Our Journey: The Road to Reggio
Welcome to International Children's Academy!
My name is Patti DeCepoli, founder and director of ICA. I have owned and operated childcare centers for the last 20 years. My first two schools were both traditional centers. Once I was introduced to the Reggio style of teaching by my oldest daughter, I knew it was something we wanted to explore.
Upon relocating to Mount Olive, my daughter and I began looking for a building to start our Reggio school. When we found our building, we knew it was the perfect fit-but we had to create it from the ground up. Our 9 spacious classrooms allow for separate infant, toddler, and preschool classes as well as our dedicated Atelier, or workshop.
Our school is founded on the belief that children are capable, curious, and creative researchers. We opened our doors in 2019 and began welcoming families as enrollment increased, expanding one classroom at a time. We are grateful for the incredible families who have supported us from the beginning and those who continue to be a part of our community.
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Renovation Photos
Environment:
Many schools describe themselves as Reggio-inspired, but the approach goes far beyond painting walls a neutral color and adding wicker baskets. It requires a deep commitment to principles beyond the practice. It is a way of thinking, teaching, and honoring children's voices. It is about family involvement and letting families into your doors regularly to be part of their child's experience at school. It is about getting messy! And letting children be children.
When you walk into our school you might notice traces of the outdoors-a collection of pinecones on a table or leaves tucked into a drying rack. These aren't decorations, they are documentation. They show children engaging, investigating, and wondering through hands on experiences. Our outdoor classroom and traditional playground are extensions of the learning environment.
You might see artwork drying in the hallways and paint on the floor-that is because our children have spent all day creating with the freedom to choose their own materials.
ICA is a village
Most importantly, what you will always see, is an owner, director, and teachers who love what they do and love the children they care for. We help and support our families in times of need and celebrate them in times of success. We are a family. We are not a large, franchised school or a corporate center. It is just us-2 women, a mother and daughter who promise to love your child as if they were our own.
We invite all prospective families to come and to see our school firsthand- take a tour, speak with current families and staff, and learn about ICA.
We hope you love our school for your family as much as we love teaching and caring for your little ones.
Preschool Mini Atelier
Toddler Room
Infant Room
Preschool Classroom
Founded
The dream of a child-centered academy began in 2018.
Multilingual Environment
A truly multilingual environment with Spanish, Italian, and French languages.
Reggio Inspired
Dedicated to pure child-led exploration and growth.
Our Staff & Teaching Team
Patti DeCepoli
Owner/Director
Danielle Kraynanski
Assistant Director
Ms. Saray
Lead Teacher
As Director, Patti leads our Reggio-inspired, child-centered academy with a passion for multilingual learning and creative exploration. She is deeply committed to building strong partnerships with parents to ensure every family feels supported within our community.
As Assistant Director, Danielle provides vital support to our teachers and families, ensuring our Reggio-inspired daily life runs smoothly. She is dedicated to fostering a warm community where every child's exploration is celebrated.
An ICA team member since 2021, Saray has taught in every classroom and was our first educator to stay with her students from infancy through Pre-K 4. She has discovered a true passion for the Pre-K 4 level and is excited to lead this class again this September. By blending Reggio-inspired discovery with traditional academics, she ensures every child is fully prepared for their transition to kindergarten.
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Ms. Dahlia
Lead Teacher
Ms. Dayami
Lead Teacher
Ms. Alicia
Lead Teacher
Dahlia has been a valued member of the International Children's Academy family since 2022. Currently serving as a Lead Teacher while pursuing her teaching degree, she brings a knowledgeable and nurturing presence to our school. Her dedication to the Reggio approach ensures every child feels supported and inspired to learn.
Dayami has been a caring member of the International Children's Academy family since 2022. Serving as a bi-lingual lead teacher, she thoughtfully integrates natural elements into the classroom to spark wonder and curiosity in young learners. She ensures every child feels supported while exploring the beautiful world around them.
Since joining International Children's Academy in 2024, Alicia has served as a Lead Teacher and most recently as our Spanish immersion liaison. She is dedicated to blending academic foundations with creative play and creates a joyful classroom environment. Alicia has her degree from university in special education and art.
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Ms. Maria
Lead Teacher
Ms. Francy
cO-tEACHER
Ms. Katherine
Lead Teacher
Maria has been with ICA since September 2024 as an Infant Teacher. She has completed rigorous training in infant safety as well as infant development. She is committed to learning more about applying Reggio in the infant classroom.
Francy has been with ICA since August 2025 and has worked with children of all age groups. She enjoys bringing art into the classroom, even for the youngest infants, through creative art and sensory play.
Katherine has been with ICA since September 2025 as a Toddler Teacher. She enjoys bringing art and sensory activities into her classroom. Her classroom is bilingual, and she loves helping the children learn Spanish while she continues learning English.
Ms. Beatriz
Lead Teacher
Ms. Aralynne
cO-tEACHER
Ms. Nina
Co-TeaCHER
Beatriz has been with ICA since January 2026 as an Infant Teacher. She leads a play- and sensory-based bilingual classroom, supporting each child’s growth through exploration and language.
Aralynne previously worked with ICA in 2022, and we are thrilled to have her return this year as a Preschool Assistant Teacher. She has a true passion for working with young children and loves watching them grow and learn each day.
Nina joined ICA this year as a Preschool Assistant Teacher and loves bringing reading and music into the classroom. She is excited to launch a music program at ICA in September.
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Ms. Carmen
Teacher
Our newest team member brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education and her CDA. Ms. Carmen is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for some of our littlest learners at ICA.
Our classes
Our school features 9 separate classrooms dedicated to each age group including infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-kindergarten. Each classroom has a dedicated and age-appropriate outdoor play space with entry/exit directly from their classroom for safety. Our preschool classrooms also enjoy an outdoor classroom set up to be an extension of their learning space including a garden, mud kitchen, art area, and building area. Parents all join the Brightwheel parent communication app upon enrollment and receive updates throughout the day as well as newsletters and communications from our school.