Kindergarten 3 - 6 years

I have been involved in Montessori pedagogy since the birth of my daughter. Working with children is very inspiring at every moment of their development and it is wonderful to accompany them on their journey to independence and personal development. It’s beautiful to see how children perceive the world and to be able to be there as they discover it.

Mili graduated from a high school of hotel management and tourism, she passed the diploma exams in the German language. She received a diploma in training AMI 0-3 with Patricia Wallner and AMI 3-6 with Elina Rautasalo. Mili has more than 9 years of experience in Montessori kindergartens and has been working in Andílko since 2016.

I have spent my entire adult life working with children, in kindergarten or in a tourist group. When I brought my own children into the world, I was looking for a place that resonated with my view of parenting and where children would be happy. I found that in Andílek, so it was only natural that I was drawn here after my parental leave to take on the role of a guide.

She graduated from the secondary pedagogical school in Prague. She worked as a kindergarten guide for several years. In her spare time, she worked as an instructor, and later as a leader and health worker in a tourist club and camps. She completed the AMI assistant course for ages 0-3 with Heidi Phillipart and for ages 3-6 with Elina Rautasalo.

Even before I became a mother of two little girls, I knew that children and working with them would fulfill my life. Through my previous life experiences, I found my way to Montessori pedagogy. From the very first moment I was taken by the love with which the teacher approaches the child and with which the child approaches his/her environment. I am very happy that I have found my way to Andílek and can be a part of it.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Westminster University in London, where she lived for 4 years. After returning to Prague, she finished her Master’s degree in Special Education at Jan Amos Komenský University. During her studies she worked for two years as a teaching assistant in an integration class with children with mental disabilities at a state kindergarten. After this experience, she opened her own children’s centre, which she ran for five years. She is currently studying the AMI course for main guide for ages 3-6 with Elina Rautasalo.

Since primary school I knew that I wanted to work with children, so the choice of my secondary school was clear. However, there I fell in love with Montessori pedagogy and I knew I wanted to follow this path. Seeing what children are capable of every day when given the opportunity is fascinating. I am very happy to be part of their journey of knowledge and to be able to show them a whole new world.

I’ve been drawn to kids since I was a Boy Scout, where we spent time outdoors, and I always looked forward to summer camp the most. When I had to choose what I wanted to do for work, teaching was the path that seemed to make sense. I first discovered Montessori kindergarten during an internship in high school. I was in awe that it was actually so simple. When a guide stops being afraid to let a child do something on their own, they can do it. After college, I stepped away from pedagogy for a while, but then Andílek won me over. I’m glad I work in an environment that makes sense, where I can be creative and continue to educate myself.

Nadia graduated from the secondary school of education in Prague and went on to complete a BA in Childhood Studies at the University of Sunderland. In early 2023 she successfully completed a Montessori assistant course for 3-6.

My memories of kindergarten, although not many, are still in my heart and I always have to smile when I remember them. Maybe that’s part of the reason I’m so drawn to it as an adult. I want to create experiences with children that they might remember themselves in adulthood and put a smile on their face, just like they did for me. For me, Andílek is about self-education and educating children, and it feels great to see their development and progress. I am happy to be somewhere where I can develop my creativity and imagination, and moreover from our little ones, because as we probably all know, sometimes they have the most magical fairy kingdom in their minds.

Míša graduated from the Secondary Pedagogical School in Prachatice, majoring in pre-school and out-of-school pedagogy with a focus on graduation in drama education. She is a graduate of swimming, hiking and skiing courses. In 2021 she passed the Montessori assistant course for 3-6.

I have always enjoyed seeing what children are capable of and how perfectly creative they can be. I used to work with children of different ages in choir camps, which I have very fond memories of. I have little siblings that I always loved spending time with and they were probably the first big impetus for me wanting to work with children. On my first day at Andílek I felt that I had found a place where I wanted to be, to develop and laugh together with the staff, children and parents at Andílek.

I studied Business Economics and Management at the Faculty of Economics and Administration and worked in the financial sector for a very long time. I handled a diverse range of administrative tasks while doing fundraising in a non-profit organization. However, the desire for creative work was stronger. In my spare time I was babysitting for friends and then for people from the nanny platform who contacted me. When I’m not working, I’m playing sports, reading, or traveling the world in my VW New Beetle.

Children are an inspiration to me both in their simplicity and greatness at the same time. Being able to be their guide is a joy for me. I see their uniqueness and potential that needs to be gently and carefully developed. Therefore, I am extremely grateful to be a part of Andílek where each and every one understands this and creates a supportive, safe environment not only for the children and parents but for myself as well.

Lucka graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Architecture in Bratislava. She passed the retraining course for children to start pre-school. She completed the AMI course for assistants for children 0-3.