Our Teachers

Ms. Katy

Hello and welcome to Puyallup South Co-Op Preschool.  My name is Katy Montes de Oca (Ms. Katy). I have the honor of being Puyallup South's preschool teacher.  Working at a cooperative preschool is a unique and wonderful experience.  I love getting to know not only the children in my class, but their families as well. 

My background experience includes working with children from ages two through twelve.  I have a B.S. in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. I hold a Washington teaching license for K-8.  My philosophy of learning is to provide children with hands on activities and help them experience the world around them.  The curriculum is based on monthly thematic units that introduce children to art, science, reading, writing, and problem solving.

Mrs. Yauna



Yauna Gunsauls, has been with Bates cooperative preschools since 2001. Like most cooperative preschool teachers, she was first a parent enrolled with her own children. In 2005, she enthusiastically accepted an offer to become a teacher.  

Her educational background includes studies at Pierce College and many early childhood development conferences throughout the Puget Sound. She continues her education with opportunities available at Bates Technical College, Home and Family Life Department.  

Yauna’s first love is her family.  This includes her husband Garrett, son Ethan, daughter Kaiya and two dogs Lightning and Coco.  She enjoys spending time camping, hiking, playing softball, painting, and reading.

Her approach to teaching is simple: Accept children as they come and help them begin their education in a caring, enriching environment.  Giving children opportunities to develop their emotional, social, physical and intellectual skills helps them enter Kindergarten with confidence.

The Preschool Teacher's Role

The preschool teacher is hired and paid by the parents in the preschool and plays a vital part in the quality of the preschool program. The teacher:

• Attends preschool each day the school is in session.

• Works closely with the Home and Family Life instructor at Bates Technical College regarding educational programs and the needs of the group.

• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the children's preschool, within the NAEYC guidelines.

• Sets up the preschool environment. Directs the preschool's daily schedule, supervising free play, clean-up, and leads group times with the children. Checks supplies often and sees that they are purchased.

• Directs the parents in their role as assistant teachers, making suggestions that will help parents to work effectively in the classroom with children.

• Models appropriate interactions with children, to include factual commenting, redirecting and problem solving.

• Attends board and preschool meetings sharing the curriculum and feedback regarding preschool happenings.

• Holds a current First Aid/CPR card

• Attends teacher meetings and in-services offered by Bates Technical College, as well as workshops and classes relating to Early Childhood Education.