Our Teachers

PBNS is lead by two professionally trained and licensed teachers. The ‘Yellow Bird’ teacher guides the younger 3–4 year old children, while the ‘Red Bird’ teacher guides the 4–5 year olds. Through their dedication, our teachers organize the curriculum, work with the parents to meet goals, and provide creative class exercises.

Our teachers work with each child daily to prepare them for life’s little challenges. Sharing, obeying rules, and even sitting still can be very challenging for children. But these socialization skills and many more are taught in a very nurturing manner.

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DIRECTOR/YELLOW BIRD TEACHER, Sandy Holderman

Sandy Holderman has been an educator for over 30 years, including her work in Special Education in the public school system. Sandy began her co-op experience with PBNS when her daughter became a Red Bird in 1985. Four years later, she was asked to interview for the position of Portuguese Bend Nursery School’s Yellow Bird Teacher, and has happily held this position since 1989.

In 1993, Sandy was asked to add Director to her title, to which she accepted and continues to enjoy to this day. Although Sandy has taught in “traditional” preschools, she feels that working in a parent-participation school offers a more rewarding professional and personal experience. Sandy has her certificate in Early Childhood Education and Administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She continues her ongoing education by attending workshops, lectures and participating in research in her field.

Sandy feels strongly in the theory that children learn best through PLAY. “I think that through play, offered in our safe, natural, nurturing environment, a child’s creativity, curiosity, language development, and social skills thrive.  The added benefit for the child is a sense of  self-pride, security, and independence.”