Our Kids Place
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create an environment that is conducive to healthy learning for all of the students we serve. At Our Kids Place, we strive to engage our students using a curriculum that is balanced, rigorous and standards based. Our primary goals are to:
Ensure our students become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and for them to develop a love for learning and discovery. Teach students to be creative, expressive, well – rounded, and responsible. Develop self-esteem and respect for themselves and others in a safe, loving and sociable environment. Our success in this mission would be measured through our students’ achievement in acquiring the necessary skills to become leaders, lifelong learners, and productive members of society;thus, becoming assets to their community.
Mrs. Peters
Owner/ Director
While raising my two daughters and interacting with children of all ages, I discovered that I had a strong connection with children and that they found a comfort zone within my presence. Shortly after this discovery, I founded a school bus company named LesRaine Transit, Inc. While providing this service, I realized there was a need for high-quality afterschool programs which would serve as a safe haven for young children of working parents. It was then I decided to take over Our Kids Place!
Mrs. Leslie
Educational Director
Motivating and encouraging students to become innovative and independent thinkers is a deep passion of mine. From an early age, I have been surrounded with a wide array of childcare practices and I only bring the best of those experiences to the table every day. My passion to bring out the best in my students and teachers is what motivates me to be the best I can be each day.
Ms. Lorraine
Operations Director
I started at OKP long before I knew what I wanted to do with my life. After completing my education at LIU Post, I realized that I was in love with business, specifically, management. Being at OKP is like having the best of both worlds. I am able to utilize my business degree but also fulfill my passion for molding and educating the youth in our community. Continuing to run the dance program each year is an added bonus to an already fulfilling job!
Ms. Desiree
Associate Director
I always had a strong desire to teach. Although I went to school to study Psychology at Oakwood University in Alabama; I always knew teaching was my passion. In Oct. 2016, I walked through the halls of Our Kids Place and knew right away that it was predestined for me to be there. I started as an assistant teacher and in just a few months, I jumped at the opportunity to become the Pre-K 2 Lead Teacher. I live by the motto written on the walls in my classroom; “You have brains in your head, feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” Currently, I am enrolled in a Master’s Program at Touro University. It is my goal to continue to steer my students in the right direction!
Ms. Sandra
Teacher
Ms. Maureen
Teacher
Hi, my name is Ms. Maureen. I’ve been working at Our Kids Place Hewlett for 1 year as a Teacher’s Assistant. I absolutely enjoy working with the Universal Pre-K students and helping them to learn and grow. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store as I grow as an educator.
Ms. Ayra
Teacher
I’ve always been told that the profession that suits my personality is a teacher. I started working with children right after high school when I became an after-school art teacher. I didn’t know if I wanted to pursue a career in the educational field until I had a child of my own. It was also when I became a stay-at-home mom/teacher for a 1st grader during the pandemic that I knew! This time at home helped me to understand just how much educators pour into their students. After my first year at OKP, I have nothing but love and a strong sense of commitment to creating a motivational learning environment that encourages social and emotional growth for my toddlers.
Mrs. Petra
Teacher
Children are the center of the universe. Their ability to learn is in part what attracts me to help foster the growth and development of them. I love helping people. Providing educational instruction for children is second nature to me. One of my goals is to be a driving force and the catalyst that will enable them to attain their God’s given potential. My greatest joy is seeing the demonstrable purpose and growth that these children show as they pass through the learning process and achieve their full potential. I feel very honored to have this opportunity to impact these young minds positively.
Mrs. Veronica
Teacher
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved teaching children of all ages. Watching the
children in my class learn, grow and develop, not only mentally but physically, is what makes
teaching the most rewarding job to me. I have the three most beautiful and loving girls at home
who I cherish more than anything. As a veteran teacher with over seven years of experience, I
have always looked at and treated each child in my class as one of my girls at home. I love
working at OKP for so many reasons, but one of the things that I love most is that no matter
what, this place always feels like home. We are a family here at OKP and we always try to go
above and beyond to make our children and their parents feel like they are a part of that family.
That’s something that you don’t get at every school.
