“The teachers have a beautiful way of recognizing and honoring the unique beauty of God’s creation in each child. We appreciate the way they help our child to learn to read, write and think!”
–Mac Ryerse, Corporate Secretary for Potlach Corporation
My experience with our teachers is collaborative in effort, love and dedication for our children's growth and development. We feel like they are family!
- Esther Wilson, Sales Manager, Pitney Bowes
Mulit-Age Preschool
Teacher: Chelsea Thomas, BA in Children's Studies
Teacher/Child Ratio: 1:9
Maximum Class Size: 18
Ages of Children: 3-5 years
Personal Background: I was born and raised in Spokane by a loving and supportive family that fostered growth through bountiful love! My education began at Meadow Ridge Elementary, and flourished at Mead Middle School. My appetite for the acquisition of knowledge blossomed while attending Mt. Spokane High School, and from there I pursued my Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies in Children’s Studies and Special Education at Western Washington University and Eastern Washington University, respectively. I have been blessed with an abundance of experiences in early childhood education. Such experiences include developing and administering the Kindergarten curriculum in a child development center; literacy tutor at Holmes Elementary; academic coach at Sheridan Elementary; student teaching practicum at Meadow Ridge Elementary with their special needs children, as well as 3rd grade at Evergreen Elementary; academic tutor for a brilliant child with special needs; as well as substitute teaching in a K-6th grade setting. I am honored to have come alongside these children on their quest for knowledge and emotional development.
Philosophy of Teaching: I am passionate about the well being of children through their cognitive development (psychological, physiological, and academic); physical and emotional safety, maturation in relationships, education and health. Academically I believe that it is vital to accommodate to each child’s unique learning style. It is essential to introduce and maintain a nourishing environment that fosters unconditional love, support, comfort, and acceptance. It is my hope to introduce the children to a love for learning, positive self-image and appropriate social skills through enveloping them in a warm, inviting setting that is conducive to their unique talents. I strive to meet each child where he/she is at with enjoyable, developmentally appropriate lessons.
Goals for the Class:
- To provide an environment that is safe and secure
- To provide developmentally appropriate learning activities that will facilitate growth cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically
- To value, appreciate, and celebrate each child’s uniqueness
- To provide hands-on learning and an environment in which children learn from both the teachers and one another
Class Schedule:
7:30 - Arrival and Exploration
8:45 – Morning Snack
9:00 – Circle
9:30 – Morning Learning Centers (Language, Math, Art, Science, Social Studies)
Restroom Reminders
10:00 – Outdoor Time
10:30 – Continuation of Centers/small group learning opportunities
11:00 – Music and Movement/show and share
11:30 - Lunch
12:00 - Restroom Reminders/wind down story time
12:30 - Rest Time MA PS/MA Kin
2:30 - Choice Centers/snack/individual reading/large group activity
3:00 – Outdoor Time
3:30 – Cool down/personal care
3:45 – Circle
4:00 - Afternoon Learning Centers (Lang., Math, Art, Science, Social Studies)
4:45 – Snack/choice centers
5:00 - Closing