Leap Frog Class
Pre-K Class, Age 5 by December
Welcome to the Leap Frog Class! This class is for children age 5 by December in both the morning and afternoon sessions. We have 15 children, and 2 teachers.
The Leap Frog class is a great option for children who are close but don’t make the Kindergarten cut-off date and for those who just aren’t quite ready for the full school day experience of Kindergarten.
Leap Frog class provides another year of preschool to encourage, strengthen, and build self-help skills, gain more confidence in the classroom environment, and have more opportunities for growth before entering Elementary School.
In Leap Frog children are encouraged to think big, problem-solve, and be curious about the world around them. We provide a good balance of structured teacher led time, and child led exploration. We also focus on facilitating play between friends, navigating conflicts, and strengthening social/emotional skills, self-management, as well as some academics.
Our Leap Frog class is perfect for students who are ready for a more structured program, but not yet ready for the whole day elementary school program. We emphasize Kindergarten readiness, while still ensuring we have fun every day!
Leap Frog Class Handbook
Caroline Fields, Lead Teacher
My name is Caroline Fields and I have been working at Little Acorn Preschool since 1997. I continue my education in Early Childhood by taking classes offered through Clark College, Washington Stars Education Credits, ESD and any other Early Childhood field related classes.. Little Acorn is a very special program that provides creative curriculum and an engaging atmosphere, where PLAY is valued.
Our students learn, grow and thrive here, I am committed to providing a safe, inviting and positive learning environment for your child. It is my hope that this school year be filled with many successful experiences, helping to foster a life-long love of learning.
Together we will read stories, solve problems, make friends, do messy art projects,learn about the world around us and have many, many engaging conversations along the way, I look forward to getting to know you and your families!
I was born Buenos Aires, Argentina and speak some Spanish which I enjoying sharing with my students. I have 3 children, a daughter and 2 sons who are all former students here at Little Acorn Preschool. I love my job, working with young children has always been something I have enjoyed, it’s such a precious, tender and meaningful time in their lives.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your child’s experience!
Rachel Schafer, Assistant Teacher AM Class
Hi! My name is Rachel Schafer and I am so excited to be joining the Leap Frog Class as the AM Assistant Teacher! This is my first year Assistant Teaching, after substituting last year here at Little Acorn where I quickly fell in love with the school and its program.
I was born and raised in the Portland/Vancouver area and worked in retail for 20 years. Most of my time there was spent in management and Human Resources until March of 2020 when I stayed home full time with our kids. My husband Jeff and I have 2 sons ages 8 and 9. They both play football and baseball, so we stay pretty busy most of the year. During the summers we love to go camping, spend time with family in Idaho, go swimming at Merwin, trips to the beach and anything else where we can soak up all the sunshine!
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child's preschool experience. I look forward to this year in the Leap Frog Class and getting to know your family!
Kirby Bain, Assistant Teacher PM Class
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. I am the lead teacher in Firefly in the morning, and this will be my second year in Leapfrog PM.
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 Leapfrog child and family this coming year!