KLA Schools of Doral is celebrating 15 years of helping local children develop the confidence, curiosity and love of learning that will support them well beyond their preschool years.
Since opening in 2011, the school has welcomed hundreds of children into a nurturing, child-centered environment inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. The milestone celebrates both the families who have become part of its community and the educators who have built their careers within the school.
At the center of that history is Director Pilar Tefel, who has led KLA Schools of Doral since its opening. Tefel has worked in early childhood education for 25 years and has spent the past 15 guiding the school’s teachers, supporting families and helping create a strong sense of community.
“When we opened KLA Schools of Doral in 2011, our hope was to create a school where children would feel known, respected and excited to learn,” Tefel said. “Fifteen years later, it is incredibly meaningful to see how many children and families have become part of our story. We especially love it when former students return to visit and share their successful journeys after KLA.”
Although the school has grown over the years, its core belief has remained constant: Children are capable, curious individuals with ideas, rights and voices of their own. Teachers listen to children’s questions and create opportunities for hands-on investigation, collaboration and creative expression.
A Team That Grows Together
The longevity of the school’s leadership and educational team has helped shape the KLA Schools of Doral experience. Several educators have served the school for 8-10 years or longer. Their experience provides consistency for children and allows lasting relationships to develop among teachers and families.
Educators are also encouraged to continue learning, assume new responsibilities and grow professionally within the school.
Daniela Amador’s journey is one example. A Miami native, Amador joined KLA Schools nearly seven years ago as a VPK teacher and now serves as its Pedagogical Coordinator.
In this distinctive leadership role, Amador works alongside teachers to oversee classroom projects, support children’s developmental milestones and organize professional development. She also observes classroom dynamics and helps educators reflect on how their teaching practices and environments can best support each child.
“The Pedagogical Coordinator helps ensure that our educational philosophy is something children experience meaningfully in the classroom every day,” Amador said. “I have the privilege of supporting our teachers as they listen to children, study their thinking and develop experiences that allow their ideas and curiosity to guide the learning process.”
Amador earned bachelor’s degrees in Education and Political Science from the University of Richmond and recently completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Florida International University.
In November 2023, she traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy, as part of a study group with fellow KLA educators. The experience deepened her understanding of the educational approach in the city where it originated and allowed her to bring new insights back to Doral.
“Visiting Reggio Emilia reinforced how important it is for educators to remain learners,” Amador said. “When our teachers continue to grow, the children and families we serve benefit from that growth.”
A Lasting Educational Impact
Throughout its history, KLA Schools of Doral has helped children learn to ask questions, solve problems, form meaningful relationships and express their thinking in many different ways. Its impact extends beyond kindergarten readiness by helping children see themselves as confident thinkers and active participants in their learning.
“KLA gave Santiago and Catherine a strong foundation for elementary school,” said Carlena Bolivar, whose children attended the school for five years. “The teachers truly knew them and understood how to encourage their individual interests. We watched our children become more confident, independent, and excited to learn. Even after graduation, we continued to feel connected to the KLA community—so much so that we decided to return with Isaac, our youngest son.”
Share Your KLA Story
As part of the anniversary celebration, KLA Schools of Doral is inviting current and former families, students and team members to share their favorite KLA memories. Personal stories, photographs, videos and reflections can be emailed to Communications@klaschools.com.
Selected submissions may be shared throughout the anniversary year on KLA Schools of Doral’s Instagram and Facebook channels and at klaschools.com/doral. Families should only submit materials they have permission to share publicly.
KLA Schools of Doral is located at 10400 NW 33rd St., Suite 100, Miami, FL 33172. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit klaschools.com/doral or call (305) 418-9000.
About KLA Schools of Doral
KLA Schools of Doral is a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool that has served children and families in the Doral community since 2011. Its child-centered educational approach supports curiosity, confidence, creativity and independent thinking through meaningful relationships and hands-on learning experiences. The school currently welcomes children from 12 months through age 4.
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