MY MISSION

The Simple Learning Collection, founded & operated by Olivia Bardsley, is an education company committed to creating learning tools that are versatile, durable, and developmentally appropriate. It is my mission to help parents and educators alike feel confident in their ability to support children as they explore, develop, and grow in early literacy and mathematics. Learning tools in The Simple Learning Collection are always backed by research and based on what we know about how children learn, and it’s all handmade, with love, by Olivia in the heart of central Georgia.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, I’ve worked in a variety of classroom settings throughout my career. I began as a student teacher in the Child and Family Studies Lab Preschool at Brigham Young University, where I learned about developmentally appropriate practice and project-based learning.

In the years following, I worked at a Title 1 school teaching Kindergarten and later piloted a Preschool program for academically at-risk children. My experience in the public school system challenged me to adapt my instruction for the various needs of my students, many of whom spoke English as a second language.

The next step in my career took me to the Child Development Center for Learning and Research at Virginia Tech. It was there that I first experienced the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching, and witnessed true play-based learning. I gained invaluable knowledge as an educator in that classroom of “toddlers and two’s.”

My biggest joy and most proud accomplishment is my role as a mother to my 3 little boys (ages 2, 4, and 7). Learning, play, and chaos are all constants in the day-to-day of our home, and I am continually learning & growing right alongside my children.

In my years of experience as an educator both inside and out of the home, I’ve searched high and low for learning materials that are simple, versatile, and durable. Everything I found was overstimulating, cheaply made, and only served a limited purpose. I didn’t want more stuff cluttering my home. I wanted to teach more while using less.

I never found what I was searching for, so I created it - and the Simple Learning Collection was born. I’m so grateful that you’re here.