“I enrolled my son Max in the Pre Kindergarten class two years ago at Children’s Discovery in Vadnais Heights. I had the normal concerns any parent would have leaving their child in someone else’s care… Will my child be engaged? Will he be cared for? Will he be seen and treated as an individual? Will they feed him well and make sure he is safe? Will they communicate with me and respond to my concerns? Resoundingly I have found the answers to be yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. The staff welcomed us as individuals and made Max feel at…
“Children’s Discovery Academy Not only I know my child is receiving a good education, but is making many good friends, and having fun. I know because she loves it, talks about her friends, and the things she has done during the day. I know that she is loved and learning to love, care, and share with her friends. Moreover, Children’s Discovery Academy is safe, and have a very knowledgeable and caring staff. This in turn gives me peace of mind, Knowing that my child is receiving a good education, is safe, and well cared for.” James of Little Canada, MN…
“As a busy working single-mommy, I rely a lot on Children’s Discovery Academy to be there for me and my 3 year old son. As hard as it is to be away from him so much during the week, I know he is in great hands. His teachers have been SO GREAT with him. I especially appreciate the warm greetings when I come to pick him up at the end of the day – they are always quick with a friendly update and offer something specific about what he did or what he accomplished that day. They are always so…
“As somebody who has spent many years as a Childcare Teacher myself, I was extremely picky when it came to finding a center for my children. I did a lot of research and more tours than I can remember. It turns out, Children’s Discovery fit criteria for things I didn’t even know I was looking for, it was the feeling and look of the classrooms that made the decision. Yes, they are excellently rated and have great credentials, but seeing that the infants and toddlers were broken into groups within their rooms and that the furniture was warm and exciting…
“Children’s Discovery is a wonderful place. Our son is cared for as if he were family. He learns so much during the day while having fun with the teachers and friends in his class. He is always excited when we tell him that today he gets to go see his friends. That includes his teachers. He loves all of them. As parents we feel secure knowing that while we can’t be with him he is in a nurturing, caring, and safe environment. We recently moved, but we’ve kept our son at Children’s Discovery because we can’t imagine we’ll ever find…
Casi@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Assistant Director, Little Canada
Educational Background:
A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College – Eagan
Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2008
“It never ceases to amaze me the things I learn from kiddos each and every day. Having the opportunity to get to know not only the kids, but their families as well is such a rewarding feeling! My goal as an educator has always been to make an impact, but who knew I would be the one with that experience? Children’s Discovery Academy is such a wonderful place where I not only feel safe, but loved and cared for by everyone I encounter. I started out here when I was young, and I have so many people to thank for helping me to become the educator, now Assistant Director, and person I am today. Children’s Discovery feels like home!”
~Casi
Kristi@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Infant Teacher, Little Canada
Educational Background:
A.A.S. in Early Childhood Development from St. Paul College. A.A.S. Degree in Medical Assisting from Rasmussen College. (CNA) Certified Nursing Assistant License from the American Red Cross.
Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 1998
“I enjoy working at Children’s Discovery Academy because the teachers here are truly a family. We all work together ensuring that every child is given every opportunity to grow and learn throughout all stages of their development.
Teaching infants is so rewarding for me. Everyday I have the opportunity of watching the proud smile on each baby’s face when he or she learns and accomplishes something new. Receiving and giving hugs and smiles is truly a priceless reward for what I do.”
~Kristi
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“This past year at Kindergarten at Children’s Discovery Academy – Little Canada was really a great experience. We appreciate the smaller class size & enrichment programs that enhance the overall learning. Our Son looks forward to Spanish & Friday Cooking Class. Mrs. Boggess takes time to work with the students individually to understand what motivates & interested them to engage them in learning. Mrs. Boggess recognized that our Son was struggling with reading. She did not just continue to push him along with the rest of the class, but worked with him to go back & review their reading curriculum…
“We have loved the CDA kindergarten program. My daughter has learned to read and she is an enthusiastic writer because she has been inspired by her teacher. She comes home with lots of questions about science and social studies, so I know she is learning about things that interest her. She has gained a lot of math skills and literacy in reading graphs and charts because they create them in ways that are meaningful to a 5 year old. I’ve really appreciated the kindergarten teacher’s creativity and the freedom she has to create a learning experience that works for my…
“You know you’ve found a good spot for your child when you drop them off in the morning and they always have a big smile on their face and an extra skip in their step. Then, when you arrive to pick them up in the evening, they want more time to finish a project and invariably ask if you are early.” Luke of Shoreview Father of Liam, Kindergarten Program
“Tyler has been going to CDA for three years. Ever since he has started we have been recognizing things that he is learning (that we hadn’t taught him) and love it. He will come home singing a new song, or surprise us with things he has learned in his classroom. I love the structure that CDA has and the classroom/learning feel that they provide to children before they enter the real school world. I really think it helps prepare our children for the future. CDA staff has always been such a delight to work with. They love and treat your…
“I love how caring everyone is at Children’s Discovery. I truly feel that each teacher and staff member really cares for each and every child. They make each child feel special and that means the world the me as a working mom. It’s hard enough leaving your children each day. I know that they are getting love, learning and socializing at CDA. I love that I can see updates on daily connect. It makes me feel connected to my children and comforts me knowing they are o.k. I am so happy we found CDA when we moved here!” Jamee of…
“Makani attends CDA only two days per week. I think this led to a somewhat difficult adjustment period for her and she had a very hard time for the first couple of weeks being dropped off and taking naps. The CDA staff were wonderful at helping her get calmed down and comfortable though and their obvious concern for her happiness made it much easier on mom and dad when it came time to leave!” Eric of White Bear Lake Father of Makani, Toddler Program
“This is the second daycare center our daughter has attended. At CDA she gets much more attention and stimulation. She truly seems happier. They engage her in activities and more advanced play then her previous daycare. The providers seem to adore the children. Our daughter adjusted very quickly and has grown so much at this center. They keep the kids buys with enriching activity. The center is very well run and organized. Being a former preschool teacher I feel at CDA they are doing an excellent job of providing the children with educational and stimulating activities.” Theresa of Little Canada…
“After having a short 6-week maternity leave, I knew it was going to be difficult to leave my baby for the first time. The infant classroom made it so comforting for me to embrace this transition. We reviewed a LOT of other day care facilities, and each time I left I never felt secure about leaving my child there, and it wasn’t until we visited CDA facility in Vadnais Heights that I finally felt that peace. I cried the whole way home after visitation because I knew we found the right care and was realizing I had to leave my…
“CDA does a great job at keeping us informed of our son’s activities, food intake, sleep, and mood throughout the day. It is such great peace of mind to be able to know so much even though we aren’t with him during the day!” Christy of Hugo, MN Mother of Colton, Young Toddler Program
“I think Children’s Discovery is amazing and that my child has grown and learned so much in the year she has been there, I am so proud and thankful for the staff whom takes pride in there jobs. I appreciate every staff member there, Thank you guys for all your wonderful influences!” Amanda of North Branch, MN Mother of Haydn, Pre-Kindergarten Program
“My favorite thing about Kindergarten is art. You never know what your going to make and how it’s going to turn out!”~Liam“My favorite thing about Kindergarten is doing calendar books. I like doing the weather graph.”~Eliana “My favorite thing about Kindergarten is playing with pegs boards. You can make fun things!”~Kaya “My favorite thing about Kindergarten are reading groups. I like reading with Mrs. Boggess.”~Sophie “My favorite thing about Kindergarten is doing reading groups! I like reading with Mrs. Boggess. If I read all the books, it makes me really smart!”~Carter“My favorite thing about Kindergarten is learning. I like to…
Parent Aware’s Star Ratings help parents find programs that go above and beyond to prepare children for school and life. Their one- to four-star ratings system – a free service – measures best practices identified by research that help children succeed. Participating programs have: Volunteered for extra, in-depth training Devoted themselves to strong, caring relationships with each child Adopted the latest approaches to keeping children’s learning on track Committed to daily activities and routines that help children learn Placed a focus on children’s health and safety. For additional information and resources for families, please visit Parent Aware HERE.
Parents should know immediately what their child is doing during the day. Why should parents have to wait for the end of the day to find out about their child’s day? With Children’s Discovery Academy, parents can connect to their Daily Connect account anytime during the day, whether they are at work, at home or away on a trip. It reduces the anxiety of being away from the child not knowing what’s happening throughout the day. By knowing the information, parents will be less stressed and more relaxed leaving their child at the day care. We’ll electronically track daily information about…
“Thanks so much for these [Daily Connect] msgs. I really appreciate them. It’s nice knowing the information u email out daily since i cant be there for him to send him off to school, i am grateful i can count on u for back up especially on how my child ate and that he got off to school safely and was given guidance. It’s been a relief know his morning is off to a good start. Thank you for all u do!! CD R O C K S!! ;)” Kristina of Lino Lakes Mother of Jackson, Kindergarten Program