Shauna Kerfien - Director / Kindergarten

            I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Easton Country Day School. My name is Shauna Kerfien and in 2007 I purchased Easton Country Day School. I am the owner and director of this wonderful school.  The school has a rich history since 1967. In over 50 years so many families have enjoyed our school. Many grandparents had their children come to our school and now have their grandchildren come to our school.

              I have over 20 years of experience in the field of childcare, which spans all types of programs. I am Director II and Lead Teacher certified in Massachusetts. I have obtained my degree in early childhood education from Bridgewater State College. I have attended many conferences and workshops that have advanced my knowledge in childcare dvelopment. As a director, I feel that it is very important that I, as well as my teachers, continue with their experiences and knowledge of the field by continuing to complete workshops and conferences throughout the year. It is a requirement that each staff member complete 25 professional development training hours each year that include: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership. Our entire staff is trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use.

            At Easton Country Day School I have a wonderful team of teachers that have been carefully selected for their experience in early childcare as well as their attitude in caring, guiding and creating a wholesome atmosphere for the young child and his or her development. The staff is interested in the personal development of each child. They offer educational programs designed to promote social, intellectual, and emotional experiences that will help your child in reaching his/her full potential.

            Finally, I know leaving your child at school is often difficult, but our hope is that you may consider Easton Country Day School as a second home for your children. Our school offers a warm and nurturing environment for all children. We can ensure that your child's health and wellbeing are maintained and that he or she will receive a positive and creative learning experience. We encourage you to meet the staff and see for yourself the high quality of care offered at this school. We hope you will join the Easton Country Day School family.

What is my teaching philosophy?

            My philosophy of education is rooted in several ideologies. Fundamentally, I believe children have an internal timing and pacing to their development that is unique to each child. Just as children don’t walk and talk at the same exact age, we don’t expect our preschoolers to acquire skills in the same time frame. Many factors affect development. Each family is different and provides different types of stimulation and guidance. It is my goal, as children enter my program, to assess their development, taking into account all areas. I then design my curriculum to suit their individual needs. Based on research and experience, I believe young children learn differently than their school age counterparts. Young children learn through their senses and experiences. Hands-on exploration is best for a preschooler. Rote memorization of facts is data gathering and is not knowledge children will retain. Actual experience and repetition is key; it must be concrete and real. I view teachers and parents as facilitators. We provide an enriched, inviting environment in which children feel safe and supported. This then allows them to pursue their areas of interest, be stimulated to try new activities and explore new ideas with confidence and curiosity. This type of differentiation is difficult, but research and the growth I see over the school year supports this type of learning and planning.

 “I have been told that the greatest effect on cognitive development in young children derives from social interaction. In my experience at ECDS, I have seen just that. ECDS is a place where children get the opportunity to develop their skills and it is amazing to actually witness that."

           Mrs. Burns has been teaching at ECDS since 1999. She has a tremendous gift for working with young children. Mrs. Burns is certified in Massachusetts to work with toddlers and preschool children. She teaches our Prekindergarten and nursery programs. She was carefully selected for her experience in early childcare as well as her attitude in caring, guiding and creating a wholesome atmosphere for the young child and his or her development here at Easton Country Day School.  Joyce attended UMASS Boston.  Before she became a team member of Easton Country Day School, she was an Executive assistant at an insurance firm for 15 years. She then took some time off to raise her two children, Lyndsey and Kyle. Both of Joyce’s children graduated from Easton Country Day. She fulfilled the course requirements of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care and became a certified preschool teacher. She has continued to enhance her professional development as a preschool teacher by maintaining her certification by completing trainings and workshops. This year she has completed professional development and training that fulfill: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership, as well as meeting the needs of all learners. She is also trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. 

 “I enjoy watching the children grow and change, challenging them to be independent thinkers, and the hugs and smiles are great too.”

What advice can you give a parent looking for preschool placement?

          If you are looking for a school that has a warm, nurturing environment and an unmatched curriculum, look no further than Easton Country Day School. The very first time I visited the school with my son, I knew that I had found the right place! The children were happy and excited, the staff was welcoming and professional, and most importantly, my son was comfortable and eager to join in. My daughter was enrolled two years later, during which time I substituted, then became a staff member. I love coming to work each day and am proud to be contributing to the children's strong, happy, and loving educational experience. Each child comes to us with a different personality and background. I strongly believe the entire staff of ECDS truly puts each child’s individual needs at the forefront. We always strive to create an inviting atmosphere for each child to feel safe, happy, and welcomed. We encourage each child to grow and develop at a rate that is appropriate for them by offering a variety of opportunities for them to participate in and experiment with each new skill, both emotionally and intellectually. ECDS students have a sense of comfort and belonging from their first day of class. In addition, our students develop healthy relationships with their peers, and hopefully the ability to continue those relationships as well as foster new ones. We strive to encourage the social and emotional skills every child needs as a foundation to grow and flourish during the elementary school years. First impressions are lasting ones. My first impression of ECDS was that it is a warm, inviting atmosphere for children to develop and grow. I enjoy watching the children explore the areas of their classrooms, while interacting with each other and the teachers. I am happy to be part of the ECDS family.

          Ms. Marisa has been teaching for over 15 years with children aged 2.9-6 years of age. She previously taught at St. Agatha’s School before joining us at ECDS. Marisa is teacher certified in Massachusetts to work with preschool children. She is a team teacher in our Prekindergarten class and is a lead teacher in our nursery class. 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family. She is a mom of two children Jamie (7) and Ben (5). She loves watching her children’s sporting events and spending time outdoors.  She loves to teach and finds that she learns so much from children as they explore their world. She loves listening to the children’s stories, watching them grow and become independent thinkers. She has continued to enhance her professional development as a preschool teacher by maintaining her certification by completing training and workshops. This year she has completed professional development and training that fulfill: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership. She is also trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use.

What do you find exciting about working with children at ECDS?

          I have worked in many kinds of childcare settings and found schools, such as ECDS who focus on curriculum that is age appropriate for children in the nursery and PreK based settings to be the most beneficial to young children. Their social and emotional development is fostered in a smaller setting and each teacher can really get to know the needs of each individual child.

 I am amused by the wonder and excitement that the children possess, and I wanted to work in a field that allows me to interact with them on a regular basis. That is why my goal as a teacher is to help provide a stimulating environment designed to guide the children to discover new information, skills, and concepts, offering a variety of learning experiences that will encourage a positive self-image and find the joy in the learning process, being respectful of each child as an individual who possesses a unique personality, intelligence, and creativity. Watching young children get excited to learn and seeing them develop new skills help me see the wonder in the small things in life everyday through their eyes. I have always wanted to work with children. I love being part of the children’s growth and development and I am thankful to have a job where I can influence children’s lives every day. I am excited to be part of the ECDS family and I look forward to building many positive memories. 

                    Nancy Blauss began assisting at our school in 2014. Nancy is teacher certified in Massachusetts to work with toddlers and preschool children. She teaches one of our nursery classes and assists with our PreK students. She has enjoyed working with children for 8 years in other school settings as well as in her volunteer work. 

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, meditating, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spending time with her grandson. She has continued to enhance her professional development as a Preschool teacher by maintaining her certification by completing training and workshops. This year she has completed professional development and training that fulfill: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership. She is also trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use.

What do you find exciting about working with children at ECDS?

I am amused by the wonder and excitement that the children possess, and I wanted to work in a field that allows me to interact with them on a regular basis. That is why my goal as a teacher is to help provide a stimulating environment designed to guide the children to discover new information, skills and concepts, offering a variety of learning experiences that will encourage a positive self-image and find the joy in the learning process, being respectful of each child as an individual who possesses a unique personality, intelligence and creativity.

Patt has been teaching at ECDS since 2023. She was carefully selected for her experience in early childcare as well as her attitude in caring, guiding and creating a wholesome atmosphere for the young child and his or her development here at Easton Country Day School. 

In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, crafting, walking and spending time with her friends and family. She has continued to enhance her professional development as a preschool teacher by maintaining her certification by completing training and workshops. This year she has completed professional development and training that fulfill: Understanding Growth and Development of Children, Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth, Partnering with Families and Communities, Observation, Assessment & Planning for Individual Need, Learning Environments & Implementing Curriculum, Program Planning & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Professionalism & Leadership. She is also trained annually in infant and child CPR as well as first aid and epi pen use.

“I feel fortunate to have worked with children from 3 to 5 years old. There are such amazing milestones reached along every step of their journey. I have learned and continue to learn so much from each child that I have had the pleasure of teaching.”

Why should parents enroll their children at ECDS?  
 

Each child comes to us with a different personality and background. I strongly believe the entire staff of ECDS truly puts each child’s individual needs at the forefront. We always strive to create an inviting atmosphere for each child to feel safe, happy and welcome. We encourage each child to grow and develop at a rate that is appropriate for them by offering a variety of opportunities for them to participate in and experiment with each new skill, both emotionally and intellectually. ECDS students have a sense of comfort and belonging from their first day of class. In addition, our students develop healthy relationships with their peers, and hopefully the ability to continue those relationships as well as foster new ones. We strive to encourage the social and emotional skills that every child needs, as a foundation to grow and flourish during the elementary school years. First impressions are lasting ones. My first impression of ECDS was that it is a warm, inviting atmosphere for children to develop and grow.   I enjoy watching the children explore the areas of their classrooms, while interacting with each other and the teachers.  I am happy to be part of the ECDS family.