ABOUT US
Introduction
TRENA KELLEY
Director
My name is Trena Kelley. I am many things, a daughter, widow, student, teacher, confidant, friend and most importantly a mother of three beautiful children. My daughter is 10, and I have twin boys who are 5 years old. Currently I am the owner/director of Mama Bear Daycare and Preschool LLC, I completed my Associate’s Degree at Clackamas Community College in 2007, and graduated with my Bachelors of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2021.
I have always had a passion for working with children. Once I began High School, I took every parenting, early childhood, and practicum class that they offered. Upon graduation I worked in an infant room as an assistant teacher, then I began my college experience and needed to find a job closer to home, in which I ended up at a YMCA.
Before graduation I did a practicum in a Head Start classroom and found myself working there. First as a bus driver, then assistant and moved into a Teaching position for 9 years before I had my twins, then I decided to be home with them while they were little and ran an in-home licensed childcare, which I have now brought over into a licensed center-based Daycare and Preschool.
One of my biggest passions in early childhood is watching children learn and grow. Helping them to grow into themselves and be successful, this is what we will always strive for here at Mama Bear.
Philosophy
My philosophy is based upon my personal values and beliefs system, my educational experiences, as well as philosophies from different child psychologists and experts such as Frobel, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Montessori. I feel that all these factors contribute and help shape my philosophy on the best practices for educating young children.
I think that the purpose for education is to help guide children in their natural learning abilities. My main goal is to support children’s social emotional development, and prepare them academically to be successful in kindergarten, although when looking at the bigger picture I feel that it would be to support children in developing the skills, the knowledge, and the dispositions that will allow them to be responsible, contributing members in their community.
As well as to create healthy relationships and to teach them how to be successful lifelong learners. I believe as an early childhood educator that children learn best through play, and it is my responsibility to provide an enriched developmentally appropriate holistic curriculum to bridge the connection to learning.
I also believe that children should be in nature and able to explore the natural environment. Nature is a great way to incorporate a holistic well-rounded curriculum to encompass the whole child.
My own personal philosophies are as follows. I feel that children learn best with a combination of theories perspectives. Such as Vygotsky and Piaget theories believe that children learn through both scaffolding and hands-on experience. It is crucial that the environment is set up in a way that provides a positive learning space, with a variety of materials for children to explore on their own and in groups. Montessori focuses more on the importance of a prepared learning environment to be organized and ready for the child’s self-directed learning activities. My classrooms in the center will be based on structure and organization, this will help children feel comfortable and secure in the classroom environment, all while giving them a chance to explore and discover. Classrooms set up will include all children, with developmentally appropriate materials and child sized furniture that will reflect both independence and cooperation.
Child Development and Learning
As a professional I believe that child-led learning is one of the best ways for children to learn. I try to allow the children to take the lead and expand upon their inquiry-based learning, then scaffold them to achieve a higher level of thinking. When thinking back on the experience, it should be almost magical for the children as they will have been so engaged in the learning process.
Promoting child development encompasses multiple influences and understanding of their development. Another aspect that is important for child development is being in nature and allowing that to build children’s development through hands on exploration and emotional health. Allowing nature to be the foundation of children’s development will help promote and encourage their interactions as they unfold into a deeper understanding and relate it to their own world around them. Mama Bear Daycare and preschool will also strive to create a healthy, respectful, and supportive learning environment where children can develop at their own pace, on their own level. Yet prepared and challenging enough to encourage growth in their development.
Curriculum
Providing children with a meaningful curriculum is an essential part of teaching. The classrooms will be well prepared and arranged in a way to start providing a foundation to learning through play. Where each content area is purposefully planned with items, to help facilitate learning bringing them closer to the domains and learning objective outcomes. Play is a child’s work, and they will be learning through all aspects of their play.
I feel it is important to provide children with a curriculum that not only guides them but provides tools and activities to help them relate to the real world. Another aspect that I believe provides a solid learning foundation is through nature, using it as the base from which curriculum stems and learning occurs, using a holistic curriculum approach. Nature is a great way to provide inquiry-based learning and facilitate all learning domains in children through exploration.
We will also be encouraging children to learn through God’s Teachings, there will be Bible stories, Bible songs, and prayer included throughout the day.
Meet Our Staff
Savannah Hoxie
Infant teacher
Compassionate and attentive caregiver specializing in nurturing infants’ growth and development in a safe and loving environment. Skilled in creating stimulating activities, supporting motor and cognitive milestones, and fostering a strong sense of security. Dedicated to providing individualized care and building trusting relationships with families.
Velma Strickland
After School Teacher
Dedicated to creating a safe and engaging environment for students, supporting academic growth, fostering social development, and leading fun, age-appropriate activities. Experienced in guiding children, managing groups, and promoting positive behavior in a structured, inclusive setting. Passionate about making a difference in students’ lives after school hours.
Job Postings
Infant Teacher
Position Title
Typical Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hourly Wage Range: $15-$20 depending on experience
Toddler Teacher
Position Title
Typical Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00PM
Hourly Wage Range: $15-$20 depending on experience
Preschool Teacher
Position Title
Typical Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Hourly Wage Range: $15-$20 depending on experience