About Me
Biography
Mrs. Scillia is a graduate from Seton Hall University, as well as William Paterson University for her Master's Degree, where she holds multiple teaching certifications, including Elementary Education, Special Education, Reading, and Early Childhood Education (P-3). She has been working for the Franklin Lakes School District since 2000, where she has gained a multitude of experience at the elementary level, and first taught with the preschool program for eight years at High Mountain Road School. In 2008, Mrs. Scillia taught at Woodside Avenue School as a K-1 Self-contained Teacher. In 2010, after returning from maternity leave with her second daughter, Mrs. Scillia taught at Woodside Avenue School in a resource room program, as well as in a collaborative setting. In 2013, Mrs. Scillia taught Kindergarten at Woodside Avenue School, where she further utilized her expertise with multi-sensory teaching strategies. In 2010, Mrs. Scillia received plus thirty graduate credits to enhance her teaching within her classroom. In 2014, Mrs. Scillia was thrilled to return to High Mountain Road School, where she was given the opportunity to rejoin the preschool team at Bright Horizons Preschool Program, and has been ever since. She enjoys spending time at the beach with her two daughters and husband. She also enjoys reading, exercise, and the outdoors.
Teaching Philosophy
Philosophy of the Special Education Program in the Franklin Lakes School District-“If he cannot learn the way we teach, we had better teach the way he can learn.”- Robert Buck
The special Education teachers of Franklin Lakes Public Schools believe in success for all children. We are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment in which each child has the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. Learning is an individual process in which each child will have the optimum opportunity to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. We strive to foster individual strengths while developing areas in need of more support. We support students through a variety of specialized instructional strategies, techniques and materials.
The teachers in the Franklin Lakes Special Education Program focus on student achievement through the implementation of scientifically research-based curriculum that reflects best practices in special education. Comprehensive assessments are also used in order to establish data-driven goals and objectives to guide individual student success. The IEP is the cornerstone of the student’s program. We implement the IEP to meet the specific needs of each student in our programs. We are consistently mindful of the specific accommodations and modifications that will help our students reach success in both special and general education programs.
As a group, we philosophically believe in the movement to give special needs students’ greater access to general education classes. Our goal is to strengthen our relationship with our general education colleagues through the in-class support model. The establishment of this partnership, while maintaining our identity as special educators, will create greater opportunities for student success now and in the future. We are committed to excellence and making a significant difference in the lives of students challenged by the classroom setting.
The Educational Philosophy of Bright Horizons“Teaching is a delicate balance of learning and leading others to learn.” -J. Robinson
The educational philosophy of preschool is centered on the belief that all children have the right to learn in a nurturing, caring, supportive environment. The teachers strive to provide a rich, stimulating environment filled with meaningful, developmentally appropriate, “hands on” activities. They work to create a strong sense of community so that students will feel free to explore in a safe, comfortable, and stable environment. In their classrooms, the virtues of kindness, caring, and sharing are always exemplified. The classroom community will create positive and meaningful social interactions where students can continue their social and emotional development in a supportive environment. Being sensitive to others feelings, respecting and accepting students for who they are, separating from home, learning to share, care, play with others and establishing friendships are critical elements of the preschool years. Another important aspect of the classroom community will be a student centered learning environment. The teachers will plan themes based on student interest and construct lessons around the theme. They work to promote an active partnership with parents to ensure that each child’s developmental needs are met and will reach his/her fullest potential.