Keri Krout : Director

Over 20 years ago, I was a young mother in search of the perfect preschool for my perfect son. I carried with me core beliefs of what early childhood education should be (taught to me by Bev Bos a renouned national early childhood educator) I wanted a school where individuality was valued, not discouraged. Where there was a "welcome" feeling, where music and laughter flowed. Where teachers smiled, had patience, took time, and loved what they did. Teachers who recognized that they were often learning from the children, and seeing with new eyes. The focus, I believed should be the children, not the teacher. Academics would come in a natural, safe setting, but would not be the backbone of the school. I wanted a childhood for my son that he could look back on with no regrets, and without a rushed feeling. A childhood that would be a foundation for the rest of my son's life. Sadly, I never did find that perfect preschool in the small California town in which I lived at the time, I don't believe in giving up on dreams for children. So, with that dream in my heart, I started my own small preschool for my son, and for the other families in the area.

My family then oved to beautiful Vancouver, WA. It became necessary to work part time, and I found a preschool teaching position at Clark Collge - my 2nd son in tow. I loved Clark College, but needed to work my hours, so I found a Directorship at Little Acorn Preschool. At the time, LAPS had under 50 students, and when I left close to 10 years later, we had over 200 students and were accredidted with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and we had a thriving private kindergarten. While there, I had many concerned mothers who were re-entering the work force. THey asked me to help them search for the perfect childcare center in Vancouver. So, I searched. This search reminded me of my origional quest close to 20 years before, and I recognized the sense of determination I had on behalf of children. I wanted to help these mothers, but could not find a center that I could recommend to them. The centers I visited were not centered on children or childhood. They had the "school "feeling, but were missing that "welcome" feeling. Children were treated like a bottom line instead of a person. Teachers were overworked and underpaid, and had lost their patience and love for children and childhood. I did what I had done years before - and with the help and support of my business partners Jim and Joan Cromer opened Hand in Hand Child Development Center, LLC in the summer of 2003 with four students and that very same dream for children and childhood.

This dream has become a vision. I love children, and I love the families who are doing their very best, and giving their very best to their children. I believe the teachers who work with me carry this vision each and every day with the children. I believe I'm the only Director in Vancouver who freely gives out my cell number to parents and say, "call me anytime" and actually want to be called! We installed we-cams so that you can see for yourself how your child is thriving here with us. So, you can see for yourself teachers who are patient, caring, and giv individual attention to each child. Music, laughter, and learning flow here. We are a center, centered on the children!

Call me anytime with any questions I can answer for you, 360-607-7145, or e-mail me at kerion@comcast.net.

Vanessa Kastner: Asst. Director

I was born and raised in Hawaii and then moved here to Vancouver in 1991 to be with my wonderful husband. Together, we love, cherish and reaise our two beautiful daughters. In 1987, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from a college in Hawaii. Since then, I have had the privilede to work with and teach children in Hawaii, Japan, Portland, OR and Vancouver. I have gained priceless memories and experiences and learned many things.

My family and I really enjoy just being together. We like to travel(especially Hawaii), watching sports and movies, listening to music, golf or just being lazy at home together. We lok forward to Fridays (we call them "Aloha Fridays") because we get to spend more time together over teh weekends!

I believe that it is important for children to be able to find enjoyment in learnning and what they are learning. To see their faces light up after learning or accomplishing something new and seeing the pride that comes with that is an amazing and spectacular thing. Another fantastic experience is seeing the support and pride these children have for each other... it's awesome! I am fortuante to have these experiences many times throughout the mornings here in the Moonshine Class and at Hand in Hand!