About Us

ABC Preschool is run out of my home in the beautiful Woodhaven neighborhood of Sherwood, OR. I use a creative, arts-based teaching program to bring out a child's natural interest in learning while keeping the academic progress . The Arts allow children to think creatively, build their own ideas, solve problems in more than one way and try new things. A nurturing, creative environment instills self-confidence and positive feelings about school which last a lifetime.

At ABC Preschool we know children learn more and learn faster when they develop their skills in a creative environment. This environment of creativity and activities appropriate for the preschool child's development helps children to be ready for academics in elementary school. Our approach to preschool education promotes free expression, is an outlet for creativity, and encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.

About Ms. Josi Yates
Owner and Teacher

The arts have always been a big part of my life. Music, singing, dancing, painting, writing & theater are such a part of me that I can't help but want to pass that love to children. It all started when I was a toddler before I could even speak. I loved doing anything that had to do with music from playing with the piano in our home to singing and stealing the spotlight every chance I had. When I was 4, I began taking piano classes and continued for a couple of years. I took dance and gymnastics classes from the age of 8 to high school. In high school, I took advanced dance classes and was invited to join theater production and the dance production team. In high school I discovered my love of working with children while working babysitting jobs and teaching Sunday school. I graduated from Washoe High School in 2002 and moved to Oregon in 2005 after my daughter Evalynn was born. After taking some time off with my daughter, I started teaching gymnastics in 2006. I loved working with the children so much that I decided to volunteer in the preschool class as an assistant. I became the lead teacher and director of the school in 2009. I learned a lot while working with that company, but I knew that I wanted more. I want a program that allows children to discover and develop their artistic abilities. One that gives opportunities that are not typically available in most preschools. I am opening the doors to ABC Preschool in the fall of 2010 and am looking forward to running a preschool in my home. I look forward to the year and can’t wait to get things started!