Parental involvement is highly encouraged, since Happy Hippo Preschool believes that it takes both family and school to help the child reach his/her full potential. We believe that parents should be informed about what happens in our daily program.  To ensure all information is readily available, we have a website, a monthly newsletter, individual classroom web page; calendars posted, and frequent teacher-parent correspondence. 

    Our teachers are selected for their experience, enthusiasm and extensive training in early childhood education.  Each staff member meets the qualifications set by state laws and attends our Happy Hippo Child Development Orientation and Training Session. All staff members belong to the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children.  Happy Hippo facilitates weekly staff meetings and ongoing professional development training.

Mrs. Fernanda Durlene - email:  fernanda@happyhippopreschool.com        

Executive Director       

    Multiple Subject Teaching State Credential - University of California Irvine

   Early Childhood Education Director and Supervisor State Credential

   Early Childhood Education Master Teacher State Credential

   B.A. - University of California Irvine

 

  Mrs. Jeanne Kawawata - email: jeanne@happyhippopreschool.com

Assistant Director / Teacher pre-k room

   Early Childhood Education Supervisor State Credential

   Early Childhood Education Master Teacher State Credential

   B.A. - Education - University of California Los Angeles

 

  Ms. Ami Desai- email: ami@happyhippopreschool.com

Teacher 3-year-old room

   B.A. - Child Development -    Cal State San Bernardino

 

  Mrs. Amber Arellano- email: amber@happyhippopreschool.com

Teacher 2-year-old room

   B.S. - Child Development -   University of La Verne

   Master's Degree - Marriage and Family Therapy