Who We Are

The Ivy School was formed in partnership with professionals in education. Our founding directors, consultants and staff have over 75 combined years in education and childcare experience. We are a team of seasoned professionals who are prepared to provide the support and educational growth parents desire for their children. What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and our balanced curriculum. We believe that four main ideals will foster the emotional and intellectual growth of the children we service. The Ivy School offers a specialized educational approach based on the needs of children and wishes of parents.

Director

Vida Fernández

Vida Fernández received her BFA in theater at New York University. She later studied Childhood Education in a graduate program at Hunter College and completed a Masters in Special Education at Touro College. Vida is certified in the State of New Jersey as a Teacher of Elementary K-5 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. She has worked as a childcare specialist and consultant privately for over 25 years. She taught grade 12 English literature at a public high school as part of the Special Education program for 11 years. Vida also has experience teaching first and second grade students, who require remediation and differentiation of instruction. She taught technology and information literacy to fellow staff and teachers during her tenure in public education. In addition she has received training and certification for dyslexia, suicide prevention, emergency response and universal design for learning. Vida is an experienced caregiver. She has worked with children of all ages and has trained the Ivy team to work cohesively. Ivy team members follow a strict daily protocol to ensure the safety and security of all students as well as provide the optimal learning environment and support required by The Ivy School ideals.

Director of Administration

Sandra Jones

Sandra Jones received her B.A. in Spanish from William Paterson University. She is an expert in the Spanish language and will play an integral part in how we disseminate our language immersion program. She has also completed graduate courses in Bi-Lingual and Special education including TESOL Methods, (Teacher of English to speakers of Other Languages) at William Paterson University. Sandra has over 20 years experience in Business Administration and Human Resources Administration and will endeavor to ensure that The Ivy School is in compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements.

Consultant

Dr. Gladys S. Fernández, LCSW

Dr. Gladys S. Fernández, LCSW is a doctor of social work and and licensed clinical social worker. She currently works as part of the Child Study Team in a public elementary school. She has over 20 years experience working with pre school aged children. Gladys has private clients who have benefitted from her expertise in creating behavior plans as well as developmental plans for formal educational settings. Gladys completed her undergraduate degree in social work at Rutgers University and her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, she later completed a specialization in child and adolescent therapy at Fordham University and earned her Doctorate in Social Work at Rutgers University. Gladys is also presently working as an adjunct professor in a graduate program for social work. Gladys is an invaluable consultant who has helped us design classrooms and courses that will ultimately support all students at The Ivy School.

Advisor

Gladys M. Fernández

Gladys M. Fernández is a retired New York City public school teacher. Gladys worked at the elementary level for 31 years and taught kindergarten for 16 years. She taught bilingual students and has incomparable experience with teaching literacy to young children. Her pedigree boasts the development of students into readers and life-long lovers of learning. Gladys completed her undergraduate degree in Education at the City University of New York, and also holds a Masters in Education from New York University. Her input with regard to the shaping of the courses for literature and natural child development has been paramount.