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About Us
What is iPlusOne?
At iPlusOne Academy, we believe in laying a solid foundation in one language, Korean, to seamlessly introduce the acquisition of a second language, English. Beginning with a robust base in Korean provides a solid footing for the incorporation of English, allowing children to expand their linguistic capabilities. Our approach is rooted in the fundamental concept of iPlusOne, where "i" represents the existing knowledge and proficiency in the first language. The "plus one" signifies our ongoing commitment to continually enhance and build upon this foundation. We take what children already know, consistently challenging and encouraging them to learn and grow, ultimately fostering bilingual fluency. Join us on a journey where linguistic development is a dynamic process of strengthening what they know and constantly adding to their linguistic repertoire.
i + 1
Our children/first language
+
Comprehensive input/ second language
In the realm of language acquisition, we embrace the concept of "i + 1" at our academy, drawing inspiration from Stephen Krashen's renowned Input Hypothesis. This theory asserts that language development flourishes when learners are exposed to messages they can comprehend, known as comprehensible input. Krashen introduces the crucial idea that this input should be slightly beyond the learner's current language proficiency, denoted as "i + 1," enabling a continuous progression in language skills.
In simpler terms, when a learner is at level 'i,' true acquisition unfolds when they are immersed in comprehensible input corresponding to level 'i+1.' This hypothesis underscores the significance of incorporating the Second Language into the classroom setting. The ultimate goal of any language program is effective communication, and by offering ample comprehensible input, educators create optimal conditions for language acquisition.
At iPlusOne, we integrate these principles into our curriculum, leveraging insights from extensive studies and practical experiences in second language acquisition. Our approach fosters a positive classroom environment, empowering children to embark on a bilingual journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
Our School
At our bilingual preschool, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive program that nurtures the overall development of your child. Our approach encompasses physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and linguistic skills, recognizing and addressing the uniqueness of each child. In our secure and academically enriched environment, we prioritize creating a nurturing atmosphere that fosters emotional security.
Each month, you'll receive calendars detailing the themes and activities related to the skills we'll be focusing on, keeping you informed and engaged in your child's learning journey.
With nine classrooms, each equipped with its own children's bathroom, housed in our spacious 10,000 square foot facility, we prioritize security with surveillance cameras for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Outdoor exploration is encouraged in our two fenced-in playgrounds, complemented by an indoor gym for physical activity.
Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is paramount to us. Children and staff wear house shoes within our center, contributing to a healthy and tidy space for everyone.
As of March 2020, we want to assure you that our school is fully compliant with CDC guidelines, as well as state and local health departments. The safety and wellness of our students, staff, and families remain our top priority.
For your convenience, we offer Before Care from 8 am to 9 am and After Care from 3 pm to 5 pm at a flat rate. Rest assured, we extend the same level of care to your children as we would to our own. Your child's well-being and growth are at the heart of everything we do.
About our School
Welcome to iPlusOne Academy, where a unique bilingual/bicultural program awaits your child's exploration and growth. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our specialized bilingual curriculum, highly qualified staff, and a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring an unparalleled learning experience.
KEY FEATURES
Cultural Immersion: Children at iPlusOne Academy delve into a program that not only focuses on language skills but also embraces the rich cultures and customs of both Korean and American heritages.
Masterful Educators: Our master teachers bring a wealth of expertise, holding multiple certificates and degrees, coupled with extensive experience in nurturing young minds. We go beyond state ratio standards to provide exceptional care.
Holistic Development: Our bilingual preschool offers a comprehensive program that nurtures the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and linguistic facets of each child. Monthly calendars keep parents informed about the themes and activities related to skill development.
State-of-the-Art Facility: With 9 classrooms, each equipped with its own children's bathroom, our 10,000 square foot facility ensures security with surveillance cameras for toddlers 15 months old and up. Two fenced outdoor playgrounds and an indoor gym provide spaces for active engagement.
Hygiene and Nutrition: Maintaining a top priority on cleanliness, inside shoes are worn by all children and staff. Healthy hot nutritious lunches are provided daily, ensuring your child's well-being.
Convenient Care Options: For working parents, we offer Before and After Care at a flat rate, understanding the demands of balancing a career and family life.
WHY CHOOSE iPLUSONE ACADEMY?
As educators and parents ourselves, we comprehend the intricacies of juggling work and family responsibilities. At iPlusOne Academy, we provide your children with an environment that caters to their every need, fostering the best possible experience. Our overarching goal is to build a robust language foundation in the early years, allowing our children to reap the lifelong benefits of bilingualism.
Join us at iPlusOne Academy, where education, culture, and care converge to shape a brighter future for your child.
Enroll now and embark on a bilingual journey with iPlusOne Academy!
Director, Maria L. Kim
Welcome to iPlusOne Academy, where the journey of bilingual and bicultural education comes to life. I am Maria L. Kim, the Director and Founder, and I am delighted to share my personal story with you.
Growing up as a Korean-American, I faced the challenge of becoming bilingual in a monolingual environment. Arriving in America at the age of two, I found myself immersed in a Kindergarten classroom where English was the primary language, and ESL programs were yet to be established. Despite this, I navigated the linguistic landscape, learning English on my own while continuing to speak Korean at home with my family.
My parents, visionary immigrants, recognized the importance of preserving our native language and culture. They instilled in me the significance of being Korean, leading me to attend Korean school despite my initial reluctance. It wasn't until high school that I realized the unique advantage of being bilingual in a world where language diversity is a valuable asset.
After pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from NYU and spending years in the television industry, I felt unfulfilled. Returning to school for a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, I obtained certifications in ESL and Bilingual/Bicultural Education. This led me to the Ridgefield public school system, where I established the Korean bilingual program and taught ESL for a decade.
As a mother of two, I sought a bilingual preschool for my children and discovered a gap in the existing options. Traditional Korean preschools often resulted in ESL classes, while English-only preschools led to a loss of Korean language skills. Fueled by my experiences as an educator and parent, I recognized the need for a TRUE bilingual preschool.
At iPlusOne Academy, we embrace the philosophy that young children are fully capable of learning two languages. With over 25 years of teaching and curriculum development experience, I have curated the best of everything to offer a truly unique bilingual/bicultural learning experience.
I invite you to explore the enriching world of iPlusOne Academy, where language and culture converge to create a foundation for global citizens. Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.
Thank you for your interest in iPlusOne Academy.
Warmest Regards,
Maria L. Kim
Director & Founder
Administration
Founder & Director & Head Teacher
Administration Assistant & Marketing Team Member & Cookiddo Teacher
Founder & Director & Head Teacher
Maria L. Kim
M.A. Early Childhood Ed, UAB
B.A. Broadcast Journalism, NYU
Speech Communication Concentration
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
NJ & NY State Certification for Elementary School N-8
NJ State Certification for Bilingual/Bicultural Education
NJ State Certification for English as a Second Language
Certified in Orton-Gillin
Maria L. Kim
M.A. Early Childhood Ed, UAB
B.A. Broadcast Journalism, NYU
Speech Communication Concentration
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
NJ & NY State Certification for Elementary School N-8
NJ State Certification for Bilingual/Bicultural Education
NJ State Certification for English as a Second Language
Certified in Orton-Gillingham
29+ Years of Teaching Experience in Public and Private Schools
Assistant Director
Administration Assistant & Marketing Team Member & Cookiddo Teacher
Founder & Director & Head Teacher
June Kim
B.A Education Yeungnam University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Secondary School Teacher Certification in Korea
2+ years of teaching middle school students in a private academy in Korea
9+ years of teaching experience in sensory play
12 years of experience as a volunteer teacher for toddlers.
Administration Assistant & Marketing Team Member & Cookiddo Teacher
Administration Assistant & Marketing Team Member & Cookiddo Teacher
Administration Assistant & Marketing Team Member & Cookiddo Teacher
Sharon Park
B.S. in Nutritional Sciences
B.A in Hotel and Tourism Management
HanYang University at Seoul
Hawaii Tokai University at Honolulu
Harbin Engineering School at Weihai
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Certificate of Cooking Instructor for Kids I – obtained Mar. 2015
Culinary Class Instructor for kids
6 culinary qualifications
Sharon Park
B.S. in Nutritional Sciences
B.A in Hotel and Tourism Management
HanYang University at Seoul
Hawaii Tokai University at Honolulu
Harbin Engineering School at Weihai
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Certificate of Cooking Instructor for Kids I – obtained Mar. 2015
Culinary Class Instructor for kids
6 culinary qualifications recognized by the government of Korea
4+ Years of Teaching Experience
10+ Years of Teaching Cooking Experience
Lead Teachers
Lead Teacher & Group Teacher
Lead Teacher & Group Teacher
Lead Teacher & Group Teacher
Angela Kim
B.S. Statistics
Han-Sin University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
CDA (Child Development Associate)
Child Emotional Intelligence Development Certificate
Montessori Infant & Toddler
Art Therapy Certificate
Teaching Specialist in Korean Language Lifelong Educator Level 2
16+ Years of Teaching Experience
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher & Group Teacher
Lead Teacher & Group Teacher
Veronica Lee
B.A. Teaching Degree
English Education
Chung-Ang University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Korea Corner's Certificate Child Emotional Intelligence Development Certificate
CDA (Child Development Associate)
English Instructor at Elementary School in Korea
18+ Years of Teaching Experience
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher & Group Teacher
Lead Teacher
Silvana Tabacchi
M.S.E.D - Master of Science in Education
St. Thomas Aquinas College
B.A. English
(Writing Concentration)
William Paterson University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
NJ State Certification for Elementary School N - 8
NJ State Certification for Language Arts/Literacy Grades 5 - 8
NJ State Certification of the Handicappe
Silvana Tabacchi
M.S.E.D - Master of Science in Education
St. Thomas Aquinas College
B.A. English
(Writing Concentration)
William Paterson University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
NJ State Certification for Elementary School N - 8
NJ State Certification for Language Arts/Literacy Grades 5 - 8
NJ State Certification of the Handicapped
24+ Years of Teaching Experience in Private and Public Schools.
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Monica Kim
BA in English Literature
Rutgers University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
CELTA from Cambridge University
TESOL
10+ Years experience in tutoring Middle School through high school
10+ Years of teaching ESL at college level and above
8+ Years experience as Youth Group Teacher
TESOL International Association Member
3+ Years of E
Monica Kim
BA in English Literature
Rutgers University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
CELTA from Cambridge University
TESOL
10+ Years experience in tutoring Middle School through high school
10+ Years of teaching ESL at college level and above
8+ Years experience as Youth Group Teacher
TESOL International Association Member
3+ Years of Experience with standardized language testing
15+ Years of Teaching Experience
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Debbie Seo
Joong-Ang University Major in Microbiology
Q.C.C Early Childhood Education
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
11+ Years of Teaching Experience
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Luna Kim
Ph.D.C. Management Information System, PNU.
M.A. Business Administration, PNU.
B.S. Business Administration, PNU.
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
4+ Years of Teacher Experience at Preschool
10+ Years of Teaching Experience
as Adjunct Professor
Lead Teacher
Group Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Group Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Anna Mun
Hanyang University Major in Composition
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
15+ Years of teaching Experience in Preschool Education
Group Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Group Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Group Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Rachel Song
B.A. Department of Child Welfare
Minor: Counseling
Seoul Han Young University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Childcare Center Director's License
Childcare Teacher Level 1 Certificate
Social Worker Level 1 Certificate
12+ Years of Teaching Experience
Lead Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Group Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Lead Teacher (Sensory Team Member)
Ellie Min
Parsons Fashion Design
Hanyang University
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Certified Art Therapy Practitioner in US
Certified Play Therapy Practitioner in Korea
4+ Years of Preschool/Kindergarten Art Teacher Experience
Teacher Assistants
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Kelly Yi
Associate in Accounting
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
6+ Years of Childcare/Preschool Teaching Experience
Infant Care Experience
Mommy & Baby Home Care Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Christine Synn
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Textile/Surface Design
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
13+ Years of Korean School Teaching Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Jane Yoon
B.S Travel Industry Management
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
4+ Years of Korean School Teaching Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Lauren Kim
AJOU University
Master / Biomedical Engineering
KONKUK University
Bachelor/ Biomed Engineering
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
6+ Infant & Toddler Home Care Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Kate Kim
Tanglewood Corp. Designer Assistant
LSI (NYC) - English Language Program
Manhattan Language (NYC) - English Language Program
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
6+ Years Infant & Toddler Home Care Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Bona Chung
B.A. Interior Design
Interior Designer
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
6+ Infant & Toddler Home Care Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Jenny Kim
B.A. in French Education
Ewha Womans University
Citibank Korea
5+ years HR Training & Development Group
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Teacher’s Certificate in Korea
5+ Infant & Toddler Home Care Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Heather Kim
Chung-Ang University
Major in Industrial Economy
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
5+ Infant & Toddler Home Care Experience
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Joy Lee
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Childcare Teacher Facility Manager Certificate (Director)
Kindergarten Teacher Level 2 Certificate
Froebel Gabe Instructor Certificate
15+ Years of Experience as an Early Childhood Education Teacher
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Jewel
Fashion Institute of Technology FIT
English Language Program NYU
Certificate:
First Aid/CPR/AED certified
6년 이상의 교사경력
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Susan