About Us
Who We Are:
The Little Vikings Preschool is a high school student teaching program designed to prepare students in the areas of child development, early childhood education, and careers working with young children. Students typically begin exploring this pathway in 9th or 10th grade and may advance into higher-level coursework during their 11th and 12th grade years.
This program provides a valuable dual benefit: it offers affordable, high-quality preschool opportunities for families in the community while giving high school students hands-on experience in a professional early childhood setting.
Our program partners with Portland Community College’s early childhood education program and is held to standards by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Our Teaching Team:
The high school student teachers are trained and supervised by the preschool Director of Programs in all aspects of managing a preschool program. They spend significant time learning how to build positive relationships, provide guidance, and support children’s learning through conversations and open-ended play.
The Director of Programs also supports advanced high school students as they plan developmentally appropriate activities in science, math, and literacy. Student teachers are responsible for observing and assisting children, preparing and leading activities, and engaging with children as much as possible throughout the school day.
In addition to our high school students, the preschool is supported by two professional educators:
Together, this team creates a professional, nurturing, and well-rounded learning environment for all children.
How Your Child Will Grow and Learn:
In our preschool, children learn through a balance of play, exploration, and guided activities. Each day includes movement, art, storytime, and early learning in literacy, math, and science.
Children explore weekly themes through hands-on activities like games, experiments, and creative projects. They begin learning letter sounds, practice early writing skills, and build confidence as learners.
We also focus on social and emotional growth—helping children learn to share, take turns, follow routines, and express their feelings in positive ways.
Most importantly, children build friendships, develop a love of learning, and gain the skills they need for a smooth transition to kindergarten.
The Little Vikings Preschool is a high school student teaching program designed to prepare students in the areas of child development, early childhood education, and careers working with young children. Students typically begin exploring this pathway in 9th or 10th grade and may advance into higher-level coursework during their 11th and 12th grade years.
This program provides a valuable dual benefit: it offers affordable, high-quality preschool opportunities for families in the community while giving high school students hands-on experience in a professional early childhood setting.
Our program partners with Portland Community College’s early childhood education program and is held to standards by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Our Teaching Team:
The high school student teachers are trained and supervised by the preschool Director of Programs in all aspects of managing a preschool program. They spend significant time learning how to build positive relationships, provide guidance, and support children’s learning through conversations and open-ended play.
The Director of Programs also supports advanced high school students as they plan developmentally appropriate activities in science, math, and literacy. Student teachers are responsible for observing and assisting children, preparing and leading activities, and engaging with children as much as possible throughout the school day.
In addition to our high school students, the preschool is supported by two professional educators:
- A lead preschool teacher, who oversees the daily curriculum, coordinates lessons with student teachers, and serves as a role model and facilitator in the classroom;
- An assistant teacher, who supports daily activities and provides one-on-one assistance to children as needed.
Together, this team creates a professional, nurturing, and well-rounded learning environment for all children.
How Your Child Will Grow and Learn:
In our preschool, children learn through a balance of play, exploration, and guided activities. Each day includes movement, art, storytime, and early learning in literacy, math, and science.
Children explore weekly themes through hands-on activities like games, experiments, and creative projects. They begin learning letter sounds, practice early writing skills, and build confidence as learners.
We also focus on social and emotional growth—helping children learn to share, take turns, follow routines, and express their feelings in positive ways.
Most importantly, children build friendships, develop a love of learning, and gain the skills they need for a smooth transition to kindergarten.