Denise Yankou

I believe early care and education are rooted in the 3 Rs: responsiveness, reciprocity, and respect. My approach is inspired by the develpmental-interaction approach and RIE® (Resources for Infant Educarers®). I strive to partner with families in a way that is culturally responsive and sensitive to individual preferences. I am also dedicated to safety and evidence-based practices, including safe sleep, and stay updated on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and recommendations.

I have been working with young children and families for over 20 years and made it my full-time profession when I became a nanny in 2016. Since then, I have worked as a classroom teacher, forest school teacher, art teacher, postpartum doula, and caregiver. My RIE® training began in 2018 with the Nurturing Nanny™ course and has continued with Foundations: Theory and Observation™, as well as many hours observing Certified Parent-Infant Guidance classes in Brookyn, New York and attending professional development conferences.

My post-partum doula training is through CAPPA and I am pursuing certification. Additionally, I am in my final semester as an M.S.Ed. student in Bank Street College of Education's Infant and Family Development and Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special and General Education dual certification program.

I am deeply committed to antibias education, bodily autonomy, and abolitionist teaching. My hobbies include advocacy around these issues as well as playing the guitar, singing, long-distance running, and vegan cooking.

To learn more about my qualifications, experience, and training, please visit my LinkedIn page.