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Einstein once said “it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” These early experiences shape not only our educational career but future outlook on life and lifelong learning.

At Sequoia’s Treehouse Childcare and Preschool, staff strives to maintain a philosophy focused on “the development of the whole child growing cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally through play. As they play, children construct knowledge by engaging in meaningful learning experiences. Sequoia’s Treehouse provides an environment that allows children to continually apply the knowledge they gain in new experiences in an inviting, supportive, enriching atmosphere.”

sequoia's treehouse
Director Joe Beatty and the Sequoia’s Treehouse staff see themselves as co-learners, constantly amazed and inspired by their students. Photo courtesy: Sequoia’s Treehouse.

This philosophy strongly echoes the background, training, and outlook of Director Joe Beatty. He explains, “Before working at Sequoia’s Treehouse I worked at a Children’s Center for four years, the first two in an infant room and the second two in different classrooms for ages 2-6. I also spent ten years working at an outdoors and arts summer camp for ages 9-14, the first five as a counselor and the second five as administrative staff. I also spent time working and volunteering in a juvenile prison and high school.”

Having moved to Olympia in 2008 to attend The Evergreen State College, Beatty was hired to work at Sequoia’s Treehouse in 2015. “I was working at camp, and became excited at the possibility of being part of starting a new school and helping to create an amazing place for young people. It has been exciting to watch us continuously grow.”

Owner Sequoia Hartman originally interviewed Beatty for an Educator position at Sequoia’s Treehouse. “I loved his experience. He has a degree from Evergreen in Early Childhood Education, and while speaking with him, I thought he might be a good fit as our Director.  Joe turned out to be an amazing fit with Sequoia’s Treehouse and I enjoy working with him on a regular basis.”

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With grounds focused on play, outdoor time is crucial to learning at Sequoia’s Treehouse. Photo courtesy: Sequoia’s Treehouse.

An active musician who sings and plays the violin, guitar, banjo, harmonica, and mandolin, Beatty loves canoeing and exploring the region. He is also passionate about expanding their school through outreach. “I love working with the staff,” he says. “We seek staff who find joy in working alongside young kids, and who enjoy watching them grow. We put a big emphasis on community at Sequoia’s Treehouse. Families first and foremost appreciate our staff’s care and the loving attention they provide to the kids.”

“Our playground is large and has a very natural feel to it,” he continues. “We also have a wetlands attached to our center, and classrooms go on nature walks a couple times per week. Many of our activities are based in the wetlands.”

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Curriculum Director Polly Ceccanti loves the opportunity to learn through nature, play, and exploration. Photo courtesy: Sequoia’s Treehouse.

Developing their unique curriculum has been a large part of these first months. “Last year much of our energy was spent developing our classrooms, growing in size, and putting systems in place. For the coming year I am excited to delve deeper with the staff into expanding our curriculum and programming. At Sequoia’s Treehouse we see ourselves as co-learners with the kids, which allow us to continuously be amazed and to channel that excitement into our classrooms,” Beatty says.

Partnering with Beatty is Curriculum Director Polly Ceccanti. A Tacoma native, she too relocated locally for college.

“I was drawn to work at Sequoia’s Treehouse because of this developmentally-appropriate focus on emergent, play-based curriculum, and the inspiration the program takes from the early childhood centers of Reggio Emilia, Italy. My lifelong passion is working with young children in ways that respect them as full participants in their own lives. I have worked with children for over 10 years and co-founded a small democratic school in Olympia in 2009, where I worked for three years. I graduated from Evergreen in 2012 with an emphasis in Democratic Education,” she says.

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Hands on learning often brings the outdoors in, with crafts utilizing whatever inspiration the students enjoy best! Photo courtesy: Sequoia’s Treehouse.

“Polly was one of the first employees I hired,” explains Hartman. “She came with experience working in her own school and a degree from Evergreen.  She has been an amazing resource in working with the rest of our staff assisting them with incorporating our philosophy into the classrooms.”

During her time at Sequoia’s Treehouse, Ceccanti has worn many hats. “Since my involvement at Sequoia’s Treehouse began, I have served as lead teacher in almost every classroom, working to develop the program. In my current role as Curriculum Director, my goal is to work with our educators to develop their classrooms into magical environments to play and explore in; and to develop skills in reflective practice and co-creating emergent curriculum with children.”

Outside of work, Ceccanti loves to knitting, reading, printmaking, and nature photography.

Einstein also claimed that “education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” Hands-on learning, time spent in nature, and the freedom to grow at one’s own pace are all surefire ways to turn curious, eager children into adults who are hungry for knowledge every day of their life.

Call Seqouia’s Treehouse at 360-742-3651 with questions. Follow Sequoia’s Treehouse on Facebook. They also offer camps during summer break for kids ages 5 – 9.

Sequoia’s Treehouse
3318 – 33rd Lane NE in Olympia, off South Bay Road
Open 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Kids ages 6 weeks – 5 years

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