childhood education teaching units. Ms.
Jocelyn also has extensive experience in food preparation and restaurant management
WHAT OUR FAMILIES ARE SAYING
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