FOUR'S CLASS
Monday - Thursday, optional Fridays
UPPS operates one 4-year-old class which is a grouping of 21 to 24 children with three teachers, using two connected rooms. The children attend four days per week: Monday through Thursday, with an optional "Bonus Day" program on Fridays and the option to stay for "Lunch Bunch" 3 days/week which allows an additional hour for lunch and extra play time.
Thematic units are presented in the three classroom centers. An emphasis is placed on play and social development while learning the necessary skills for successful entrance to kindergarten. Pre-reading, pre-math, and pre-writing skills activities are incorporated in the many hands-on learning activities and materials available.
Myra McVicker
Myra was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She received her BS in special education from The Ohio State University and taught for five years before becoming a stay at home mom to their three (now grown) boys. She loves to play tennis and swim, garden and cook, and spend time with her boys. She has taught at UPPS since 2009 and has been a Fours’ teacher since 2011 where she delights in the wonder, excitement and enthusiasm of young children.
Lisa Cafiso
Lisa has been teaching preschool for over 25 years both in NJ and more recently in Chapel Hill when she came to the staff at UPPS as a substitute in 2023 and full time in 2024. Lisa has a lifelong passion and genuine love of early childhood education, helping her young students grow and develop, and seeing them flourish.
Building on this passion for her students' well-being, Lisa studied for and obtained her children's yoga certification in 2021. As a children's yoga instructor, Lisa brings breathing and fun mindfulness exercises into the classroom.
When not teaching, Lisa practices yoga and enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with her husband and two children.
Kim Prejs
Kim has been teaching preschool in Chapel Hill since 2014 and came on board the staff at UPPS in 2024. She has a background in education, as she holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and previously taught kindergarten and first grade in both public and private school settings in NYC and NJ. Kim loves working with preschool-aged children, nurturing their love of learning and helping them to have a wonderful first school experience. It's so much fun to watch them grow and learn, especially because their excitement is contagious!
Kim grew up in New Mexico, but has lived in many parts of the country, and has called North Carolina home since 2006. Kim now lives in Carrboro with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs. She loves to travel, read, and stay active.
