Title: Owner, Operator, and Director
Company: The Alexander School of Early Learning
Location: Ashland, Virginia, United States
Amanda J. Short, MEd, owner, operator, and director at The Alexander School of Early Learning, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in academia.
With over two decades of experience, Ms. Short excels in early education, specializing in behavior science and management. She currently serves as the owner, operator, and director of The Alexander School of Early Learning. After stepping down as district director in her previous role in May of 2018, she pursued her dream of owning and operating her own preschool, opening the doors to The Alexander School of Early Learning in October of the same year. Her responsibilities include managing and operating the preschool, training teachers, and supporting associate directors.
The Alexander School of Early Learning is dedicated to high-quality early education through the STREAMin3 curriculum model. This innovative curriculum, developed by the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning at the University of Virginia in partnership with E3: Elevate Early Education, is approved by the Virginia Department of Education. STREAMin3 focuses on integrating science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, math, and social-emotional learning, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for young children.
Additionally, the school offers a range of programs tailored to different age groups and developmental stages. These include infant care, which focuses on nurturing and developmental milestones; the Toddler Program, which emphasizes exploration and early learning skills; the Preschool Program, which prepares children for kindergarten; and the Pre-Kindergarten Program, which focuses on advanced learning and school readiness. An after-school program is also offered, providing care and activities for school-aged children.
Prior to this, she held various positions at Minnieland Academy in Virginia from 2002 to 2018. The academy is part of the LLE Education Group, Virginia’s leading provider of early childhood education, operating over 50 licensed childcare facilities since 1972. The group caters to children from infancy to 12, offering comprehensive programs, including preschool for ages two to four, a preschool readiness enrichment program, junior kindergarten, and Montessori. For older children, they provide before and after-school programs, as well as summer and winter camps. She started her tenure there as a teacher, advancing to center director, trainer, SACC field director, and district director.
Laying a solid foundation for her future success, Ms. Short pursued an associate degree in education at Germanna Community College, graduating in 2003. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Washington in 2005, followed by an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in 2012 and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education in 2015. Following these accomplishments, she completed her certification as a CLASS Observer in Virginia in 2019 and achieved accreditation from Cognia Inc.
Ms. Short takes pride in successfully owning and managing The Alexander School of Early Learning. She believes her dedication and hard work have fostered an environment where children can learn, play, and grow in a safe and nurturing setting. Looking ahead, she is committed to continuing to provide high-quality childcare services to her community. She attributes her success to the guidance of several mentors. She advises aspiring professionals to keep going even when facing challenges, as there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
For more information, please visit:
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