Hello & Welcome!

   My name is Patrisha Lussier, mother of one (now 25 yrs old and a Manager in digital marketing) and the teacher here for 28 plus years.  I moved to Shoreline in 1993 and opened this school.  I chose this home because it is a split level and a complete walk out on the lower level, not underground as most are.  This home has been a preschool from the first owner (20 years) to now, as the second owner (47 years total). It is the perfect in-home as there is 1000 sq. feet dedicated space for just 10 children (what the state allows for in-home, though only 35 sq. ft per child is required).  In 2017, I closed the school and completely remodeled it to make it more accessible. Now there is freedom of movement for the children and new floors, as the carpet is removed completely for a cleaner, dust free environment.  and widening "home living" space.   Walls to join the entrance of the hall to the activity and home living rooms were widen for more freedom of movement.  The restroom became completely child friendly with no step stools, all items are child sized. With all new supplies, fixtures, toys, furniture and materials, the school reopened, completely refreshed.  I am honored to be here.

In the last 27 years, I have learned from the children in my care, from the yearly classes I take and from Early Achievers.  I understand children are not the same, in almost every area of learning and understanding.  Children learn differently and need to be prepared and taught the way THEY learn.  Having the foundation that a Kindergarten and Preschool can provide, draws them in, to be eager to learn and respond, keeps them excited to participate and moving forward.  I have blended Handwriting Without Tears, Creative Curriculum, with the State Core Competencies, creating a powerful teaching strategy to meet each child’s individual needs.  I also take parts from Montessori Learning (I am certified) and Reggio Emilia methods as I do believe children learn through what they are interested in and having those projects and materials available, opens up their creativity, learning and excitement.  School needs to be more about the child wanting to learn, then what we want to them to learn.  Without the excitement and curiosity of learning, there is no learning, just memorizing to get through.

My classrooms are set to work with Bank Street (play-led) and Montessori Philosophies (everything teaches the child).  The set-up of each room, allows the children to move freely and provides them with a sense of self, giving them an "I can do it" attitude.  Working in centers, I have learned that children do well when they feel they have more freedom to choose what they want to do, according to their interest.  My rooms provide that freedom.  I also have learned to have materials out at all times, within their reach, which allows creativity, grants them more control and provides an extra layer of self-respect.

For 15 years, I dedicated my life to caring for underserved children, bringing attention to educators, city and state representatives on the importance of preparing these children to succeed in school and in life.  Children who live in poverty rarely enjoy preschool, they start Kindergarten behind their peers and generally leave school early and feeling defeated.   This can be corrected, all preschools should be willing to enroll state children, regardless of the rate of pay by the state.  This is in our hands to change!

In my free time,  I just love spending time with my daughter and all of my sisters and brothers in Christ.  I do spend most of my time at my church, doing activities, classes and events.  I teach 1st grade in children's Elementary Ministry and I am the scheduler and an usher for the Usher Fit Team at CHCC. I am also on the Leadership team for the FIT Ministry.  I consider my work at the church a blessing and an honor. I love volunteering for events and those in need.  I enjoy painting and projects around my home and in the school.   I continue to write articles on childcare, preschool and children’s behaviors.

With all that said, this is not a Christian Preschool.  I do talk about right and wrong, (just as you do), when mistakes are made and how we can do better as friends, as a team, and so forth.  I am happy to answer any questions and the families here are also available for you to chat with.  Thank you!

Education:

1991-1992   Shoreline CC
AAS
Early Childhood Education

1992-1994   Central Washington University
Teacher Certification
       Major – Special Education

2002    North American Montessori Centre
Montessori Degree

In the past 28 years, Patrisha Lussier has completed over 300 hours of classes, to keep up-to-date on the learning, teachings, and philosophies on children.

Memberships:

• NIEER.ORG • AMI • NAREA • NCCI • ACET • NOMEP • USNC • ZERO to THREE • NNCC * NAEYC
*FHCC *NAFCC *SEIU 995 *NAMC *CCA *PRE-NOW *NBCDI *CEC *NHSA

Meet the Teacher - Patrisha 

Kindergarten & Preschool Programs

in Shoreline, WA 

425.233.9280

WONDER, LEARN, GROW