Mrs. Ruth
Hi, I’m Ruth, Director of Crawmer's Critterz Inc Preschools, a nonprofit preschool in Bend, Oregon. We have three llocations focusing on education, the arts, drama and a full music curriculum.
Being a mother of five children, I can understand the frustration of searching for infant or preschool programming for your child. When my oldest was one year old, I under went the same process and share in your bitter experiences. With two children with severe food allergies, I can understand the frustration of parents trying to find childcare and maintain and allergy free environment. My goal is to provide a place your son or daughter looks forward to each day, where they have friends and a place you can trust. All the other things you find out about us and our motivation are just additional pieces we’ve added to enhance our program.
Who am I? I am an energetic free spirited adult. Free time for my husband and I includes ballroom dancing, west coast swing (club style), and salsa dancing. In the summers biking, hiking, camping, white water rafting and sign language interpreting is what I enjoy most. Whether at home with my family, in preschool with my class or on vacation, I love to play! Don’t be surprised to walk into the classroom and see me playing “crazy ballerina” with my students, or telling a tall tale or using puppets to make a point about behaviors. Play is what I do well. In addition, I have a strong musical background both in vocals and band so I use this to teach music and rhythm in the summer session of school. I take great pride in seeing my students graduate into kindergarten being the brightest in their elementary classes.
Credentials:
-Portland Community College
-Central OR Community College
-CPR 1st/Aid
-Abuse and Neglect Certified Reporter
-Restaurant Grade Food Handler
-Criminally Background Checked
-Infant Certified Teacher
-Major American Sign Language
-Arts & Child Development
Experience:
-11 yrs Crawmer's Critterz Owner/Director
-6 yrs personal nanny
-4 yrs teachers’ assistant
-2 yrs Sunday school teacher
-Mother of 5 Children; 14 yrs, 11yrs, 8yrs, 3 yrs and 1 year old.
Additional Classes: Guidance and behavior management, curriculum, child development, infant/toddler curriculum, families and other social systems, professional and personal development, child passenger safety art experiences for preschool children, synthesizing brain research, cooking up nutrition, mandatory reporting, the heart of a young child, grant writing, business classes, Oregon child care basics 1 & 2, social and emotional health, human growth and development, health, safety and nutrition.
Position:
*Owner of Crawmer's Critterz
2000 - 2011
*Director of Crawmer's Crittterz Nonprofit 2011 - current
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Infant/Toddler Certified
152 clock hours of ECE Credits
Preschool Certified
Level 6 PDR
Local Trainer
School: High Pointe Preschool, Director & Crawmer's Owner
+ Currently Enrolled in Building a Better Business, BAB
Mr. Russ
Running an infant program may seem like the last thing a lot of people
would want to be involved in. After becoming infant certified,
continuing towards a degree, and being a Dad of 5 children for 13 years, I've
learned it really does take the right kind of person to make it work.
You have to allow yourself to be a kid again. You can't be afraid to
talk to your 3 month old like they know what's going on, give them 6 more
months, they'll get it!
We work ASL (American Sign Language) into our schedule each day to give infants an awesome jump start on communication. I've had a 14
month old argue milk vs water in ASL, pretty funny!
I spend most of my time on the floor, making funny faces, talking like
cartoon characters, or dancing around the room like an animal! There are
so many missed opportunities with our busy lives that cause our children
to miss out on all the excitement life holds. Children need a proper balance of
direction, self expression, exploration, guidance, nutrition, and
examples of healthy communication and role models to thrive.
My wife an I have
been married for 12 years and love working together. The children see us
dance, play, sing, and yes, even see some romance! From our daily
schedule to the stories or dramas we act out, these children are all
looking for their own place in the story of life and I am so blessed to
be here.
Position:
* Co-Owner of Crawmer's Critterz 2002 - 2011
* President of Crawmer's Critterz, Inc Preschools, from 2011 - current
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Infant/Toddler Certified
100 clock hours of ECE Credits
Preschool Certified
Level 4 PDR
School: Hampton Park I, Director
& Crawmer's Co-Owner
+ Govenor Appointed Commissioner for the Oregon Commission on Child Care
+ Currently Enrolled in Building a Better Business, BAB
Mr. Beau
Hello, I'm Mr. Beau! I was born in New Hampshire and my family moved to Central Oregon 10 years ago. While attending Redmond High School, music became a big interest and passion of mine. This led to playing the drums for several different bands, bringing me all over the US and Canada. I enjoy playing guitar, bass, mandolin, and viola. My interest in music brought me to study Jazz at the community college. It is my goal to expand my knowledge of music theory and composition. Another interest I pursue is carpentry; which includes my past experience as a cabinet builder, manufacturer and installer. There is great satisfaction to in performing a job well done in any occupational trade that allows freedom of artistic expression. This is one of the things that drew me into teaching.
Combining my experience with construction trades and music, I plan to teach our students the array of skills from building to music. My interest in education began with the positive impact teachers had on me through out my schooling. It grew when I realized my natural ability and desire to teach and help others. Struggling with ADD, my school career was extremely challenging. Only now am I finding ways to cope with this common, yet very disruptive, disorder. This has been a wonderful motivation for me to teach in a way that students, who are like me, can actively learn.
While in High School, I took human development classes. This involved volunteer time with children at the local elementary school. Volunteering for a few summers at the boys and girls club also gave me valuable experience in working with students.
I look forward to meeting you, so we can build a good rapport and make the most of your child's time spent at school.
Position: Music & Rhythm Arts Teacher
Since 2008
Teaching on Contract for 2010-2011 School Year
Training:
CDA in Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
92 Hours of ECE Complete
School: High Pointe Preschool
Mrs. Asagi
As people go through the journey of growing up, the process has a strong influence over who they become. Several things have impacted me and lead me to build the beliefs that I have today. Most of these beliefs have given me a life-long passion of teaching and commitment to life-long learning.
My father was my biggest influence on my decision to choose teaching as my profession. He has been a junior high art teacher for more than thirty years. It was powerful for me as a child to see his compassion and caring heart for his students. I still remember the day he brought his students to my house and went camping during summer when I was a child. These students were “trouble makers” or having issues in their family, if they had one at all. They were unfriendly and intimidating to me at first, but I saw their positive transformation during their short visit. These were the students who invited my family to their weddings and kept in touch with my father even after they have grown up. My father cares for each student and tries to fulfill their individual needs; it does not matter what they seemed to be, but he sees hurt and potentials in people. This is the model of my heart for teaching.
Growing up in Japan really taught me how to be self-disciplined and also respectful to the teachers and elders. Being adventurous and curious about the world around me, and thanks to the support of people around me, I came to the United States to study education. It was eye-opening to me to see how students had a sense of ownership for their classroom and enjoyed student-centered lessons. In such environment, there are more possibilities in establishing each child’s unique personality and encouraging their creativity. These different cultural experiences have molded me into a better teacher who understands individuality and also a harmony in the classroom.
I am very grateful for the experiences I have had, and for the people who encouraged me and inspired me. I am very excited to step into the next stage of my life!
Since: 2010
Position: Preschool & Arts Teacher
Training:
BS Elementary Ed with Endorsement: Early Childhood Ed
Teaching Licence for Oregon
Infant/Toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Initial Crawmer's ECE Requirements in process
School: High Pointe Preschool
Teaching on Contract for 2010-2011 School Year
Mrs. Donna
Hi, I'm Donna, Ruth's Mom. Oregon has been home for me most of my life. It was here I met and married my husband of 33 years, Kevin, and raised our two daughters.
After graduating from High School, I attended Oregon State University; where I took classes in Office Administration and Home Economics. My work experience has been business related and most recently working in a CPA office as a staff accountant and for a church doing bookkeeping. February through April I volunteer for the Tax-aide program here in Bend, helping people prepare their income taxes and file on-line.
During my spare time my five grandchildren are the top priority, spending time helping with their school and extra curricular activities.
I enjoy my new "retirement" job at Crawmer's Critterz very much and find that the children are creative, fun loving and a real joy. You will find me in the kitchen helping to prepare food, setting up for lunches or snacks and assisting the teachers with whatever task is at hand.
Food allergies are particularly important to me. Did you know that depending on which factories and which countries ingredients are made in, determines if the ingredients include wheat as the base ingredient or corn. This can be a scary reality for students with severe allergies.
Having found out I am wheat and gluten intolerant, reading ingredient lists and finding out where things are made and their contaminates has become a priority for me as a cook. I look for all of our foods to be made or grown in the US to ensure the quality food standards and cleanliness have been met for the best protection of our students with these dietary concerns.
Since: 2007
Position: Cook & Food Director
Training:
AA Accounting
Oregon State University
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
Preschool Certified
90 ECE Hours Completed
School: High Pointe Preschool
Miss Ruth "The Chef"
Stay tuned! Bio to come...
Position: Head Chef & Culinary Artist
Since: 2011
Training:
AA Trinity Western College
1 year Culinary Degree from COCC
CDA In Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
30 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: High Pointe
Mrs. Jess
All of my life I have been a part of taking care of children. Growing up, my mom ran an in home daycare. In addition, I have seven brothers and eight sisters... a total of 16 kids in my family! So teaching is just in my background and upbringing.
Working with the older infants, I have the opportunity to see them walk, climb, run, learn about art, nature and friends. Playing and teaching my students give me joy and are my life's passion. I enjoy spending anytime I can with them.
My dream is to go to college to become a pediatrician, for which I begin classes fall 2008.
Since: 2008
Position: Lead Teacher
Teaching on Contract for the 2011-2012 School Year
Training:
CDA in Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
Abuse and Neglect Certified
206 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: Hampton Park I, Infant Campus
Mrs Miki
I was born in the Japanese country where there is a
population of 40,000 people where I grew up.
I watched the figure of parent's in many books, severe
discipline, people living hard lives and honest people.
When I was young
my parents were school teachers and I was brought up
fortunately. I loved caring for young children and
noticed afterwards, I was filled with the same the laughter of the children
in my circumference.
These are some of my experiences in Japan, but my
experience in U.S.A has just begun.
I want to do my best so that my students leave our school in peace, joy and happiness.
Position: Toddler Teacher
Since: 2010
Previous Experience:
6 Years Private School Teacher
11 Years Preschool Teacher, Japan
4 Years Preschool Teacher, Portland, OR
Training:
BA Shokei University, Kumamoto Japan
Licenced Preschool Teacher
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
ECE Clock Hours in process
School: Hampton Park I
Miss Rebecca
Stay tuned! Bio to come...
Position: Toddler Assistant Teacher I
Since: 2011
Training:
CDA In Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
30 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: Orchard Park
Miss Catie
Stay tuned! Bio to come...
Since 2011
Training:
CDA In Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
60 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: Gardenside
Miss Maria
Stay tuned! Bio to come...
Since 2011
Training:
CDA In Process
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
60 ECE Clock Hours
Infant Toddler Certified
School: Gardenside
Ms Jessica
Position: Substitute Teacher
Since: 2011
Training:
Enrolled at COCC in the Culinary Arts Program
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
30 ECE Hours in Infant/Toddler Care
School: Orchard Park
Mrs. Linda
My name is Linda, and I work for my son as substitute teacher here and there as needed. Between subbing for Russ I am a full time grandmother of six (soon to be seven) grandchildren and mother of two sons.
After graduating High School, I went on to pursue a degree as a police officer. Just before finishing my degree, I decided to take a job in a hospital and I changed my career path as I found I loved working with people.
Still, working with people is where my heart is, so I help out when needed at Crawmer's two locations. It warms my heart to see the students smile and get involved with their teachers. The kids here just really enjoy coming to school and it makes coming to work a real joy.
Position: Substitute Teacher
Since 2007
Training:
Infant/toddler CPR & 1st aid
Food Handlers Card
Criminal Background Check
School: High Pointe,
Orchard Park & Gardenside