When Richard and Susan opened their first preschool classroom in Guatemala, it was necessary to train Guatemalan teachers in the new methods. The classroom design was changed from a more traditional classroom of desks to pedagogically appropriate furniture to facilitate a child-centered activity-based program. The focus moved from long hours of copying, rote learning and memorization, to a "learning through play" approach which was based on developmentally appropriate activities geared to the age and the interests of the child. Teachers are encouraged to look at education in a completely different way, learning how to address the needs of the whole child: physically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, cognitively and creatively.

From the beginning every teacher has embraced this new philosophy and has carried it out to the very best of his/her ability. Truly excited and motivated by the new ideas, they have created programs, which inspire in children a real love of school and a desire to learn.

Over the last decade "Planting Seeds" has trained 45 individuals in basic E.C.E. philosophy. The first teacher who was hired in the fall of 2001, Madeli Samara Quinonez Gonzales, has translated and assisted in the training of teachers since the beginning. Committed to the "Planting Seeds" philosophy, she has been instrumental in advocating for the child-centered approach. Presently Madeli is employed as "Program Coordinator", to oversee all the "Planting Seeds" programs. Madeli's dedication to the new system has been central to the success of the "Planting Seeds" programs.

The "Planting Seeds" Early Childhood Education Association

The "Planting Seeds" E.C.E. Association was initiated in the fall of 2008. The purpose of this organization is to promote the ideals of quality E.C.E. programs throughout Guatemala, and to provide ongoing professional development for the teachers trained in the new system. Currently Madeli is the past president of the Planting Seeds Early Childhood Education Association, and Martina is the president.

In comparison to North American Early Childhood Educators, who have received a minimum of a two-year training program, the Guatemalan teachers need to grasp the early childhood principles and be able to implement the basic early childhood education philosophy after a two week training session.

In spite of woefully insufficient preparation, the teachers have done an amazing job. Each month "Planting Seeds" provides a full day workshop to address the current and most critical needs of the programs and to provide on-going educational in-service.

Teachers meet regularly at the Community House to receive training, share ideas, offer one another support and create learning materials for their classrooms. Though many of the teachers have to travel a considerable distance to attend meetings (sometimes leaving their homes at 4:00 in the morning!), teachers make the supreme effort to regularly attend the professional development sessions.

Please meet some of these very special members of the new E.C.E. Association.