Who We Are
Our Philosophy
As a place where mind/body/spirit means something, we believe that children need to be guided, not punished, loved, but not spoiled. We feel that children are important, have rights as people, and are not simply “short adults”. We work with children in order to help them develop appropriately.
Parents will participate in their child's class on occassion, which will help us, and let their child know that we are all involved in their life. Families will be involved daily, and learn from us, as we will also learn from them. Parents will have access to learning about child development, and this can only help in their relationship with their child.
Our goal is that the child who spends time with us learns to trust the adults in her/his life and knows that there are people who care- aside from just the immediate family. Our daily “Kindness Pledge” to one another, allows children to hear the words that we need to respect one another, care for one another, and trust one another.
As educators, we know that words hurt. We are careful with our words. That’s not to say we aren’t firm when needed, we just choose our words kindly. We know that hitting (spanking is still hitting ) hurts, and that those negative experiences can do harm for life. To that end, we can not allow any of that to happen here. Not by a parent, guardian, or otherwise. Our goal is to always keep children safe. And that means physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our Reggio Emilia curriculum works well with our personal belief that children deserve the care of the community. As a school, as a community, we will offer children experiences that are appropriate, educational, and fun. Join us.
The Reggio Emilia curriculum allows children to be in partnership with their teachers, and their parents.We listen to children and follow-up on their interests. It's really important to us to provide a flexible day for the children, and make time for them to explore new ideas. It is also vital that the program becomes a part of the community around us. We also encourage parents and families to expand on their child's learning experiences.
Our Community of Educators
Lucia Marks:
Lucia is our Head Nonna, and will work with children in our inter-generational program, bringing elders and children together in activities such as music, art, and Italian language and culture.
Theresa Sabatino:
The Executive Director/Founder of The HeartWorks Family Center’s, Sabatino Memorial Family Resource Center. The HWFC has been a 501 c 3 non-profit for nearly nine years, and is the “parent” of the SMFRC.
Theresa has over twenty-five years of experience in family services. She has worked as a court-appointed guardian ad litem for family court, a parent educator, a child abuse/neglect workshop facilitator, child care director, Boys Town youth counselor, family literacy program coordinator for Early Head Start, and more. Theresa is a trained and certified mediator, and is certified in non-profit management. Theresa has degrees in vocal performance, and holistic counseling.
Sheila Johnson:
The Child Care Director has over twenty years experience in the field of early childhood education. Sheila has been a child care director, and teacher, and is the co-founder of HWFC. Sheila holds a degree in early childhood education.
Angela Long:
Angela is our Program Coordinator. Angela will work to provide families with the information they will require in order to enroll in our various programs. Angela will ensure that families enjoy their experiences with us, and move seamlessly between programs for their child.
Our Instructors
Our Italian language instructors are all volunteer, native speakers. We feel very blessed that they are so willing to share their time, their language, and their hearts with us.
I was raised by the generation of Italian-Americans who had been taught to speak "only" English in order to be "American"-so we did not hear the language spoken in the home on a daily basis. As a person who has studied vocal performance from a very young age, I was exposed to Italian, sing in Italian, but do not speak it fluently myself. I understand quite a lot, though.
When I have been asked why I would start an "Italian School" and be unable to speak the language fluently, I can only tell you it's precisely due to that reason. I want the next generation to learn, to understand, and to grow from the opportunities, that we did not have. I love the language, the culture, the heritage, and I have been fortunate to gather those around me who love it too-and who speak the language. I want to act as a conduit. We have the school, they have the knowledge. We are making something happen that needs to happen. Please support us in this endeavor, and be positive about what we are doing, by supporting us on many levels.
So, in order for the next generation to be able to have exposure to our heritage, our language, and our culture, we are bringing this school to our community. We are happy to be here.
Theresa Sabatino
Executive Director
The Sabatino Memorial Family Resource Center
Tours:
These must be scheduled, so we don't interrupt the children's routine too much!
To schedule a tour, please call us at 298-4278, or send us an email on the form below. I can also be reached at Heartworkscares@earthlink.net., or tsabatino@littleitalykids.org.
On the form way, way below.....
Thank you!
Keep scrolling......
Yes, keep scrolling....
Almost there......
As a place where mind/body/spirit means something, we believe that children need to be guided, not punished, loved, but not spoiled. We feel that children are important, have rights as people, and are not simply “short adults”. We work with children in order to help them develop appropriately.
Parents will participate in their child's class on occassion, which will help us, and let their child know that we are all involved in their life. Families will be involved daily, and learn from us, as we will also learn from them. Parents will have access to learning about child development, and this can only help in their relationship with their child.
Our goal is that the child who spends time with us learns to trust the adults in her/his life and knows that there are people who care- aside from just the immediate family. Our daily “Kindness Pledge” to one another, allows children to hear the words that we need to respect one another, care for one another, and trust one another.
As educators, we know that words hurt. We are careful with our words. That’s not to say we aren’t firm when needed, we just choose our words kindly. We know that hitting (spanking is still hitting ) hurts, and that those negative experiences can do harm for life. To that end, we can not allow any of that to happen here. Not by a parent, guardian, or otherwise. Our goal is to always keep children safe. And that means physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our Reggio Emilia curriculum works well with our personal belief that children deserve the care of the community. As a school, as a community, we will offer children experiences that are appropriate, educational, and fun. Join us.
The Reggio Emilia curriculum allows children to be in partnership with their teachers, and their parents.We listen to children and follow-up on their interests. It's really important to us to provide a flexible day for the children, and make time for them to explore new ideas. It is also vital that the program becomes a part of the community around us. We also encourage parents and families to expand on their child's learning experiences.
Our Community of Educators
Lucia Marks:
Lucia is our Head Nonna, and will work with children in our inter-generational program, bringing elders and children together in activities such as music, art, and Italian language and culture.
Theresa Sabatino:
The Executive Director/Founder of The HeartWorks Family Center’s, Sabatino Memorial Family Resource Center. The HWFC has been a 501 c 3 non-profit for nearly nine years, and is the “parent” of the SMFRC.
Theresa has over twenty-five years of experience in family services. She has worked as a court-appointed guardian ad litem for family court, a parent educator, a child abuse/neglect workshop facilitator, child care director, Boys Town youth counselor, family literacy program coordinator for Early Head Start, and more. Theresa is a trained and certified mediator, and is certified in non-profit management. Theresa has degrees in vocal performance, and holistic counseling.
Sheila Johnson:
The Child Care Director has over twenty years experience in the field of early childhood education. Sheila has been a child care director, and teacher, and is the co-founder of HWFC. Sheila holds a degree in early childhood education.
Angela Long:
Angela is our Program Coordinator. Angela will work to provide families with the information they will require in order to enroll in our various programs. Angela will ensure that families enjoy their experiences with us, and move seamlessly between programs for their child.
Our Instructors
Our Italian language instructors are all volunteer, native speakers. We feel very blessed that they are so willing to share their time, their language, and their hearts with us.
I was raised by the generation of Italian-Americans who had been taught to speak "only" English in order to be "American"-so we did not hear the language spoken in the home on a daily basis. As a person who has studied vocal performance from a very young age, I was exposed to Italian, sing in Italian, but do not speak it fluently myself. I understand quite a lot, though.
When I have been asked why I would start an "Italian School" and be unable to speak the language fluently, I can only tell you it's precisely due to that reason. I want the next generation to learn, to understand, and to grow from the opportunities, that we did not have. I love the language, the culture, the heritage, and I have been fortunate to gather those around me who love it too-and who speak the language. I want to act as a conduit. We have the school, they have the knowledge. We are making something happen that needs to happen. Please support us in this endeavor, and be positive about what we are doing, by supporting us on many levels.
So, in order for the next generation to be able to have exposure to our heritage, our language, and our culture, we are bringing this school to our community. We are happy to be here.
Theresa Sabatino
Executive Director
The Sabatino Memorial Family Resource Center
Tours:
These must be scheduled, so we don't interrupt the children's routine too much!
To schedule a tour, please call us at 298-4278, or send us an email on the form below. I can also be reached at Heartworkscares@earthlink.net., or tsabatino@littleitalykids.org.
On the form way, way below.....
Thank you!
Keep scrolling......
Yes, keep scrolling....
Almost there......
Contact Us
The Sabatino Memorial Family Resource Center
350 West Julian St. #8, San Jose CA. 95110
(408) 298-4278
A 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit
350 West Julian St. #8, San Jose CA. 95110
(408) 298-4278
A 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit