Karen Slizgi
Executive
Director

Karen Slizgi, Executive Director of San Diego Early Childhood Learning Centers, was born and raised in the Midwest. She lived on the east coast for 10 years before moving to San Diego.

Karen graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early childhood Education.

For the past 14 years, Karen has directed at 4 different preschools including one for homeless children on the East coast. Contact Karen at lajollaschool@sbcglobal.net.

I am one of the Teddy Bear Teachers and have worked in this classroom for over 4 years. I have been studying child development through Southwestern College and have over 30 units in Early Child Development. Currently, I am working on my master's degree in child development with a minor in Sociology.

I enjoy seminars and workshops on children's art, flannel stories and classroom management. My interests include sewing, crocheting and being involved in my community. One thing I really enjoy is coaching my son's soccer team; running around with 4 year old boys is a real treat!

I am one of the Pre-K teachers here at L.J.P.A. I began teaching here nine years ago. I graduated from San Diego State earning a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology.

Teaching Pre-K is humbling, challenging and exciting. Nowhere else can you find encouraging words like "Miss Pam, you have curly crazy hair" or "you are my bestest friend in the world". Nowhere else can you find more love and smiles and wonderfully creative stories than from a pre-k child.

This is such a wonderful age to teach. They are so eager to learn and have so much to share. 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 exact age we don't expect our preschoolers to acquire skills in the same time frame. When children leave our school to go onto Kindergarten, I have faith we have built a strong foundation of both knowledge and experiences.

When I'm not teaching, I enjoy hiking, taking summer kayaking trips and spending time with my wonderful family and friends here in San Diego. My 3 nieces and 4 nephews are a very special part of my life. I am also an avid animal lover and am involved with several animal welfare organizations.

I am a Pre-K teacher and the Assistant Director and have been at LJPA since 1997. I have my BA degree in Elementary Education from San Diego State University and also have 42 units in child development classes. I try to take at least 2 additional classes each year in child development to continue building.

I am dedicated to being a great preschool teacher, I am nurturing and loving but also firm. My goal is to help children to be self confident, curious and ready learners.

I have worked in the Teddy Bear Room for over six years. I love working with toddlers, because they are so curious about the world around them.

I have a three year old son named Alex, who also attends school here at LJPA. My hobbies include going to the movies, the beach and hanging out with my son.

I am one of the Pre-K teachers at LJPA. I have been here for over 20 years. I received my certificate in Early Childhood Education and Administration from UCSD.

One of my hobbies is collecting "classic" children's books. If a book can magically transform a group of active 4 year old children into quiet, attentive listeners, then it is immediately added to my collection!

I have been working at LJPA for the last 2 years. You can find me inside the classroom covered in paint or spinning around playing "Simon Says". I love working with children because their energy level keeps me motivated. I am currently a student at San Diego City College working on a degree in Liberal Arts. My long term goal is to get my teaching credentials and become a Kindergarten teacher.

I really enjoy using expressive art as a learning tool and enjoy observing the children as they work with different art mediums. When not at preschool, I enjoy working as a volunteer in my community and spending time with family and friends.

Since I was a teenager, I have always loved children. I received my BS degree from the University of Minnesota in Elementary Education, and received my Early Childhood Certification from UCSD. I have been lucky enough to be at LJPA for over 21 years teaching the 4 year old children in the Koala Classroom. Perparing the Pre-K children for their transition to Kindergarten is so rewarding, everyday I am amazed at how much they learn and how much I learn from them.