History

Beginnings Schools are among the oldest and most successful independent childcare centers in the greater Seattle area.

Beginnings Capitol Hill was founded in 1976 as a parent cooperative by a small group of five parents. Our second center opened in 1987 in downtown Seattle, and moved to Queen Anne Hill in January of 2009.

Beginnings Schools is non-profit 501(c)3 corporation operating two schools serving approximately 90 children (3 months-6 years old) and their families.

Our Philosophy

We at Beginnings believe strongly in the need to foster individual growth and self-esteem for every child.

The particular needs of each child and each family are our priority. We strive to maintain an atmosphere of emotional trust and a respect of open communication. At the same time, we provide a physical environment in which cognitive, physical and social development are all richly interwoven. This is made possible by a staff of teachers that comprise our greatest asset.

We are committed to the idea of parental involvement and have made available a range of possibilities for such involvement. Parents are encouraged to voice their ideas and concerns and to participate directly in the life and health of our schools. Beginnings Schools are cooperative early learning programs.

Diversity

Beginnings Schools are dedicated to providing an anti-bias environment for children and adults.

An anti-bias environment is one that encourages an active approach to challenging prejudice, stereotyping and any other kinds of bias, An anti-bias attitude values and celebrates diversity among different genders, races, lifestyles, physical abilities, religions, and cultures.

We believe strongly in the need to foster individual growth and self-esteem for every child. We openly welcome children of all backgrounds, of all national, ethnic, religious, and physical identities. It is our belief that a good child care Center is both a cooperative community and a home, in idea and in reality. It is a place where children feel cared for and secure, and where parents can feel relaxed, supported and involved. It is a place where individual respect and dignity are assured.

Our Staff

Staff, who include Lead Teachers, Associate Teachers, and Assistant Teachers are specially trained in ECE.

The staff provide a diverse array of learning experiences in such areas as language development, reading readiness, art, music, science, problem-solving, self expression, cause and effect awareness, and concept learning.

Directors

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Molly Howard

Program Director

Capitol Hill

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Summer J. Bermejo

Program Director

Queen Anne

Capitol Hill Staff

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Run

Assistant Infant Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Asha

Center Aide

Capitol Hill

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Marcie

Lead Preschool Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Maribeth

Center Aide

Capitol Hill

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Couro

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Jessica

Lead Preschool Teacher and Administrative Assistant

Capitol Hill

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Messeret

Lead Toddler Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Sheila

Lead Toddler Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Nesanet

Assistant Toddler Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Guzguz

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Naima

Assistant Infant Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Hawa

Assistant Infant Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Hang

Lead Infant Teacher

Capitol Hill

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Amarech

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Capitol Hill

Queen Anne Staff

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Samiya

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Queen Anne

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Nico

Lead Preschool Teacher

Queen Anne

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Nancy

Center Aide

Queen Anne

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Kusluma

Assistant Infant Teacher

Queen Anne

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Jamilla

Lead Toddler Teacher

Queen Anne

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Ifrah

Center Aide

Queen Anne

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Hagir

Assistant Infant Teacher

Queen Anne

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Fowsiyo

Assistant Toddler Teacher

Queen Anne

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Fatima

Center Aide

Queen Anne

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Fartun

Center Aide

Queen Anne

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Fadumo

Assistant Toddler Teacher

Queen Anne

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Banchalem

Lead Infant Teacher

Queen Anne

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Autumn

Lead Preschool Teacher

Queen Anne