My name is Yelena Pasternak and I am the owner of “Yelena’s Educational Place” childcare program in West Hartford, CT. I have been working in the early childhood education field since 1992. This wonderful journey has provided me with many amazing opportunities and life lessons along the way. The longer I work with kids, the more their depth, uniqueness and complexity is revealed to me. Each day brings joy, rewarding challenges and at least a handful of laughs!
My educational background includes a Child Development Associate Degree (CDA) and a State of CT Head Teacher Certification. I am certified in The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool and the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos and The Preschool. I am also certified in First Aid and Child/Adult CPR. I commit myself to 15 hours of Early Childhood Continuing Education/Professional Development yearly. For me, it is a continuum of learning and support, as well as, ongoing experiences to enhance my work as an early childhood professional. Furthermore, I speak both English and Russian fluently. My musical background will help me enrich children’s learning environment by introducing music and music appreciation into my curriculum.
I am happily married to my husband Andrew and we have two wonderful boys Daniel and Jonathan.
I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to open my own childcare business where I can provide other families with loving childcare and at the same time spend quality time with my own children when they are not in school. At my place, I will create a sense of home away from home for your child, with lots of room to grow. I try to work in partnership with you and your family to help your child reach his or her fullest potential socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. I provide a safe, clean, warm and loving environment daily. Our group is small with only 5 - 6 children in total. I will welcome each child that enrolls into my childcare center as part of my family.
Thank you for allowing me to join you in the care, nurture, and education of your child. I am looking forward to a successful year.