NOW ENROLLING AGES 6 WEEKS - 5 YEARS! ERDC ACCEPTED!
At SHACC, teachers are expected to take an active role in engaging with the children throughout the day, making every interaction a meaningful opportunity for growth and connection. This means that teachers are not only supervising activities but also immersing themselves fully in the children’s experiences. By asking open-ended questions about what the children are doing—such as, “What are you building?” or “Can you tell me about your drawing?”—teachers help to encourage critical thinking, expand vocabulary, and foster curiosity.
When children engage in imaginative or pretend play, teachers join in, taking on roles within the play scenario and encouraging the children’s creativity. This involvement helps build social skills, such as turn-taking and cooperation while supporting the child’s self-expression. Teachers are also quick to notice when a child is interested in a story and will sit down to read books, either when prompted by the child or during quiet moments. Reading together helps to develop a love for literature and supports early literacy skills.
Early Childhood Education
CPR, First Aid, and AED
Food Handlers
Infant Safe Sleep
Childcare Health and Safety
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Foundations for Learning
Diversity
Family and Community Studies
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Human Growth and Development
Learning Environments and Curriculum
Observation and Assessment
Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development
Program Management
Special Needs
Understanding and Guiding Behavior
and more!
All staff members are FBI background checked.
Mackenzie has dedicated her career to Early Childhood Education, with a special focus on working with infants and toddlers. At SHACC, she began as the lead infant teacher and has now progressed to the role of assistant director. Mackenzie is passionate about free-choice activities in the classroom, as she loves to see what the children choose to explore and how their imaginations flourish.
Outside of teaching, Mackenzie enjoys exploring the Oregon coast with her family and discovering new camping spots.
Her love for adventure and nature complements her dedication to fostering growth and creativity in young minds.
Christine joins SHAPA/SHACC as the Early Childhood Director, bringing with her 16 years of dedicated experience in supporting the growth and development of young children from birth to age 5. Her passion lies in creating environments that inspire children to build confidence and cultivate a lifelong love of learning through hands-on exploration, play, and discovery. Christine believes that learning is most meaningful when it is interactive and child-led, allowing young minds to make connections and develop a sense of wonder about the world around them.
Christine’s approach is centered on crafting engaging, nurturing, and inclusive spaces that spark curiosity and a love of discovery. She understands that each child comes with their own unique set of strengths, interests, and potential, and she is deeply committed to providing individualized support and encouragement to help every child thrive. Through her work, Christine aims to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere where children feel seen, valued, and excited about their learning journey.
With a focus on building collaborative relationships with families, Christine is committed to fostering open communication and partnership to ensure that each child’s needs are met both at school and at home. She emphasizes the importance of parent engagement in their child’s learning, offering support and resources to help parents feel confident in their role as partners in education. Christine’s dedication to staff development ensures that teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to create a positive and impactful learning experience for every child.
In addition to her professional expertise, Christine is an avid learner herself, always seeking new ways to expand her knowledge and skills. She enjoys diving into books on a variety of subjects, exploring her creative side through crafting, and immersing herself in new cultures through travel. Whether it’s discovering a new craft technique, reading a thought-provoking book, or exploring new places, Christine brings the same sense of curiosity and enthusiasm that she strives to instill in her students.
In her free time, Christine finds joy in spending time with her husband and their two beloved dogs, embracing new adventures, and creating cherished memories together. They enjoy exploring the outdoors, finding new trails, and taking in the beauty of nature wherever they go.
Christine’s extensive background, unwavering commitment to early childhood education, and genuine love for learning make her a valuable asset to the SHAPA/SHACC community. She is excited to build strong, meaningful relationships with children, families, and staff, and is eager to contribute to the vibrant, supportive learning environment at SHAPA/SHACC. Christine looks forward to the opportunity to help every child she works with reach their fullest potential and to being a part of their learning journey.