Nair Cardoso is the director of CISJ – Saint Joseph International Nursery in Macau.

She worked 4 years as a kindergarten teacher at the International School of Macau (TIS) and was the Kindergarten Pedagogy Leader for 2 years.

Mrs Cardoso has also worked in Macau nurseries and playgroups.

She is Portuguese and raised in Macau, with a strong Chinese and Portuguese cultural background, she speaks fluent Cantonese, Portuguese, and English and can communicate in basic Mandarin.

Nair holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Graphic Design and worked in design & marketing, art and events, and IT software training for several years.

Mrs Cardoso holds a degree in Infant Education and completed her Master’s in Education, focused on Sensory Play and Exploration. She is concluding her PhD, in Doctoral studies researching Sensory Play in Early Childhood Education.

Nair has participated in numerous professional developments worldwide to extend her knowledge in Early Childhood Education and learn about different philosophies and approaches from earlier years.

She is passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach and inquiry-based learning.

Nair presented several teacher training and professional developments, mainly in Macau, Cambodia, Portugal, Taiwan and China, being the owner of a Reggio Emilia-inspired playgroup in Macau for over 5 years.

Her background in art and design helps her creativity shine in the classroom and inspire teachers in different ways.

She believes learning is a construction process, building trust with children, parents and teachers. Teaching is meaningful, and loving early years education is wonderful!