Welcome back Students!
Beehive Staff
Emily Smith, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Emily Smith, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Emily Smith, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Emily is a West U parent of three who has lived in Houston for 20 years. She spent 8+ years as an Early Childhood Music Specialist, teaching Music Together curriculum to families in a studio music setting. She also taught music in preschool classroom settings, bringing music to some of Houston’s most underserved communities through a nonprofit foundation. Most recently, she worked as the music teacher for The Oaks Preschool at Briargrove. Emily loves being with preschoolers and feels that she learns as much from them as they do from her.
Julie Miller, Pre-School Teacher
Emily Smith, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Emily Smith, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Julie began her affiliation with Beehive 5 years ago as a "working parent" when her daughter joined Beehive’s preschool class. Her presence in the school gradually increased through her work as both a substitute and enrichment teacher, including piloting the school’s ‘Sparkle School’, an arts and project based learning enrichment program. This year Julie will be returning to her roots and leading our 3's program. Prior to Beehive, Julie was a preschool teacher in Austin, TX, is also a certified Tinkergarten leader and earned her Elementary Education Certification from CU Boulder.
Jennifer Jacobs, Director
Emily Smith, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Jennifer Jacobs, Director
Jennifer assumed Beehive's Director role after serving as 4-year Beehive parent, Beehive science teacher, and Beehive Board member. She currently has 2 kids at West University Elementary School, is a member of the WUES PTO, and serves as a Chair leader for the PTO. Previously, she Co-Chaired the Houston Advisory Board of Children's Literacy Initiative, a non-profit seeking to increase literacy for disadvantaged youths in HISD and across the country.
About Us
Beehive Philosophy
Teachers and Parents at Beehive are guided by the following beliefs about children and learning:
- Children learn best through active play and exploration.
- Children need positive support and encouragement as they develop social and emotional skills.
- Children's education is enhanced when teachers and parents work together to support learning and development.
Beehive Mission
Beehive is a play-based preschool that encourages children to become independent thinkers and explore learning through their interests. The school’s mission is to nurture the whole child by supporting academic, social, emotional, and physical growth; create school readiness; and foster parent involvement in their child's education. Beehive teachers facilitate play-based learning in combination with established educational curricula, while parents have the unique opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s educational community.
Beehive Goals for Children
Through interaction with the physical and social environment at Beehive, children will:
· Learn about literacy, math, and science through play and exploration to get ready for kindergarten.
· Explore their creativity to foster problem solving and critical thinking skills.
· Build social skills and work collaboratively with other children.
· Develop ability to follow directions and practice self-control.
· Develop emotion regulation skills in a supportive, positive environment.
· Develop fine and gross motor skills.
· Learn to take care of their bodies independently.