About

“The more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think the same is true of human beings.”

~Thoreau

EcoKids was established in 2010 as an alternative preschool and kindergarten inspired by the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner, Reggio Emilia and life.  Located in Amman, Jordan, our school is a growing community of teachers and parents who are looking to support an unhurried childhood and holistic education. EcoKids was built with intention… It is a magical space where teachers and children grow physically, mentally and spiritually. Our hope is to build the capacity of a new generation of free thinking, responsible, empathetic and emotionally-intelligent individuals.

EcoKids is a brainchild of the beautiful energy of life and childhood, and of the reality that children speak in ONE HUNDRED LANGUAGES of wonder, discovery and creativity.

Our Preschool

EcoKids preschool was founded in 2010 for children ages 18 months-4 years. The inspiration behind the preschool stemmed from a deep-rooted belief that children are vast spirits of light, wisdom and freedom…imprints of the universe. Our driving force was to build a learning space that fosters a sense of wonder in our children, expands their imagination, and provide a peaceful, loving environment where they can think, observe, create, work, and play.

Our Kindergarten

 Our Kindergarten opened its doors in 2015 to continue the journey of an unhurried childhood education with the children. The Kindergarten was inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf philosophy) and Loris Malaguzzi (Reggio-Emilia philosophy), with a profound understanding of human development that addresses the needs of the growing child with “age-appropriate” content that follows the natural flow of physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

The philosophy is based on the belief that learning in the early years (1-7 years) does not come from traditional instructional methods, but centers around the unconscious imitation of the child’s environment and experiences absorbed through all of his or her senses. Increasing bodies of research have shown that early emphasis on intellectual (cognitive-analytical) work robs energy needed for physical growth and development, a vital process inherent to early childhood.

As a non-academic program, our environment nurtures imaginative play, social connections, and an appreciation for nature and its aesthetics. This approach empowers children with a strong sense of self by building sound logical reasoning, mental capabilities, and passion for life, giving them a platform for success in their future academic paths.

THE TEAM

Niveen Abboushi – Founder / Director

It is very difficult for me to summarize who I am in words…It is like confining a child to one type of play! I am a perpetual entrepreneur, alternative education advocate, financial consultant, psycho-spiritual counselor, energy healer, and mother journeying with two beautiful souls. In my free time, I love hiking and connecting with nature.

I have always been intrigued by “people’s stories”, beliefs, and varying personal drives. I believe that who we are as adults is defined by how we lived our childhoods. In so many karmic ways, my professional path kept me focused on my passion and intrigue in understanding the world of childhood. EcoKids is the culmination of my journey with my inner child and with my own children.  The vision behind EcoKids was inspired by the arrival of my second daughter, Noor, as I struggled to find a place of magic and learning that believed in the innate wisdom of children. It was at this point that my journey to turn education right side up began.EcoKids is a place where childhood is preserved, and where the possibilities are endless…

I hold a B.A. in Economics (Richmond College, London), M.A. in Money and Banking (American University of Beirut), M.A. in Clinical Psychology & Counseling, with focus on Spirituality, Mind & Body (Columbia University, NY), and a certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology). I am also a continuing scholar in Jungian psychoanalysis, and a certified sound healer. However, the real education for me has been from the eternal source of life, love and connections…

To learn more about my work, please visit http://rosemaryandtea.com

Om and prem….

   

Dana Alkhas – Founding Partner/Administrator

Six years of teaching and three children made me realize that there is more to teaching than meets the eye. It taught me that whether you are in a classroom with twelve children or at home sitting on a carpet playing with your two-year-old child, it takes self-knowledge and inner connection to teach a child. Teaching requires dedication, commitment, but, most importantly, unconditional love. A mother, a teacher, or a caregiver is a beacon of light that guides the child along a path of endless discovery. This is  a sacred mission that requires connection to the inner child within each one of us.  EcoKids is all that. It is an environment where children can be children for as long as they want to and need to!

I truly believe in and love by the saying, ‘Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand’. This is our EcoKids.