Willow Kids

Calm support. Thoughtful growth.

Vivien Firta

Play-based • Caring • Verified

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About

Meet Vivien Firta — approach, credentials, and teaching style.

Vivien Firta headshot

Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and genuinely connected to their learning environment. When children experience a sense of belonging and trust, they are more willing to explore, take risks, and engage in the learning process. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, I approach tutoring as a relationship-centered experience that supports both confidence and development. I strive to understand each child’s strengths, interests, and learning style so that learning experiences can be responsive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. I believe that play, movement, and curiosity are powerful drivers of learning, especially for young children who are developing language, social skills, and independence. Play supports foundational skills such as language growth, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social connection. When children explore ideas through games, conversation, hands-on activities, and creative problem-solving, they engage more deeply and retain what they learn. At the same time, I provide clear structure and encouragement to help children work through challenges. By breaking tasks into manageable steps and celebrating progress, I support children in developing persistence and confidence. Ultimately, my goal is not only to support academic development but also to help children see themselves as capable learners. When children feel supported, curious, and successful, they develop the confidence and motivation that sustain lifelong learning.

Credentials

  • 17+ years of Early Childhood Education experience
  • Bachelors in Liberal Studies/Early Childhood Education
  • Masters in Organizational Leadership
  • Program Director Permit California
  • Substitute Credential K-12 California

Methods

  • Play-Based Learning
  • Relationship-Based Learning
  • Hands-On Learning
  • Developmentally Appropriate Practice
  • Scaffolded Learning
  • Social-Emotional Learning

Age Ranges

Early Development (Ages 2–3)Preschool (Ages 3–5)Elementary School (Grades K-5)Infant (0–12 months)Early Toddler (12–24 months)

Areas

Calabasas, CA • Hidden Hills, CA • Woodland Hills • Chatsworth • West Hills • Simi Valley • Burbank, CA • Pasadena, CA • Encino • Studio City • La Cañada Flintridge, CA • Westlake Village, CA • Thousand Oaks

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Questions before you book?
(844) 900-0074

Give us a call and we’ll help you get set up.

Kindergarten Readiness (Whole Child Approach)

4-5
$650$800

Starting kindergarten is about more than letters and numbers—it’s about confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate a classroom environment. This program supports children in developing the foundational skills they need to thrive in school through a balanced, play-based and developmentally appropriate approach. We focus on building not just academic readiness, but the social-emotional and behavioral skills that truly set children up for success.

Cadence2 sessions/week · 60 min
Duration4 weeks
Total sessions8 sessions
Focus
Outcome
Student is better prepared to enter the Kindergarten classroom this Fall, 2026
Parent check-ins
Parents receive insight and simple strategies to support their child at home, creating consistency and lasting progress beyond each session.
Social-Emotional RegulationFine motor skillsLanguage & LiteracyFollowing 2-3 step directionsTask completion