Tiny Trees Spruceview

School Year Program
Home School Program
Located up West Hill

Rhythm

Drop off
Indoor Exploration & Play
Book Box & Story Time
Snack
Outdoor Exploration
Activity of the Day
Lunch
Circle Time
Meditation & Mindfulness
Clean Up
Outside Play
Pick Up

Krista is originally from Southern Illinois where she worked as a third grade teacher for 8 years. Seeking to expand her horizons, she decided to move with her husband Jake to Kodiak Island where they both taught K-12 for 4 years. Most recently, Krista worked at Nikolaevsk School in a multi age K-5 classroom. As a classroom teacher, Krista sees the benefit of play, games, movement, mindfulness, and outdoor activities and is excited to offer these experiences in a “home away from home” atmosphere. She has a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction.

We provide outdoor play based preschool care. Tiny Trees is focused on nurturing and protecting the young child’s sense of wonder and imagination. Play is the work of childhood and our environment is carefully prepared for the developmental needs of the young child. Through play, each child learns a broad range of social emotional, cognitive and linguistic skills. The core of our philosophy is that children learn through play with very little need for adult direction. The teacher is here to foster a safe, loving and caring environment that supports each individual child.

There is a daily and weekly rhythm that provides a familiar environment and support for the children as they move wholeheartedly into play and learning experiences. Our child care home is warm, inviting and intentionally put together to support our daily rhythm. Neighborhood walks will be considered part of our regular program.

Madison Williams: Co-teaching with Krista and subbing throughout the school year

My name is Madison Williams. I am 27 years old and am excited to have just accepted the position of assistant teacher at Tiny Trees Spruceview.  I was born and raised in Wyoming and graduated in 2016 from the University of Wyoming with a degree in American Studies focused on sustainable food systems and development.  After graduating, I dedicated my time to traveling around the world to work on organic farms to learn more about sustainable farming practices and global food systems.  This brought me to Alaska in 2017 where I worked on a biodynamic farm for six months in the Matanuska valley.  Within the past two years I have spent my time working with youth of all ages in Colorado, Wyoming, and Alaska,  most recently working for Campfire Alaska’s rural program.  This program brought me to three different rural villages across Alaska where I had the opportunity to teach wellness and healthy living practices to Alaska's Native youth.  My passion for the outdoors, farming and youth has allowed me to lay down roots in Homer, Alaska.  I am very excited to learn more about the community and its engagement with youth.