Kiddie Academy of Colonia

Ms. Joanne

Administration: Center Director

Ms.Joanne serves as Director of the Colonia location.She brings with her over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds her BA in English from Rutgers University and her MOL from Manhattan University. Ms.Joanne began her career as a ECE Teacher, working with each age group we serve.She has held roles as a Center Director, Program Director, Admin Mentor, ECE Trainer and Teacher. Ms. Joanne's Director experience includes corporate/client-based childcare, nonprofit and community-based settings. She carries with her the unique experience of having worked for KA previously as both an educator and administrator, for over 10 years.  Ms.Joanne fosters a first school experience for her students where faculty focus on the space between the minutes, because that is the space where lasting bonds, memories, and attitudes about learning, are born. She believes in respecting and appreciating childhood and celebrating everything that makes each child in her care unique and special.

Ms. Nicole

Faculty: Educational Support, Administrative Support, KACO Street Team Member

Ms. Nicole has been with the center since shortly after our opening day! During her tenure, she has worked with every age group we serve. She loves working with her students and seeing them happy as they learn and grow. Ms. Nicole uses her patience and care giving personality to form relationships with her students while helping to develop them in to caring young people ready to learn. In addition to supporting our classrooms, Ms. Nicole serves as Administrative Support, providing additional support to our families and leadership team members. In her spare time, Ms. Nicole loves listening to music, Boba Tea and spending time with her fiancé! Ms. Nicole can most often be found at Kiddie Academy doing projects with her students and providing them with a host of learning opportunities in her classroom! You can also find Ms. Nicole at our community events with the KACO Street Team!

Ms. Shreyashi

Faculty: Infant Teacher

Ms. Shreyashi serves as our Infant Teacher, working with our youngest learners, ranging in age from 6 weeks through 1 year old. Ms Shreyashi began her tenure at the Academy not long after the center opened. She is passionate about infant care and building loving bonds with her students. Ms. Shreyashi takes time to get to know each child to ensure that she is best meeting their individual needs. She also places a large focus on getting to know her students families. Ms. Shreyashi adores reading and singing to her students and works diligently to ensure that their very first school experience be a warm and loving one where they feel safe, comfortable, loved and ultimately flourish. She is also the loving mom to her daughter! Ms. Shreyashi looks forward to meeting your family and giving your little one a wonderful first school exprience! 

Ms. Fallon

Administration: Assistant Center Director

Ms. Fallon has been in the childcare field for over seven years. She has served in a variety of roles from teaching Pre-Kindergarten to serving as Buisness Manager. Ms. Fallon holds her Master's Degree in English from Montclair State University. She is also a local to Colonia, NJ.  With a heart full of dedication and a vision for excellence, Ms. Fallon is committed to creating a nurturing, joyful, and safe environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. She believes every child deserves a space that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and celebrates individuality. Her goal is to bring fresh ideas, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative spirit to help Kiddie Academy of Colonia continue to exceed it's potential. 

Ms. Alaja

Faculty: Toddlers

Ms. Alaja works with our Toddler class! She is a ray of sunshine who adores working with her todds! Ms. Alaja comes to use with several years of experience teaching children in an Early Childhood setting. Ms. Alaja focusses on providing her students with positive experiences where they feel supported as they continue to learn, grow and take steps towards growing their independance. Ms. Alaja looks forward to partnering with your family and working with your child! 

Ms. Fajr

Faculty: Mobile Infants

Ms. Fajr serves as a faculty member working with our Mobile Infant class! She has been with the center for several years and has had the opportunity to work with and support all age groups. Ms. Fajr knows each child and family at the center and adores working with all ages from our infants through our school aged students! Ms. Fajr can frequently be heard in the background of our students Daily Report videos chearing her students on as she records them reaching milestones or growing their skills! Ms. Fajr looks forward to working with your child!  

Toby Turtle

Social Emotional Puppet

Meet Toby Turtle, one of our Social and Emotional Puppets! Kiddie Academy of Colonia has a group of puppets that are also "on staff" at our facility! Each puppet has a different personality. Our puppets are frequently brought out to interact with students who might need some additional support. Toby Turtle is very shy, but loves to make new friends. He often visits with students that might be feeling shy or nervous and helps them to connect with their emotions and surroundings by mirroring their feelings and slowly acclimating to their classroom space. Sometimes students feel more comfortable interacting with a puppet friend first, who will help to connect with them and set them at ease. Toby and his puppet friends live at Kiddie Academy of Colonia and are always available any time they are needed. Families interested in learning about Toby can see a brief video about him on the school Instagram (kiddieacademyofcolonia) Fun Facts About Toby Turtle: Toby is 12 inches tall, his favorite food is pizza, his favorite song is "Wheels on the Bus" Toby's favorite story is Yertle the Turtle, his favorite color is lime green, he enjoys being read to, getting hugs, giving high-fives, making new friends, visiting the playground and helping the office.