Tanya Farzaneh

Year: 2017 — Province: Ontario

Certificate of Achievement Recipient

Seneca College Early Childhood Education Lab School
1750 Finch Avenue East
North York, Ontario M2J 2X5

Telephone: 416-491-5050
Email: june.williams@senecacollege.ca
Website: my.senecacollege.ca

Type of setting: Child care centre, children aged 18 to 36 months

It's more than just paint … for Tanya Farzaneh it's an opportunity to catch a glance of the “competent capable child” in a space with no limits – a space to feel free, express and explore.

Philosophy of care

Farzaneh is influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach and holds the view of a competent child with rights and family as partners. She is passionate about connecting children to nature and incorporates the environment as a third teacher.

Support of child development

• Meticulously creates portfolios for each child and transcribes their voices, thoughts and theories that represent a holistic image of the child, culture and community.
• Supported the language of toddlers through a collaborative four-month "Layers of Paint" project that allowed students to feel free to express themselves with no limits in paint.
• Hosted a "Blanket Dance" with her students around Seneca College campuses to raise funds to assist a remote Indigenous community.

Involvement with parents, families and the community

• Cultivates strong relationships with families through activities like cooking, exploring museums, art engagements, nature events and parenting workshops.
• Embraces diversity and family culture by using home languages as part of signs, documentation and labels, and having families represent their culture through food, picture books and art.
• Collaborates with educators from around the world in pulling together the nature-inspired "Rhythm of Learning" conference

Rave reviews

"One of the many things that I admire about Tanya is her selflessness. She gives of herself to her profession and to others without questioning or expecting remuneration. (…) She is indeed a role model for others (myself included); an exemplary and a true testament to our profession."

"Through a constant exploration of the senses, Tanya was able to spot our daughter's biggest passion: painting. As time went by, she would propose more activities involving paining and other tactile experiences and our daughter would develop her love for painting even further."