Mona Braza
Our Pre-School Teacher, Mona Braza was hired in 1979 at Child's Play to teach a new group of younger students (2 ½ to 3 ½ years old) while developing an educational curriculum that would become the school's foundation. At the same time, she was collaborating with parents to determine the structure of the coop and its management. The program proved so successful that the class and Mona all graduated and the school expanded to include a program for 3 ½ to 5 year olds. In 1988, Mona was made "Head Teacher" and continues in that role today. Mona holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood from Rhode Island College. She has experience as a Developmental Screener for "Child Find" (now called Child Outreach) and as a Home-Based Teacher visiting children and mothers in their homes. She has had extensive experience with special-needs children. As her students all know, Mona loves to travel, to spend time at the beach, reading and being with her family and friends. She is married with two sons (one of which is a Child's Play alum) and is the grandmother of two.
Janice Mirza
Our Assistant Pre-School Teacher, Janice Mirza, joined the educational team at Child's Play in the fall of 2000. Janice studied Early Childhood Education at Rhode Island College. She began her career in education as a teacher's assistant in the Pawtucket School system, where she taught for 6 years in both a special needs classroom and a home-based early intervention program. She then married and took on the role of stay-at-home mom for 19 years. During that time, Janice provided daycare in her home for other young children. After returning to college part time, she earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Fisher College. When she isn't spending time with the Pre-School class, Janice devotes her time to her family. She is an avid reader, enjoys music, theatre, and traveling. In addition, she is involved with running the ice skating programs at the Pawtucket and Providence Figure Skating Club. She has served on their Board of Governors for the last 12 years and assists with the Ocean State Ice Theatre Program for which her daughter is the coach.
Debra Bedard
Debra Bedard is the Toddler and Nursery Class Teacher at Child's Play. She began as an assistant at the school. This is her 12th year teaching the school's youngest students. Before joining the educational team at Child's Play, Debbie worked for ten years running her own home-based daycare program. Debbie comes to Child's Play with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and she is currently completing her Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Debbie loves working with young children and their families. When she is not at Child's Play, she enjoys nature, being outdoors and walking with her dogs. She is the mother of two teenage daughters who keep her very busy.
Joanne Nicholson
Joanne Nicholson joined the team at Child's Play in September 2010 as the Teacher's Assistant in the Nursery Class. She also works in the Pre-School classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Ms. Mona. Joanne has an Associate's degree in Arts with a concentration in Child Development. She has worked as a teacher at the Pawtucket Day Nursery. While raising her own children, Joanne provided day care in her own home for other families with young children. Beyond her work with children, Joanne is an experienced freelance photographer, and provided photos for the Seekonk Star and the East Providence Post for ten years. Joanne is a life-long resident of Seekonk and lives with her husband, his mother "Memere", her two children and 3 dogs. She loves reading, spending time with her family, country music and exploring nature.
Alex Pearson
Alex Pearson is the newest member of the Child's Play team. In September 2011, he joins Child's Play as the Teacher's Assistant in the Toddler class. Alex will be graduating from URI with a B.S. in Human Development/Child Settings in December 2011. He brings a wonderful amount of enthusiasm, experience, patience and gentle care to our Toddler program. He has previously volunteered with Debbie in the Toddler/Nursery class and at Hasbro Children's Hospital. Alex has worked as a Behavior Interventionist and Case Manager, and is currently a Lab Preschool Assistant at URI.
