The Dandy Lion Preschool was established in 1981 by the Veness family, and has earned an excellent reputation while serving this community for the past twenty-eight years. The Veness’ retired in November of 1996 when Ann Balasuriya and Dave Hunter purchased the school to provide a location for Ann’s Montessori Teacher-Training Institute on the Central Coast. By January of 1997, the Rainbow Room was converted into a Montessori Prepared Environment and the name of the school was slightly revised to Dandy Lion Montessori School to reflect the change to a Montessori program.

In early 1998, the full kitchen was removed from the Sunshine Room and it too was converted to a lovely Montessori classroom. When the 98/99 academic year began, both classrooms were fully functioning Montessori classes. With little advertising, the stellar word-of-mouth reputation of Dandy Lion kept our program functioning at capacity for many years. Ann trained the teachers and kept the program fine tuned, while Dave managed the office. With the arrival of Joanie Morawski on the scene several years ago, Dave retired from active management of the school, although he remained involved in the background as President of the International Association of Progressive Montessori (IAPM).

Circumstances beyond anyone's control have conspired to change our operation. Between the failing California economy, and the State's efforts to implement universal preschool in the public elementary schools, demand for private preschools with extended daycare hours for working parents in this area has decreased considerably. When Joanie moved out of State to care for her aging father, while Ann was fulfilling a commitment to train teachers in India for the summer, Dave returned to active management.

Assessing the situation with an eye on the future, we decided to consolidate our Montessori endeavors. Our facility is now the headquarters office of IAPM. Thus, Dandy Lion now functions as the showcase laboratory school for IAPM. Those parents who know Ann, will appreciate that she will be readily available for consultation with both teachers and parents. Dave will continue to manage the business affairs of both IAPM and Dandy Lion, as well as utilize his computer skills making classroom materials for the children of Dandy Lion and for the teachers in training at the institute, as well as webmaster of our presence on the internet.

 

Next >