About Us / Our Mission Statement
The Shooting Stars Program is dedicated to offering unique programming for preschool aged children of all abilities. Our objective is to provide an individually appropriate curriculum that will assist in meeting the academic, social, physical and emotional needs for you and your child. We believe that all children of all abilities can learn together and will work with families to create an environment that capitalizes on each child’s personal strengths and unique qualities. The Shooting Stars Program is a place where every child can reach for the stars.
Ruth Hughes, M.Ed
Director/Owner
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.
Staff and Therapist Teams
Shooting Stars prioritizes hiring highly qualified staff. At Shooting Stars, all lead classroom teachers must be a licensed teacher through the state of Maine. Lead teachers in the public pre-k classroom hold degrees and licenses in Early childhood and Elementary Education. Lead teachers in the CDS contracted special education classrooms, have Master’s degrees in education and are licensed special education teachers. All support staff are licensed Education Technicians through the state of Maine and are licensed Behavior Health Professionals. All staff are certified in CPR and Safety Care.
The therapy team at Shooting Stars are highly qualified and independently contracted through Child Development Services. Shooting Stars offers speech language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy for all children who qualify for services. These services are offered during the school day at Shooting Stars.
