Newcomer (3 mo - 1 Year)
The Infant Classroom is the child’s first stop on their journey at Bella Mente. Delivering a comfortable, safe, caring environment is the teacher’s focus in this class. Our infant classroom starts at 12 weeks and they transition on to the next classroom at or around 12 months. We keep our classroom at or under a 1:4 ratio.
There is no set schedule and our teachers work to meet each child’s individual needs. Our philosophy is such that as children’s fundamental needs are met in a loving, safe environment they will flourish through this time of rapid development. They emerge from the Infant Classroom happy, trusting, and ready for their transition from infant to young toddler. While this room serves our infants, we still incorporate our Reggio philosophy into their day to day by recognizing them as capable and competent individuals ready to learn and grow. The environment is set up to help each child take their learning to the next level.
Classroom Tour Video: Coming Soon
Meet your Teachers
Miss Molly
Molly began working in early childhood education in 2019. Her kind heart, beautiful singing voice, and encouragement puts those in her care at ease. With her strong desire to see the children grow not only in their skill set, but also mindset allows those in Molly's care thrive. Watching them thrive is what she finds most rewarding. When not at work, Molly enjoys spending time with her family. The mutual respect and kindness Molly shows to everyone in her presence along with hardworking frame of mind makes her a valued teacher in our school.
Mr Pieper
Pieper has been working for Bella Mente on and off since 2012. When he first started he was very intimidated by the baby room but after spending more time in there and being trained by Brenda(the best to ever do it), he fell in love with it and will do it until he retires. He is the co-lead teacher with Molly in the newcomer room. Together they make what he likes to refer to as the dream team, they’re the perfect combo and complement each other in so many aspects. Pieper intentionally goes into every classroom throughout every day to see all of his “babies” and maintain the bonds that have been created. He loves 90’s and 2000’s hip hop/rap and makes sure all the kids learn what real music is. Plus he’s known to throw one hell of a dance party. Pieper has also recently become obsessed with fish and has setup tanks in each of the classrooms for the kids to enjoy and learn about. He would like to thank Lauren for creating such a loving community that lets kids be themselves and explore any and everything they want to. We as teachers and kids learn together through play based activities. The kids learn that whatever emotion they may be feeling that they have a safe place to feel that and express it. It’s something he wished he had the opportunity when he was a kid to be apart but it’s something that will forever be apart of him. Lauren’s vision and passion for the Reggio Emilia approach is why he gets to wake up everyday and love his job.
