THE SHOOTING STARS PROGRAM WEBSOLUTIONS - Key Persons
Ruth began teaching in 1990 and has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. She later obtained a Graduate Certificate in Moderate and Severe Special Needs, and a Master's Degree in education. She began teaching in Boston at a child development center for toddler and preschool aged children. Here she worked closely with an early intervention team, which sparked her passion for the field of special education. She then worked at The May Center in the Boston area with children 3-5 years old who had been diagnosed with autism and related behavioral disabilities. From Boston, she and her husband moved to Colorado. Ruth was employed at an elementary school and worked with children in grades k-3. Here she created and implemented a pilot program; a k-1-2 full inclusive classroom setting, where children with severe needs could remain in a regular classroom setting full time. This program was a success, but it was time to move back to New England to raise their 3 children. In Maine Ruth worked as a Developmental Therapist for Child Development Services and quickly realized the need for a specialized preschool program in our area. She wanted to create a school that could service children with special needs but also offer inclusive programming with children without special needs. Here the dream for The Shooting Stars Program became a reality. Since 2005, Ruth has been directing The Shooting Stars program providing excellent care and curriculum for both children with and without special education needs. Most recently, Ruth has implemented the first public pre-k program for the town of Scarborough.