We are proud to share this guest post by Pamela Hernandez, Director of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, about her journey in opening a center dedicated to early childhood education and dual language education.
Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak will begin welcoming families in September 2023, offering a unique learning experience for children between the ages of eight weeks to six years.
Founding Family
Pamela Hernandez, her husband Josh, and their son, Beckham, are the family behind Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak. This local family recently purchased a beautiful Victorian-style building on the North Side of San Antonio and are renovating it into a state-of-the-art, authentic Montessori location in Stone Oak.
“We are excited to present this opportunity to our families and explore the key features and benefits of Montessori education,” shared Pamela, Director of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak.
Born and raised in Córdoba, Veracruz, México, Mrs. Hernandez made her way to San Antonio in 1998. Her unwavering commitment and passion for education led to her and her husband on a journey towards opening San Antonio’s second Montessori Kids Universe franchise.
Pamela’s faith and family have been a driving force throughout her journey, providing her with the strength and support she needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Her dedication to her work is truly inspiring but her commitment to her son and husband is unmatched. Following the birth of her son, Beckham, she was no longer just an education professional but a parent looking for school choice, innovation and an environment that could meet the needs of her son.
Child-Centered Learning
Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak’s educational approach is unique compared with traditional child care such as daycare and preschool programs. The MKU child-centered focus aligns with their natural ability to be explorers, preparing the child for a lifelong love of learning.
Students will have the opportunity to open their minds to art, science, technology, engineering, and math, while never losing their spark of creativity and natural curiosity.
Montessori education is renowned for its child-centered approach, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for our young learners. This educational philosophy emphasizes self-directed learning and hands-on exploration. At Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, children will have the opportunity to develop their autonomy and independence.
This school will not only offer a comprehensive curriculum, DaVinci Kids, tailored to meet the needs and interests of children at various stages of development, but we are proud to announce they will offer a dual language program. From the infancy program (8 weeks to 18 months) to the preschool and kindergarten programs (2 to 6 years), each curriculum will be designed to promote the holistic development of children, covering areas such as language, mathematics, practical life skills, sensorial exploration, and cultural studies. All are offered in both English and Spanish.
Features of Montessori Education
One of the defining features of Montessori education is the prepared environment. Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak boasts spacious, aesthetically pleasing classrooms equipped with carefully selected materials that encourage exploration and discovery. These thoughtfully designed learning spaces foster independence, creativity, and a sense of order among the students.
To maximize the time with your child, it is a guarantee all of the staff will be highly qualified and trained. The success of Montessori education lies in the hands of dedicated and passionate educators. Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak takes pride in its team of highly qualified and experienced teachers who have or are currently undergoing specialized Montessori training. These educators act as facilitators, guiding students on their individual learning journeys while fostering a love for knowledge and a sense of community.
In a Montessori environment, each child is recognized as a unique individual with different learning styles and strengths. Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak ensures that teachers will provide individualized attention to students, allowing them to progress at their own pace. This personalized approach promotes self-confidence, self-motivation, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
Learning Center Culture
While there is a strong emphasis on academics, at these ages, our children learn from fun, engaging experiences. So to ensure our students become in tune with their individual gifts, unique engaging enrichment activities such as yoga, gardening and cooking will be part of your child’s daily routine.
Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak recognizes the importance of teaching children essential life skills such as self-care, problem-solving, and social interactions. By integrating these skills into the curriculum, the school prepares students for real-life challenges and nurtures their independence and responsibility.
Imagine your three-year-old preparing themselves a snack, understanding how to react when overwhelmed, folding their own clothes and so much more. These are skills they will develop and take forth with them as they move into their adolescent/secondary years.
With the opening of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, San Antonio is about to witness the growth of another esteemed Montessori institution. By providing a child-centered, comprehensive curriculum, a prepared environment, highly qualified staff, and a focus on individualized learning, this new franchise is poised to become a haven for young learners in the city. As Montessori education continues to gain recognition worldwide, Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the minds and futures of its students.
Connect with Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak
Parents and educators alike are invited to learn more about the franchise and its unique approach to education by visiting the Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak website or by attending an upcoming tour of the site. Follow us on social media on Facebook and YouTube to learn more about our grand opening.
Charter Moms Chats
Watch Pamela Hernandez, Owner/Director of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, and Leoni Wallace, Curriculum Director of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, speak with Inga Cotton on Charter Moms Chats on August 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM Central live on Facebook and YouTube.
Pamela Hernandez is the Owner/Director of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak. She is a graduate of the University of Incarnate Word with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Reading and Special Education. Pam is a licensed Behavioral Therapist, Pre-K teacher, and curriculum leader with an unwavering commitment and passion for education. This fall, she will open the doors to a state-of-the-art, child-centered facility preparing young minds for a lifelong love of learning.
Leoni Wallace serves as Curriculum Director for Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak. Mrs. Wallace holds an Associates degree in IT (Information Technology) from U.T.B University from South America. She is also certified in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) with Cambridge University sponsored by G.C.I. Bilingual Private School in Colombia, South America.
Mrs. Wallace has over 23 years of experience in education. She has taught overseas and in the United States. She worked for April Lane School in California as a Teacher’s Aide Instructional with Primary foreign children. She moved to Texas in 2010, and since then she has dedicated her life to early childhood education. She also holds a certification in Estrellita Spanish Accelerated Program since 2016. She has helped preschool children get well prepared for the Spanish STAAR examination, and these kids have obtained the highest score in their school district. Prior joining Montessori Kids Universe, Mrs. Leoni has worked with the innovating International Reggio Emilia approach for six years. She has created a design blending these two approaches—Montessori and Reggio Emilia—looking always to improve children’s developmental and academic skills.
Mrs. Leoni is a devoted lifelong educator by passion and vocation. She believes it is her calling on earth to be in education and impacting children’s life for the best interest teaching them how to think and not what to think. She is also a devoted mother and wife. She has raised her son who has been an A honor roll student since kindergarten and is now a senior in high school and will graduate with honors. She enjoys traveling and cooking on her spare time, and also likes to spend quality time with family and friends.
Read More About Montessori Education
- “Montessori Kids Universe to open Stone Oak location,” Edmond Ortiz, Community Impact News, June 13, 2023
- “Preschool in a Post-Pandemic World,” Mary Field, San Antonio Charter Moms, April 13, 2023
- “The McNeels Choose a School, Part Three–Why We Love Montessori So Much,” Bekah McNeel, San Antonio Charter Moms, January 19, 2019
