|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
User login |
 Seekers is an early childhood research center and preschool run by series contributor Shanthi Wijesinghe. We followed the kids from Seekers for over one year in developing Making Parents and Seekers is now established as the show's base of operations. Download Seekers Application FormSeekers Research & Early Childhood Center (ECD) A Young child's learning is holistic and hands-on: not controlled by limits and subjects. With this in mind we at Seekers encourage and provide for a rich learning experience with Parents as Educators. The approach is simple and is based on: physical, intellectual, emotional, social & creative concepts. As children progress, academic basis for language and mathematical skill development are added naturally into the program. The CurriculumThrough a variety of early childhood education practices and Dr. Montessori's principles of education as well as the disciplines of other educationists and child psychologists who have maintained that education must be through play, Seekers are geared by motivation towards obtaining skills for life:
The no-fuss approach helps children and parents enjoy being truly Sri Lankan. Parents as EducatorsSeekers has a quiet corner for parents so that you get to play an active role in your child's progress. The observations are regarded as part of the program and you don't need an invitation or a special appointment to visit us. This facility is also open to the child's extended family. Teacher-child ratio is 1:10 Each teacher has a group of 10 mixed aged children. This provides older children in developing patience and younger ones to develop independence. All children build up cooperation, responsibility, sharing and caregiving towards each other in the group. The Curriculum deals with:
The Inclusive Education SectionSeekers is happy to inform parents that children with special needs are welcomed into our facility. We know and understand the needs of the special child and his/her parents. We have trained staff to guide and steer the children through their progressive stages. Seekers say NO to all junk foodWe are proud of our policy to say it in words. At Seekers, children are given a wholesome infusion to eat and drink sensibly. As educators it is our job to see that children grow up healthy and stay healthy. It's the best gift we can give you. While making their own snacks and juices when they feel hungry, we teach them that food is precious. Each month they make a complete rice meal and eat it Sri Lankan style! Children learn that food can taste great without additives, preservatives, added sugars and salts !  The Seekers program for infantsWe have room for up to 10 infants on full time, part- time or casual basis. Our experienced in-house matron will guide you, and you can draw from her immense wealth of knowledge and experience. After school care and educationAges 5 - 14 years Our staff will attend to your children's needs and home-work when they return from school to Seekers. They will ensure that rest, and extra-curricular activities are part of the day plan before they leave us everyday. The Seekers Saturday ActivitiesChildren from ages 5-14 can join Speech and Drama, Dancing and Singing classes. Teacher-Training and Research CollegeWe provide educators keen on expanding their knowledge and gain recognition in Early Childhood Development and Education an excellent opportunity to join international exchange programs. To this end Seekers provide an excellent Research base. Ideal for parents and other caregivers too. Research StudentsSeekers invites National and International Research students in ECD for opportunities in partnership learning. We also invite Partner Schools to support those in poorer communities enhance their education and lifestyles through upgraded education of preschools and teachers. The People Behind SeekersShanthi Wijesinghe - Directress
Enoka Boyagane
Mazaima Ismail
We find it in our hearts to help those who want to help themselves. Seekers is proud to be associated with Community Concern Society (CCS) in their effort to upgrade learning in preschools for the underprivileged children of the Dehiwela coastline. Seekers have offered to incorporate an inclusive approach to those parents who cannot afford fees. We invite corporate bodies to offer scholarships to children who need your assistance to live a life of dignity through our special responsibility program. The teachers receive upgraded training at Seekers. Please feel free to email us for further information. Our Inclusive Appoach also involves children with Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia, Downs' Syndrome, Autism as well as children who are mentally and physically challenged. Categories: |
Syndicate |
Graduated in Child Psychology and the Montessori Method of Education in 1980. Having worked in Indonesia for 6 years with short stints in Singapore I returned to Sri Lanka in the hope of setting up a quality-based ECD / Montessori centre which I did in Mt.Lavinia, later branching out to Kandy almost immediately. For 13 years I commuted from Colombo to Kandy but later gave up my work there as I felt I wasn’t needed any more. In 1995, I was offered a scholarship to study Learning Difficulties in India and graduated from the Alpha to Omega Learning Centre with a Special Certificate in LD for remedial teaching. Later, I fused this learning system into the advanced ECD curriculum and for the teacher training Diploma Course of the AMD. While on various projects up until 2003 Mr.Otto Evjenth, CEO Worldview Global Media contacted me and the concurrent transformation to Chief Coordinating Officer of the Competence Centre for Early Childhood Development in November 2004 became a reality. Presently I am in the position of enjoying what I do. 
Graduated in the Montessori method of teaching & Child Psychology in 1998. She was first employed at “Play-Pen” Montessori Centre in Kandy.In 2003 Enoka moved to Colombo and took up a post at the Mt.Lavinia branch. When “Play-Pen” was re-established as “Seekers” Inoka was the natural choice to head the teaching section. She is an educator who looks “outside the box” and one who is constantly on the look-out for new material. As a children’s educator, her natural choice is to give ear to the child’s needs taking into consideration that children also need structure, discipline and sustainability with each passing day. Enoka’s warm hospitable nature is an asset to Seekers. 
Mazaima gave up a career in the private sector to dedicate and commit to studying the principles and psychology of Early Childhood Development under the aegis of The Association of Montessori Directresses, Sri Lanka. She graduated in 2004 and was immediately employed as an Assistant teacher to Enoka. When the Tsunamis hit Sri Lanka and CCECD (Competence Centre for Early Childhood Development) was looking around for teachers to run training programs in the East, Mazaima volunteered fearlessly. She completed the entire 2 year program working at grass-root level and was popular with all the participants. Her natural amiable smile wins the hearts of children and she makes it known when she is displeased!