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ABOUT US |
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"Our mission is to help children develop a lifelong love and passion
for learning, and become bilingual in a full Spanish immersion class
while feeling welcomed, loved, and respected. We strongly believe that
each child is unique and possesses individual talents. Therefore, we
encourage and inspire each one to fulfill his/her potential and
individualize our curriculum to suit their needs."
- The
Welcome Amigos Team -
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Welcome Amigos cares about the quality of its program.
Our faculty
members are experienced and trained in ECE (Early Childhood Education),
have a degree in education
either from the U.S. or their native
country, and are certified in CPR and first aid.
Our teachers are energetic, dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate
about teaching in their native language, Spanish, which is one of the
most commonly spoken languages in the U.S. Because they became
bilingual as children, they understand the natural process of learning
multiple languages. The Welcome Amigos staff has developed a rich, dynamic, and fun
curriculum tailored specifically to a young child’s ability to learn
Spanish in a context of 100 percent language immersion. They are
continually adding new, fun, child-centered themes and engaging
activities.
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WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
With only 12 students per class and a ratio of six students to one
teacher, Welcome Amigos is committed to individualized, active
learning. This is achieved through doing, exploring, collaborating, and
connecting, with classmates and teachers, all while communicating en
Español. Our unique bilingual Spanish preschool and two-in-one Spanish
immersion enrichment after-school programs for children ages 5 to 12
are fun, yet challenging, and are geared toward each child’s passion
and interests. We recognize that no two children are alike and we
celebrate each child’s unique qualities by offering a unique
program
that is just right for them. To expand learning beyond the school
environment, we bring students and their families together for social
events, field trips, sing-along presentations, and holiday
celebrations. We also produce a monthly newsletter, and use
photographs, student portfolios, and video clips to keep every member
of the family up to date and involved inthis one-of-a-kind education. |
PROGRAM HISTORY
Elizabeth Villagomez, founder of
Welcome Amigos, grew up in Mexico City and came to California in 1992. In 1996, Elizabeth wanted to find a joyful career that allowed her to
spend time with her infant daughter. She began tutoring high school
students and adults. Before long, recreational department recruiters
asked her to teach Spanish at their centers. Elizabeth also worked at The Nueva School during 2004-2006.
Elizabeth's strong attachment to Hispanic traditions and culture, and
her ability to speak naturally to children in Spanish, led to her dream
of creating a Spanish Immersion program with a special environment. Welcome Amigos officially opened its doors in 1998, with about 20
students. Today, she is proud to say that the majority of her students
have come from referrals from satisfied parents. Elizabeth says, "Being in this career is the best experience of my
life, besides having my own children. Interacting and teaching children
my native language, and seeing them participating in each class with
such enthusiasm, is a gift every day." |
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