Ileita lafitte Founder, Head of School 

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Ileita was born in Oakland, CA.  She was raised in the Bay Area, and has developed a deep love and respect for the rich culture and diversity that makes up the fabric of life here. Throughout her almost 20-year career in healthcare, Ileita has also developed a strong interest in early childhood education and how it relates to overall well-being for children.  Ileita first learned about the work of Maria Montessori when researching preschools for her eldest child.  After being blown away by the enlightening and dynamic curriculum she discovered in local Montessori schools, she was forever changed, and knew she wanted more children to have access to this beautiful and uplifting system of education.  Ileita went on to have 2 more children, and after giving birth to her 3rd child, she knew it was finally time to devote more time to cultivating her passion for creating transformational learning environments for children and families. 

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After operating a home-based, bilingual, infant-toddler program in the beautiful Bay Farm community of Alameda for over 2 years, Ileita has relocated the program, formerly called Little Lotus Infant & Toddler Care, to Berkeley, CA.  She is honored to return to the same neighborhood she lived in with her mother as a young child. Ileita's aim is to provide high quality educational experiences to children living locally, as well as those living in surrounding areas.  She is especially excited about launching the Present Parenting series, where she can share the power of the Montessori method, while supporting and enhancing communal caregiving practices.

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In balance with her professional endeavors, Ileita enjoys spending quality time connecting with her loved ones, spending time in nature, cooking, dancing, and being creative with the arts.