About
My Name is
Sandra Turretta.
Hey there!
Sandra has fostered a love for science, exploration, and children, since she was a child herself. She was known as the "what if" girl during childhood, constantly exploring hypothetical scenarios. Fueled by boundless curiosity, she embraced exploration, learning, and research from a young age. Transitioning into adulthood, she earned a cum laude degree in biology and chemistry. Fascinated by brain development, she pursued a master's in education initially to teach high school science, but found her true calling and niche in early childhood education. Her passion for early childhood was solidified by how brain shape is quite literally created for years to come based on experiences in early education.
Observing her daughters' experiences growing up in science camps over the years, where they didn’t necessarily learn many concepts, inspired her to create a unique play-based curriculum that integrates educational standards with Art & STEM, and is based solidly within early childhood development theory.
Her love for each unique child and their families, her innate patience, and excitement for every child's potential, led her to become a Program Director in early childhood. The journey continued as she bridged science and early childhood, and opened a small STEAM preschool in 2015, where daily, exhilarating fusions happened with young children’s boundless curiosity, creativity, and complex science concepts. She went on to teach K-3 science and create summer play/science camps in Castro Valley.
Most recently, she had the transformative experience of co-Director, Teacher and Parent Educator at the preschool co-op in Castro Valley. It was here that she realized the utmost importance of fostering the family and community aspects in early childhood. She can't wait to meet your family!
TEACHERS
Lead Teachers
Hi! My name is Jillian Kumar, and I am so excited to be part of the Explorer Children's School family.
I began studying Early Childhood Education at Butte College in 2019 and have continued my education through Lassen College and Feather River College. I have completed 42 units in Early Childhood Education and truly enjoy continuing to learn and grow as an educator.
What first drew me to early childhood education was children's natural curiosity. I love watching them ask questions, explore new ideas, and discover the world around them. I am especially passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach because it encourages us to follow children's interests, expand on their ideas, and dig deeper into the things that genuinely excite them. I believe those meaningful moments of exploration help children become confident, capable learners.
When I'm not in the classroom, I love spending time with my family at the ocean. I also enjoy coffee and love finding new coffee shops whenever I travel. I can't wait to meet all of the Explorer families, and begin learning and growing together!
My Name is
Jillian Kumar.
My Name is
Jeanette Rose.
Greetings! My name is Jeannette Rose and I am thrilled to be joining Explorer Children’s School!
I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2004 in a variety of programs around the East Bay, my favorite being the Reggio-Emilia approach. I have BA with Highest Honors in Digital Multimedia Design from Penn State and AA with Highest Honors in Early Childhood Development from Chabot College.
I deeply value and appreciate the opportunity to support children in these magical first five years and believe it is my true calling.
Children’s interests and perspectives are my inspiration to co-create meaningful experiences and inspire a love of learning, sense of community, and social/emotional intelligence. I have been teaching in Oakland for many years and looking forward to working in my own community of Castro Valley. I am a mom to amazing humans, ages 16 and 21. My other interests include photography, design, reading, science, tarot, betta fish, and autism awareness.
I’m looking forward to meeting and working with ECS Families! See you soon!
Allow myself to introduce… myself. My name is Derek and I have been working with young children throughout the Bay Area for the past 20 plus years. Born and raised in San Francisco (Go 49ers, Giants, and Warriors!), I later moved to the East Bay as a teenager. After graduating from high school, I attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with dreams of working in traditional animation. I later continued my studies at Chabot College, where I explored both the Fire Service program and Art before discovering my true passion for Early Childhood Education. I began my teaching career as a floater at the Chabot College Children's Center, gaining experience with children of all ages. From there, I accepted my first position outside the college as an Associate Teacher in San Francisco. Over the years, I have served in many roles—including Co-Teacher, Head Teacher, and Master Teacher—each one deepening my knowledge of child development and strengthening my skills as an educator. Most recently, I spent six years as the Head TK/Pre-K Teacher at a school in Alameda. I believe in creating engaging, dynamic learning experiences that foster children's confidence, curiosity, and development. I also value building strong partnerships with families through open communication and helping parents understand the "why" behind classroom practices and learning experiences. I am excited to be part of the Explorer Children’s School community and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and families while creating a joyful, engaging classroom together
My Name is
Derek Contreras
Assistant Teachers
My Name is
Carmen Zanabria
I first got into early childhood education due to my mentor giving me a call and offering me a class, which was how I got my first introduction to the field! . She helped me learn about the career and possibilities of the field and from 2011 I began to study at Chabot College. I started working in 2012 and would graduate a year later, and from that date on I haven’t stopped working with young children. My passion is to work with children and help them. I like to share, understand, and help children with whatever they decide to share with me. Of my long time of experience as a teacher, I enjoy and have taught many different types of personalities, and I enjoy, talk to, and help them all. They have a lot of experiences in the short while they’ve had, ideas, emotions, and I like to be there for them. When I do have some free time I love to spend it with my family. My most important treasure is my daughter who is in high school as a senior! She’s preparing herself for her future and I’m happy to help her learn and grow.
More teacher bios coming soon, stay tuned!
We Are Hiring ❤️ - Apply Here!
Lead Teacher
Assistant Teacher
Explorer Children’s School is looking for dedicated, loving, qualified early childhood teachers! Art, science, math and engineering backgrounds are a definite plus, and an openness to integrating play and curriculum with these is required. Art and STEM curriculum help will be provided.
Are you ready to teach in a play based, enriched and inspiring environment? Are you ready to be valued as you are and also have the space, time and resources to grow as a professional and as an individual? Are you ready to be well compensated?
Then Explorer Children’s School is ready for you! Even if you don’t live here yet... (in person employment required), this might be the place for you. Please email me at sandrat@explorerchildrensschool.com.