FOR Mary Ann Arches-Muñoz, it?s all about passion. The directress of Stonecastle Learning Center (call 823-0177, or e-mail stonecastle19@yahoo.com) at 19 Britain st., Better Living Subd., Parañaque says her dream school had simple beginnings: ?When I was 7 years old, I loved to gather the kids in the neighborhood to play school with them. I was the teacher. I even gave them snacks for ?recess.? I really enjoyed teaching!?

She took up a Communications course and worked at RCBC, where she moved up the corporate ladder through hard work. But, her true passion remained close to her heart?teaching.

Expenses

Mary Ann was unprepared for the next development in her life: Her daughter, at age 3, was diagnosed with autism. The expenses involved in managing the condition were staggering.

During an entrepreneurship seminar she attended, the participants were asked: ?How do you see yourself five to 10 years from now?? She said she saw herself putting up a learning center.

And, because of her child, she had knowledge about special education. She learned the practice before the theory, which she got courtesy of the Certificate for Teaching Program she earned at the Philippine Normal University. Later, she completed a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Special Education for Children with Special Needs.

In 2004, Mary Ann set up the Stonecastle Learning Center (SLC), a preschool that accommodates special children. Today, the school has 60 students and five scholars. SLC caters to typical children and those diagnosed with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Global Development Delays, Cerebral Palsy, Down?s Syndrome, and Speech and Language Communication Disorder.

SLC encourages children to explore, discover, question, experiment and learn. Its progressive, holistic approach allows children to experience the joys of learning.

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