Mariah De Silva

Early Childhood Education leader with 28+ years of experience spanning classroom practice, center supervision, staff leadership, program administration, curriculum development, family engagement and early learning operations. Co-founder and long-term leader of International Children's House (ICH), an international early learning center in Colombo established in September 2006 and serving local, expatriate and internationally mobile families. Known for building nurturing, multicultural learning environments, developing educators, strengthening parent partnerships and maintaining high standards for child safety, individualized care, independence and school readiness.

Co-Founder | Principal Partner | Childcare Coordinator - International Children's House (ICH) - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2006-09)

• Co-founded ICH and helped build it into a long-standing international early learning center with a strong reputation among local and expatriate families, including families connected with diplomatic missions and international organizations.
• Lead center operations and early childhood programming across infant, toddler, preschool and related early learning services, balancing educational quality with responsive family care.
• Develop and support curriculum, classroom routines and developmentally appropriate experiences that promote language, social-emotional growth, independence, creativity, physical development and school readiness.
• Recruit, guide and develop teaching staff; support training, performance expectations, classroom quality and consistent child-centered practice.
• Oversee parent relations, enrollment communication, school records, safety practices, facilities, events, field trips, concerts, open houses and other operational responsibilities.
• Build trusted partnerships with culturally diverse families through individualized attention, regular communication and sensitivity to children's developmental and family needs.
• Earned sustained written recognition from families across the diplomatic and international community for leadership, professionalism, attentiveness, staff quality and nurturing care.
• ICH and its programs have received Sri Lankan newspaper/media coverage highlighting its early learning philosophy, multicultural community and children's programs.

Center Supervisor (2003-2006) | Assistant Childcare Giver (2001-2002) - Creative Care / St. John Lutheran Community Services - California, USA

(2001-01 - 2006-12)

• Progressed from Assistant Childcare Giver to Center Supervisor, reflecting increasing responsibility in early childhood care, staff leadership and program operations.
• Supervised a 12-member teaching team and participated in staff recruitment, training, performance appraisal and day-to-day guidance.
• Oversaw daycare, after-school and holiday programs while supporting safe routines, positive learning experiences and consistent quality of care.
• Supported financial accountability, administrative responsibilities and compliance with applicable government and regulatory requirements.

Certificate of Completion - Early Childhood Education - Assistant Teacher - Long Beach City College (2003-01)

Certificate of Completion - Early Childhood Education - Associate Teacher - Long Beach City College (2003-01)

Certificate - Preschool Administration & Supervision - Southern California Technical College

Diploma - Marketing - Wigan & Leigh College (2000-01)

Diploma - Marketing - London Business School (Pvt) Ltd. (2000-01)