About our Program...

Our goal is to focus on the individual child, enabling him or her to increase their self image, develop self reliance and confidence, to foster the desire to question and learn through: Creating , ConceptBuilding , Language Development , Problem Solving , Concentrating , Socializing , Perceiving, Fostering independence and Emotional Growth .

Through the collaboration of classroom teachers and art specialists in an aesthetic environment, your child will use art to actively organize his or her experience and integrate learning with all curriculums: language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Your child will have many opportunities to use art media, materials, and concepts to communicate ideas, feelings, and stretch his or her imagination.

Research demonstrates that the Arts have a profound impact on the way people, especially children, learn. This style of learning creates pathways for future learning which builds critical literacy skills and communication skills.  The Yocum Institute for Arts Education has operated a preschool program for over 45 years. Based on a strong foundation with CEMREL (Central Midwestern Regional Education Laboratory), we have introduced a further integrated arts program, Neighborhood Bridges. In June 2008, the staff of the Preschool and Kindergarten Program trained with Neighborhood Bridges, of the Children’s Theater Company of Minneapolis (CTC). Founded in the fall of 1997 by Peter Brosius, Artistic Director CTC, and Jack Zipe, professor of German and Comparative Literature, University of Minnesota, Neighborhood Bridges is recognized by the Department of Education Office of Improvement and Innovation as an effective model for integrating the arts. In January, 2008, The Yocum Institute for Arts Education became a satellite site to bring Bridges to BerksCounty schools. The Preschool staff’s training, the Preschool and Kindergarten Program is the first, and only, preschool in the United States integrating the Neighborhood Bridges Program in our ongoing curriculum.

You are welcome to visit and see our classes in action, please call Elsa Luft Mierzejewski to arrange a visit at 610-376-1576 ext. 202

Staff

Elsa Luft Mierzejewski , Director of Preschool and Kindergarten, Yocum Institute for Arts Education

Elsa Luft Mierzejewski is a specialist in Early Childhood Education, B.S. Elementary Education, KutztownUniversity. She has over 30 years of experience teaching and has been director of our current program for 26 years. She is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Non-Public School Services, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Elsa Luft Mierzejewski, Preschool Director, Instructor
Annette Brewer, Instructor

Nancy Campbell, Instructor
Sharon Dixon, Instructor

Andrea Graham, Instructor
Diane Hollinger, Instructor

Paula Auman Aide

Nicole Bucks, Aide

Kellie D’Addezio Aide
Brandi Hill, Aide
Cyndie O’Leary, Aide
Jessica O'Leary, Aide

Tammy Braunsberg Muralist, Art Instruction
Terri Cocci Music
Chris Buck French
Joel Gori Drama
Nicole Bucks Dance & Movement
Beverly Houck Drama

Consultants

Vincent J. Morello PhD - Clinical Psychologist, Licensed, School Certified, testing, psychotherapy

Richard Small PhD - Psychologist, Director of Spring Psychological Associates

Certification