Kristi Farmer

My name is Kristi Farmer, and I work in the Young Children's Community as an Assistant Support Guide to both Casita I and Casita II. This is my third year in this program, and my sixth year working at Primavera. My oldest son, Carmelo, has been here since he was 4, and is now enrolled in the Upper Elementary program. My youngest, Santiago, is almost 2 and is enrolled in the YCC. I came to Primavera as a parent and began substitute teaching my first year. I loved what I saw here and wanted to become a part of it, and the following year I was lucky enough to begin a full-time position working in the YCC (which was then known as Toddler) and in Creativity Club (Primavera's after-school program). Two years later, I started working in Primary I as an Assistant Guide with Elizabeth, and was then offered a full-time position back into the YCC. I took time away to have my son, Santiago, and returned back into my current position. I have enjoyed moving around classes, and working and learning with children of different ages. It has allowed me to understand how to help our children here in the YCC prepare for transitions into Primary.

I am fortunate to get to see Primavera from two different perspectives. As a parent, I get to see the beautiful growth that my children have experienced, and how it allows them to explore themselves, and the world within them and around them. Even more, I get a special window into my children's classrooms, as I work in and around them both. These beautiful guides that are here working with your children and mine are so full of grace and love. I have watched some of these children grow through six years of life at Primavera, and there is nothing more beautiful than to see a child given what they need to love themselves, and to have all they need to grow into the big world that awaits them. So to all the new families, I welcome you. To all the seasoned families, thank you for sharing in our beautiful community. As a member of the staff, I thank you for sharing your children with us. As a parent, I say to Primavera, thank you from the hearts of my two boys. Children have a birthright that they are born into, and I believe that Primavera celebrates and holds that space beautifully.

“One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child."..…Maria Montessori