Welcome to Jefferson Early Childhood Center! Miss Kris’s Class

Welcome to Jefferson! Kris Stoffels-Teacher Rose Hafenscher-Assistant Nancy Link-Assistant Christina Stickler-PM Assistant Meghan Beatty-Speech Pathologist Colleen O’Brien-Occupational Therapist Kathy Kriemelmeyer-Physical Therapist Rachel Anderson-Social Worker

Kris Stoffels This is my 24 th year teaching…my 17 th at Jefferson. I received my Bachelor’s in Special Education from ISU, Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from NIU and ELL (English Language Learner) Endorsement from St. Francis University. I have been married for 23 years and have a 19 year old daughter at DePaul University and 14 year old son who plays high school football. I love to camp, hike, run and basically do anything outdoors!

Upon arrival each day, our friends hang up their backpacks, take out snack and put in their mail.

Not only does this time work on independence skills but sequencing and fine motor skills.

After completing arrival routine it is choice time.

Choice time is student directed and the adults follow the student’s lead in play and interactions.

Choice time is a great time to target social skills, sharing, turn-taking and just having fun !

The specialists (OT, PT, teacher and speech) and assistants often work with friends one on one or in small groups during this time as well.

After choice time is small group/table time. Small group/table time is teacher directed.

Academic, fine motor, speech and social skills are addressed during small group/table time work.

Next we line up for recess. We take turns being the line leader.

On nice days we go outside to the playground.

When the weather is not good, we go to the gym to play.

Next is circle/ large group time. Some times Miss Kris leads circle/group.

Some times Miss Meghan leads group.

At circle/group time academic, language, waiting and social skills are targeted.

After group time, we wash our hands to get ready for snack.

Snack is a great time to work on social skills. Plus…it is yummy!

After snack we look at books. We talk about the pictures, letters and words. This helps us learn vocabulary, that print has meaning and left to right progression.

After snack we do many things. We read a story or have fun with music and instruments.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s day!