Pre-Toddlers

“Thank you for being such a great teacher and for providing such a wonderful and nurturing environment for our little one.  He loves it at North Wall, and it is so reassuring to know that he is in the right place!  Thank you for all that you do!”

-Vange Hochheimer, Whitworth University Professor

Gina Craig
BA in Elementary Education

Teacher/Child Ratio: 1:4
Maximum Class Size: 12
Ages of Children: 1-2 years

Personal Background:

I have a bachelor’s degree in Education with endorsements in Elementary Education and Reading.  Before coming to North Wall, I was a substitute teacher and Reading Club Coach for gifted students.  My husband, Brendan, and I have a one daughter, Kayla, as well as two dogs. We enjoy reading, kayaking, camping, and skiing. One of my favorite things about North Wall is being able to build relationships with my students and watching how much they advance day to day.  I have enjoyed this for seven years and am excited to start my ninth year here!

Philosophy of Teaching:

My goal as a teacher is to provide students with an enriching, educational environment where they feel loved, safe to explore, and are free to express themselves. I have a passion for encouraging beginning literacy skills and strive to support a love of reading and learning.

Goals for the Class:

  • To help children develop self-awareness
  • To help children develop independence
  • To provide a safe, secure, stimulating environment
  • To plan purposeful activities that allows children to explore through sensory, physical, emotional, and cognitive domains.
  • To work as a team with families to support each student

Class Schedule:

8:00 – Arrival, snack, diaper checks, free exploration
9:00 – Circle, Songs, and Learning Centers (Language/Literacy, Cognitive, Creative Expression, Social/Emotional & Physical)
10:30 – Outside play
11:00 – Grace, lunch, diaper checks
12:00 – Nap time (quiet activities for those awake)
2:30 – Afternoon snack
3:00— Diaper checks, Learning Centers (Language/Literacy, Cognitive, Creative Expression, Social/Emotional & Physical)
4:00—Outside play
4:30— Snack, diaper checks
5:00 – Close of school