Q.1. Tell us about yourself.
Ans. My name is Tanja Spasojevic, and I am privileged to serve as the General Manager of Hummingbird and ORA, Nursery of the Future. With a Master’s degree in Pedagogy and over 13 years of experience in early years education, I am dedicated to creating an advanced learning environment for our young learners.
At Hummingbird and ORA, our priority is to provide a safe and stimulating atmosphere that nurtures the growth and development of our learners, enabling them to reach their full potential. I am proud to witness the countless children who have thrived under our care, which will help them as they embark on their journey to becoming our future leaders.
As the mother of two wonderful girls, I deeply understand the significance of quality education. I firmly believe that it is the greatest gift we can offer our children. Therefore, I am personally invested in ensuring that every child who is under our care receives the best possible educational experience.
Together with my dedicated team, we continuously strive to innovate and implement the latest learning approaches, improve and sustain a system that values the uniqueness of each child, and create a dynamic and engaging curriculum that fosters a love for learning.
Q.2. What is Hummingbird?
Ans. Hummingbird Early Learning Centre is recognized as the leading center for Early Years Education and Development in the UAE. We are home to a team of highly qualified and experienced childcare professionals who are passionately dedicated to providing outstanding levels of care and education to children aged between 3 months and 5 years.
Conveniently located in prominent locations such as DIFC and DAFZ in Dubai, as well as Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, our centers are accredited by the UK’s esteemed Pre-School Learning Alliance. We teach the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, ensuring that we consistently maintain the highest standards in early education in line with the ‘every child matters’ agenda.
At Hummingbird, we prioritize creating age-appropriate environments that cater to the unique needs of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our goal is to provide children with a nurturing, secure, and stimulating learning environment where they can freely engage in learning, play, exploration, and understanding the world around them.
Q.3. What are your goals at HB to ensure that you bring positive change to the education system?
Ans. At Hummingbird, we firmly believe in establishing a nurturing and secure home-away-from-home setting that fosters and reinforces family values. We also understand the importance of parental involvement, thus we make it a point to actively collaborate with parents to seamlessly bridge their children’s transition from home to nursery. Our team works diligently to nurture each child’s abilities and interests, equipping him or her for the next phase of his or her educational journey.
Furthermore, we recognize that every child is unique and learns in different ways. As such, our carefully structured program is designed to cultivate intellectual growth, artistic expression, and social skills. We ensure to provide opportunities for children to explore their interests, talents, and cultural heritage as part of their holistic development.
Q.4. Could you share some of your upcoming plans?
Ans. As a team, we are committed to upholding the highest standards in early years education. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of quality while staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field. Through our bilingual classes, educational field trips, extracurricular activities, and specialized age-appropriate workshops, such as cooking and drama classes, we aim to provide a well-rounded experience that caters to each child’s unique interests and fosters our learners’ social and emotional development.
Our goal now is to actively expand our reach by opening new early learning centers where even more children can benefit from our modern learning approach. By providing children with a strong foundation at an early age, we aim to empower them for a lifetime of learning and success.
Q.5. What is your advice for parents on how to help their children to grow up positive, happy, and resilient?
Ans. By being true to yourself, you will gain the appreciation of children even more. Remember, every person is unique, and our mission is to empower children to believe in their own goals and aspirations, thus embracing their unique qualities that make them truly special.
While nurturing their emotional development, it is essential to establish age-appropriate expectations. Pay careful attention to ensure that the challenges and tasks we ask of our children are suitable for their stage of growth. By providing them with the right balance of support and encouragement, we empower them to overcome obstacles and flourish.
Additionally, never forget the importance of maintaining a little bit of childlike behavior. Be a little child for 10 minutes a day. This not only allows you to educate and relate to children on their level, but also sets a positive example as a role model. By immersing yourself in their world, you create an environment that inspires them to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
