Our Philosophy
We view children as active members of the learning process and take time to document and share their ideas as they work to construct knowledge in ways that are meaningful to their current understanding of the world around them. Supported by their teachers and peers, they learn to problem solve and think critically in order to navigate through and assimilate to new concepts. This process is aided by the symbolic arts, which enables them to communicate their thoughts to others, exchange ideas, and reflect on their own understanding.
Yolanda Uzzo
Director of Education
Welcome to Learning Steps!
My name is Yolanda Uzzo and I have been the Director of Education of this wonderful program since 2018. Our learning philosophy is centered around the belief that children, from the beginning of their lives, bring their own personalities, wishes, preferences, and curiosities to each experience. Therefore, each child’s interests are honored and integrated into the curriculum. Our students are empowered to try out new things daily as they progress through developmental stages during this time of incredible growth in their lives. Our teachers are eager to support the process and to share the victories of each child with their families as they reach those milestones.
I am proud to have dedicated the majority of my career in education to serving the very Williamsburg neighborhood where I was born and raised, making this program uniquely special to me on both a professional as well as personal level. Prior to my role here at Learning Steps, I earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Johns’ University. Additionally, I served as the founding head of a local Reggio Emilia inspired infant & toddler center, preschool curriculum coordinator, librarian/literacy instructor, and early intervention teacher. I find daily joy in observing the various ways in which our students investigate, derive meaning from, and discover the wonder of our world.
It is my privilege to be part of such a nurturing community filled with inquisitive children, loving families, and passionate teachers who work closely together to design an enriching curriculum which respects the significance of the early childhood years in addition to laying a strong foundation for children’s future learning experiences.
I believe that our students are highly capable individuals who construct their knowledge through interactions with adults, peers, and the environment. Guided by this belief, I, along with the entire Learning Steps’ teaching team, am committed to utilizing family, as well as academic and community partnerships to support children in their journey as life-long learners.
