Busy Bee Class

Pre-K • Age 4 by September

WELCOME TO THE BUSY BEE CLASS!

This a Pre-Kindergarten classroom, with kids who are 4 years old by September. We have two Teachers and 15 kids. As we prepare for our big transition to Kindergarten, we focus on many readiness skills. We feel kids develop at their own pace and we are there to help them at whatever level they are at with academics as well as social skills and self management skills. Our program consists of Teacher directed work time in small groups, free choice play, reading and outside playtime. A big part of Kindergarten readiness is being able to self manage in a group. We help kids learn to resolve conflict, problem solve, follow directions and be in charge of themselves all within the larger group. Our curriculum is “emergent” as we take the lead of the kids and where their interest is. We have found that kids learn better when we are using something of interest to teach the basic academics. We feel families are important. Working together, we can build a great foundation for your child’s beginning education that instills a love of learning for a lifetime. Come visit our classroom and see what’s “Buzzing” in the Busy Bee class!

CLASS HANDBOOK

Meet the Teachers

  • LEAD TEACHER

    My name is Chantal Krumbein and I am the teacher in the Busy Bee classroom. I am really looking forward to our year ahead and getting to know you and your child.

    I have my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Washington University (Go Eags!) and have 7 years of professional experience teaching young children.

    This is my first year here at Little Acorn Preschool, having spent 6 previous years at Cardinal preschool in Vancouver. Pre-k is my passion, I love the independence that comes with 4 and 5 year olds, their natural curiosity, zest for learning and silliness that comes with working with young children.

    I have been married to my husband Gabe for almost 18 years and we have 2 wonderful daughters; Liesl who is 15 and Addie who is 12. Both of my daughters have diverse interests, including swim team, XC running, soccer, 90s alternative rock and both play cello and viola in orchestra. My husband is a civil engineer and he may come to the class and be a special guest for

    STEM activities. As a family we are active and enjoy traveling; the beach, XC skiing, Hawaii, baking and cooking together and spending time in the water (3 out of 4 isnÕt too bad; I’m the only non-water lover). Some of my personal interests are, cooking/baking, running, playing tennis, crafting, being with my animals. We have a 13 year old tuxedo cat and a guinea pig, and just adopted our first family dog.

  • ASSISTANT TEACHER (AM)

    Hi there! My name is Anthony Ritchie and this is my first year with Little Acorn Preschool.

    I am a retired US Air Force veteran of 20 year.  I have a Bachelors in Business Management and some college background in Health Care Management. I'm currently enrolled in Clark College to earn my Early Childhood Education Certificate.

    I have been married for 10 years to my wife, who works in the forestry sector. We have three children: Blane (8 years old), Evelyn (6 years old), and Finley (4 years old), who is currently in the Butterfly class. Our family loves reading, dancing to music at home or at concerts, and going on hikes.  In the summer, you can find us at whatever Renaissance Faire is happening or hiking in the great outdoors.

    I have had the privilege of learning on the ropes from many of the great teachers from Little Acorn Preschool throughout this year. One of the things I love most about Little Acorn Preschool is the free play atmosphere that allows engaging experiences through team building and one on one relationships.  I'm a strong advocate for self dependency through creative thought. I love to ask lots of questions to see if a conflict or problem can be resolved through their thought process or with the help of their classmates. I love working at Little Acorn Preschool and take great pride in supporting the precious moments of every young child's journey and development.

    Thank you for letting me be a part of your child's journey as we grow at Little Acorn!

  • ASSISTANT TEACHER (PM)

    Bio coming soon!