Claudia Benson has worked for the Platte Canyon School District 26 years. Twenty-five of those years have been in preschool. Prior to that she worked for 1 year at Platte Canyon High School as a paraprofessional in the special education department. And ... prior to that she completed her student teaching hours in the preschool. At the time of her student teaching, the preschool served only special education students and was housed at Deer Creek Elementary in what is now the teacher's lounge.
Claudia has been instrumental in implementing mandates that have developed over the years such as Work Sampling and Teaching Strategies GOLD for progress monitoring. Claudia has been through 3 quality ratings for the preschool, leaving with a Level 4.
Claudia has been a part of the growth of preschool. First, by implementing Colorado Preschool Program for children with at risk factors into the special needs program. Then, adding private pay students into that mix. And finally this year adding children funded by Colorado Child Care Assistance Program. Several of her former students have now had their own children in Miss Claudia's class.
Claudia and her husband Bill have raised their 3 children in Bailey. Nichole, Eva, and Andy all graduated from Platte Canyon High School. Nicole and Eva now live in California along with her granddaughter, Camila. Her grandson Roman lives in Bailey and will attend Deer Creek Preschool in the fall. They will have one added grandchild to the family soon.
Claudia and Bill plan to stay in Bailey, but will now have more time to travel to see their California family. Claudia plans to stay in touch with her Platte Canyon family also. She wants to sub in the preschool next year!
