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

Initial Learning & Development Session

0-11
$80

A personalized, one-on-one session designed to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. Through play-based interaction and guided activities, I support early literacy, math thinking, and social-emotional development—while providing you with clear, practical strategies to use at home.

Cadence1 session/week · 60 min
Duration1 weeks
Total sessions1 session
Focus
Outcome
Discovery & Support Session
Parent check-ins
A clearer understanding of your child’s strengths and areas of growth Insight into learning style, behavior, and engagement patterns Simple, effective strategies to use at home Professional recommendations for next steps
Early literacy (letters, sounds, language)Foundational math conceptsAttention, Focus & EngagementElementary MathElementary LiteracyEmotional Regulation and Social Skills

8-Session Comprehensive Growth Package

0-11
$650$800

A comprehensive support plan designed to create meaningful, lasting growth in your child’s learning, behavior, and confidence. Over the course of eight sessions, we build a strong relationship, target key developmental areas, and support your child through consistent, play-based learning experiences. This extended format allows for deeper understanding, skill-building, and real progress that carries over into daily life.

Cadence2 sessions/week · 60 min
Duration4 weeks
Total sessions8 sessions
Focus
Outcome
By the end of this package, you can expect: Noticeable growth in targeted academic and/or behavioral areas Increased confidence, independence, and willingness to engage Improved emotional regulation and coping strategies A deeper understanding of how your child learns best Consistent strategies that support success at home and beyond
Parent check-ins
✔ Brief check-ins along the way ✔ Midpoint progress update ✔ Final summary with personalized recommendations and next steps
Early literacy (reading readiness, comprehension, language) Foundational math concepts Emotional regulation & behavior support Social skills & peer interaction Attention, focus, and confidence

Toddler Parent Coaching Package

$450$600

A personalized coaching experience designed to support you in understanding and responding to your toddler’s development, behavior, and emotional needs. Together, we’ll explore what’s behind your child’s behavior and build simple, effective strategies that feel realistic and aligned with your parenting style. This is a collaborative, judgment-free space where you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and tools you can use every day. Meetings in person or on zoom.

Cadence1 session/week · 60 min
Duration4 weeks
Total sessions4 sessions
Focus
Outcome
Better understand your toddler’s behavior and development Feel more confident and calm in how you respond Have clear, practical strategies for everyday challenges Experience more connection and less power struggle Build routines that support smoother days
Parent check-ins
✔ Ongoing support between sessions (brief messaging or questions) ✔ Personalized strategies after each session ✔ Final summary with next steps
Tantrums and emotional regulation Challenging behaviors (hitting, biting, defiance) Routines (sleep, transitions, daily structure) Language development and communication Separation, attachment, and connection Building cooperation and independence
D

Danielle

My home

Chatsworth, CA

Apr 24, 2026

Engaged and Knowledgable

Having a ‘Covid baby’ and then feeling like her preschool wasn’t fulfilling all that young child development should be, Vivien stepped in and engaged our daughter in the most beautiful way. Using activities and questions, she widened the scope of possibilities and learning for her. You can see all children light up around Vivien. Their brains and creativity empowered. Vivien is incredibly knowledgeable and accomplishes it all with such ease. Her care for our littles is evident in how she speaks to them and advocates for them. I highly recommend Vivien!