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The Seeking Bewilderment Way
Our mission is to foster a vibrant community of families dedicated to enhancing their children’s lives through holistic development. We believe in challenging the status quo and empowering each child to reach their fullest potential. Together, we will inspire a lifelong love of learning and nurture a generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders
Understanding the Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia philosophy is an innovative approach to early childhood education that emphasizes the importance of nurturing a child’s natural curiosity and creativity. Originating from the town of Reggio Emilia in Italy, this method values children as capable and active participants in their own learning journey.
Overview of the Approach
At its core, the Reggio Emilia approach encourages exploration and hands-on learning. It fosters an environment where children are free to ask questions, express their ideas, and engage in projects that reflect their interests. Educators serve as guides and collaborators, facilitating experiences that inspire critical thinking and problem-solving. A key element of this approach is the concept of the “classroom as the third teacher,” which emphasizes that the learning environment itself plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s experience. Thoughtfully designed spaces filled with natural light, engaging materials, and opportunities for collaboration stimulate curiosity and creativity.
Staff
Ms. Noora’s is an experienced Early Childhood Education professional with over a decade of dedication service in the field. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a site supervisor permit in ECE, she brings a rich and well-rounded perspective to her work with young children.
Ms. Noora’s expertise spans across infant, toddler, and preschool development, and she has undergone extensive training in the Reggio Emilia approach. Drawing inspiration from some of the leading early educators in Northern California and the Bay Area, she has cultivated a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prioritizes exploration and creativity.
Growing up amidst the natural beauty of Northern California, Ms. Noora holds a deep appreciation for the outdoors and its profound impact on children’s growth. She believes that connecting with nature is essential for success in early childhood. By emphasizing natural foods and environments, she fosters experiences that align with children’s innate ways of learning, resulting in meaningful developmental outcomes.
As an authentic advocate for each child’s journey, Ms. Noora is committed to nurturing their potential and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
Parent Testimonial
So thankful to have found Gwendolyn and this preschool/day care program for my daughter. Ms. Noora is kind, knowledgeable, and patient. Our daughter loves going to her place and is always excited to start doing activities, whether it be arts and crafts, building blocks, pretend play with baby dolls, or nature walks . We started bringing her here in February and we already see a huge change in her. Having a child with a speech delay we appreciate how Gwendolyn was able to accommodate our daughter’s speech therapist, and how she encourages her to communicate more with her and her peers. She is speaking more, curious of the world, and experimenting and exploring everything. We get photos of our daughter every time she attends school, and we can see how happy she is doing different activities. There are also parent/teacher meetings where she is able to tell us her thorough observations using the Reggio Emilia approach. The place is clean and cozy, and feels warm and safe. Meals and snacks are also included, and she assists with potty training. The rate is affordable and she has different options depending on your needs. Overall, we’re extremely happy bringing our daughter here. We feel secure in trusting her with our child, and we can tell our child feels safe with her. Highly recommend to any families looking for a preschool/daycare! Read More
What an absolute GEM of a preschool. Creative, thoughtful, and intentional programming, home cooked meals made with love and real/quality ingredients, and a nurturing and loving, clean, tidy, environment. One of those treasures you find that becomes transformational to your life...and the life of your child. My son has made his best friends here and they are a huge part of his 4 year old world. He continues to develop age appropriate skills and learn how to be a good citizen and show kindness. I truly couldn't be happier. Aside from the wonderful environment Ms. Noora has created, she is one of the most lovely human beings I know. She is a natural with children and exudes a calmness and depth of patience one rarely encounters. She is constantly coming up with new ideas for activities and goes above and beyond to bring wonder and exploration into the children's worlds. Read More
We toured three family daycares before finding Seeking Bewilderment Preschool, and the moment we stepped into Gwen and Haris’s home, we knew we had found the right place. Our daughter, Niya, started playing immediately during our first visit — that instant comfort said it all. Gwen and Haris have created a nurturing, calm, and thoughtfully designed space that feels like an extension of home. Everything is clean, well-organized, and filled with warmth. Gwen (Mrs. Vaid) homeschools her own children, and it shows in the care and attention she gives to every child’s development. The kids eat the same fresh, organic, home-cooked food she prepares for her family, and she’s mindful about using sustainable, eco-friendly products and minimizing plastic exposure — something we deeply appreciate. Beyond the day-to-day care, Gwen goes above and beyond to foster a true community. She organizes parent meetings to share each child’s progress, hosts small gatherings where families can connect, and even publishes newsletters when she can find the time! These personal touches make all the difference and reflect how much heart she pours into her work. One of the things we value most is how Gwen respects every child’s individuality. She never forces a routine or activity that doesn’t fit their temperament — for instance, our daughter has never been a big napper, and Gwen was understanding and flexible about that. Speaking of flexibility, her communication and scheduling support have been amazing, and her rates are very reasonable for the quality of care and enrichment she provides. If you’re lucky enough to live nearby, don’t hesitate to send your child here. Gwen and Haris have built a gem of a home daycare — one that blends structure, nature, kindness, and genuine curiosity. We’re so grateful Niya got to spend her early years in such a loving environment. Read More
Ms. Noora and her team create a playful, instructive, exploration-centered environment for the children at Seeking Bewilderment. They practice the Reggio Emilia method, encouraging open-ended play and exploration as a way to accelerate development. I'm amazed by the growth our child has shown being enrolled in the 5-day program. She's acquired words and language skills, become (even more) curious, developed social and emotional awareness, developed better coordination and problem solving, and grown in other ways beyond what I feel my wife and I would be able to accomplish without support. Additionally, the mixed age group means she gets to experience many of the same developmental advantages she would get learning from older siblings, relatives, and friends. They provide varied, nutritious home-cooked meals, healthy snacks, and plenty of safe, supervised outdoor time! I have experienced my own bewilderment when I consider how fortunate we are to have found Seeking Bewilderment when we in need of a place to send our daughter for daycare/schooling. Sending your child into someone else's care is unsettling when you're doing it for the first time, and I am so grateful that we found somewhere that is safe, inclusive, and so clearly dedicated to children. Read More
Experienced Teacher
