Step One: About Us
Rock and Roll Day Care is a family owned, non-profit, music based Montessori day center for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers 3 months through 6 years that provides children with an active environment that encourages exploration through the fine arts, physical play, science, and language skills. Prior to opening the center, owners Christopher and Zaure Vuk operated music school affiliate, School of Groove since March 2007, and continue to provide thousands of children nationwide with performance and educational opportunities through the Music Makers Foundation. Christopher and Zaure enroll their daughter, Arella at Rock and Roll Day Care. Now with two locations in East Cambridge and Central Square, Rock and Roll Day Care is one of Cambridge’s fastest growing learning centers.
Why Rock and Roll Daycare
-Rock and Roll Daycare is at the forefront of childcare and teaching innovation, partnering with organizations such as Berklee College of Music to further the benefits of music and fine arts for children.
-Enroll your child in New England’s only music-based day care program that works side by side with Groovy Baby Music and in-house affiliate music school, School of Groove which the Boston Herald calls a Real-life School of Rock! Children participate in daily music classes.
-We are undergoing the process of implementing Montessori education, characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development, as well as technological advancements in society. Montessori learning uses a Constructivist or “discovery” model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction
-Keep an eye on your child at any time through our secure, password protected video network. Log-on at any time to view and listen to your child in real time.
-Rest assured that your child is safe. Students and parents can enter the childcare rooms only by secure password. Video cameras are set up in each room to allow for additional security precautions. Telephones are installed in each instructional room to allow for parents to call in to speak directly with teachers regarding any questions or concerns. Children may only be picked up by individuals that are registered to pick up the child at our facility.
Meet Our Staff
ADMINISTRATORS
-Christopher Vuk, Director
Chris received his B.M. Suma Cum Laude on scholarship from Berklee College of Music. He is also an alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa and Longy School of Music. Described by the Boston Ballet as an “Electrifying violinist,” Christopher made his New York debut at Weil Recital, Carnegie Hall, and has performed with distinguished artists such as Gloria Estefan, Bill Cosby, and Jennifer Holliday as well as a special appearance with Sesame Street. “Vuk explore[s] different ways of sparking musical interest,” says Boston Globe, in doing so, he has played for varied audiences including Queen Rainia of Jordan, Queen Noor, Mitt Romney, and First Lady, Laura Bush. Christopher is a member of the Red Bull Artsehcro, which performed the world premiere of Raul Yanez’s “Concerto for Turntable” in Issac Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall.
He has toured with internationally acclaimed recording artist/composer Tim Janis, and EMI recording artists Giorgia Fumanti and Ryland Angel, and is also a founding member of the International Musician’s Assembly and the Roads to You Tour in collaboration with concert pianist, Zade Dirani Christopher is the founder/music director of the Boston String Quartet, a contemporary classical ensemble. Christopher has collaborated on several albums for former Scorpions member Robin McAuley, Jamey Haddad, Dave Fiuczynski, Noel, Nelson Navaratte, Jean Hilbert, the Boston String Quartet, and his own solo album. Christopher currently records with MMC Recordings. He is the recipient of the Certificate of Congressional Commendation. Christopher is the past director of the Boston Music Festival and Cambridge Arts Festival, and is currently the Director of School of Groove, Rock & Roll Daycare, and Cambridge Performing Arts Center.
-Zaure, Vuk, Co-Director
Info coming soon…
TODDLER ROOM
Nicole Johnson, Assistant Director: My name is Nicole and I have worked with Children for over 10 years primarily in daycare. I am in my late twenties and am originally from New York. I moved to Boston over four years ago to pursue higher education. In my spare time, I am a serious foodie and love exploring new finds in Boston, bowling, and attending concerts. I am super excited to join the program and hope that I will help to create great learning experiences for your young child as they hit each developmental milestone.
Elle Velazquez, Director: Hello, My name is Ellie Velazquez I have a 4 year old daughter name Anayaeliz. I’m from Puerto Rico but I was raised in Boston. I’m fluent in English and Spanish, I went to college at Bay State College and I have an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, I have been working with children from ages 6-weeks to 6-years old, for over ten years. My favorite thing to do with the children is hands-on activities like making cloud dough or silly putty and making a mess.
Amber Curio, Lead Teacher: Coming Soon
Sarah Keller, Teacher: I am from Allendale, New Jersey. I 2008 I graduated from the Threshold Program at Lesley University where I became EEC Certified. My favorite part of working with children is watching them grow, develop, and seeing that I make a difference in their lives.
INFANT ROOM
Nancy Randall, Teacher: I am a very fun-loving caregiver who loves singing, dancing, and music. I taught for six years at Melrose YMCA Childcare-eighteen to twenty four mouths old children (toddlers) and worked in a teen center with middle school kids. I’m dedicated to my job and love children of all ages, though infants and toddlers are my favorite! I’ve been married for twenty nine years and have three kids.
Kelly Diaz, Assistant Teacher: My background is quite varied with a focus on music, including music therapy, songwriting, outreach coordination, and child care services. Most recently I’ve worked in one on one tutoring, life coaching, and counseling. I am confident that my cross cultural experience and upbeat energy is a great fit for this center.
Read on! Step Two: Music
