Firefly Class

Age 2.5 by September


Welcome to the Firefly Class! We strive to create a fun and nurturing environment. We work hard to help each child develop a lifelong love of learning. Play is the most important element in all that we do, it is crucial in helping children grow, learn, and explore. We also introduce basic academics such as colors, numbers, and shapes in a variety of fun and engaging ways. The other key piece in our classroom is helping children to develop social skills. Being in a classroom setting with so many other children can lead to social situations that they may not be used to at home, so we do our part in providing them with the tools needed to feel successful. These tools can be everything from turn taking, talking through a conflict, or simply learning to wait patiently. Our classroom also gives children the opportunity to begin to see themselves as capable individuals by offering safe choices and teaching beginning self-help skills.

We look forward to getting to know your families and providing all Firefly students with a fun and positive first year of preschool experience!

Our monthly snack schedule is available for download on our About page. Snack is the same for all classes.

Firefly Class Handbook


Kirby Bain, Lead Teacher

Hi! I’m Kirby and I am so excited to start this year at Little Acorn with your family! 

This is my seventh year at LAPS, and fifth year as lead in Firefly. This is such an exciting age for development and I strive to help make everyone’s first school experience a positive one. 

My background includes a bachelor's degree in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood Education. I've always been drawn to working with young children, and my past work experience includes various nanny positions and working in childcare centers, along with spending time as a paraeducator in the Vancouver School District. Now, I'm incredibly grateful to continue pursuing my passion here at Little Acorn.

I have 3 amazing children who are all graduates of Little Acorn. They are Nolan, a sophomore at Hudson’s Bay,  Aurora, a 7th grader at VSAA, and Bennett who attends Lincoln Elementary in 3rd grade. We also have a corgi named Hamilton who helps keep us busy! In the rare moments I have spare time I enjoy gardening, embroidery, pottery, cooking, and reading.

I look forward to getting to know each Firefly child and family this coming year. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out - email me at kirby@littleacornpreschool.com or message me on ParentSquare with any questions or concerns you have!

Carly Ellis, Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Carly! I am the assistant teacher for the Firefly classroom in the mornings and the assistant teacher for the Rainbow class in the afternoons. This is my second year at Little Acorn. I graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Biology. Since college I traveled the United States with my husband, who served in the United States Navy. I have been all over this great country and interacted with all kinds of people. I’ve worked in many fields, from a biochemist, florist, to a school teacher. I was a substitute teacher in Florida for Pre-k to 5th grade. I am also an online teacher and have been since 2019. I teach English as a second language for a company called VIPkid. I am blessed with two wonderful daughters. My oldest is 10 and my youngest is 5. I also have 2 cats at home.