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Jessica Beckwith
Executive Director
My journey in Early Childhood
Education started back in 2006
when I first stepped into a
preschool classroom and instantly fell
in love with the energy and enthusiasm of the young learners. Through my years of teaching and my continued education and training, I have become particularly passionate about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which has become an essential component of early childhood education in recent years. I have learned how to support children in developing important skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship-building. By fostering these skills, we can help children become confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals who are equipped to navigate the social and emotional challenges of life.
In addition to my focus on SEL, I am also a strong advocate for Nature-Based Education (NBE). I believe that the natural world provides a rich and stimulating learning environment for young children, allowing them to explore, discover, and connect with the world around them in meaningful ways. Through NBE, children can develop a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, while also learning important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. By integrating nature-based experiences into our curriculum, we can help children develop a strong connection to the environment and a lifelong love of learning.
As a Preschool Director, I am committed to providing high-quality, developmentally-appropriate education that supports the growth and well-being of every child in our care. By focusing on each child’s unique self and path, we are able to create an individualized nurturing and engaging learning environment.
We at Hazelwood look forward to connecting with you and growing this community we have created here!
I began my career in my
hometown of Anchorage, Alaska,
where I owned and operated a
preschool for many years. That
experience sparked a lifelong passion for building nurturing, high-quality learning environments where children feel safe, inspired, and valued. After moving to Seattle in 2011, I continued my work in ECE with Bella Mente Early Learning, where I spent two years immersed in the Reggio Emilia philosophy—a child-centered approach that values exploration, collaboration, and the innate curiosity of every learner.
With an academic background in economics and finance, I bring both a thoughtful, strategic mindset and a deep love for teaching to my role as Center Director. As both a parent and a lifelong educator, I value the intersection of critical thinking, creativity, and connection in early learning. Building connections with parents and community is essential to the well rounded education of our children. I am especially inspired by nature and believe that the most meaningful curriculum grows from a child’s own curiosity—guided by their questions, interests, and experiences.
At Hazelwood Preschool, I am dedicated to creating a strong, supportive school community where children are encouraged to wonder, explore, and grow at their own pace. By nurturing each child’s individual journey and cultivating a connection to the natural world, we help lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
We look forward to welcoming your family and continuing to grow this beautiful community together.!