Our Approach
At Curious Minds, we’re dedicated to fostering a nurturing, safe, and joyful environment where children can flourish. Through play-based learning, we prioritize creativity while nurturing independence, social awareness, exploration, and confidence. We view each child as a unique individual with their own strengths, interests, and abilities. Our dedicated teachers are committed to supporting the holistic development of each student, empowering them to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals. With our unwavering dedication to excellence, we strive to lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and success.
We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and growth at Curious Minds Childcare Center.
Together, let’s nurture curiosity and ignite a lifelong love for learning!
Our Values
Creativity
Creativity is encouraged and celebrated in our daycare center. We believe in the power of imagination, exploration, and self-expression to inspire learning and innovation. Through creative activities and experiences, we foster a love for creativity and help children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Our classroom time is purposeful and engaging, filled with hands-on activities and personalized learning approaches. The flexibility of our daily program allows us to cater to the individual needs of each child, ensuring their holistic development.
Independence
We empower children to explore, learn, and grow. We believe in fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in every child, empowering them through their learning journey to discover their unique strengths. Throughout the day, children are encouraged to make self-directed choices, engage in small group activities, participate in circle time, and build the confidence needed to explore new experiences. Free play is valued, allowing creativity and imagination to flourish under the guidance of our dedicated teachers. We aim to expand young learners’ awareness of social behavior and their role within the learning community.
Happiness
We prioritize the cleanliness and hygiene of our environment, providing appropriate stimulation for each child, and above all, ensuring their happiness and contentment. Our program is designed to foster learning through play while recognizing and nurturing individual interests. We believe that a happy child is a thriving child, and we go above and beyond to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel valued, respected, and cherished. We are committed to promoting the holistic development of each student, empowering them to become strong, skillful communicators, competent learners, and healthy, well-balanced individuals.
Ensuring Safety
At Curious Minds, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of every child in our care. Our dedication to providing a secure and nurturing environment is at the core of everything we do.
We understand that parents entrust us with their most precious treasures, and we take that responsibility very seriously. That’s why we have implemented comprehensive safety measures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of security throughout our facility.
• Parents sign children in and out daily, and staff routinely monitor children’s whereabouts.
• Staff ensure children leave with adult supervision.
• Positive teaching practices guide children to express themselves positively, resolve disputes, and build successful peer relationships.
• Assaultive behavior is strictly prohibited, and expulsion may occur, especially if it results in injuries.
At Curious Minds, you can rest assured that your child’s safety is our top priority. We invite you to explore our website further to learn more about our approach to early childhood education and the many ways we strive to create a positive and enriching experience for every child in our care.
Kristina Mitchell
With seven years of experience in early childhood education under my belt and currently pursuing my masters in early childhood special education at UNC, I bring a deep-seated passion for nurturing young minds.
My mission is simple yet profound: to cultivate an environment where every child feels embraced and empowered. Whether it’s through art, dance, or dramatic play, I’m dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and enthusiasm for learning. Recognizing that early childhood is a pivotal time in a child’s educational journey, I strive to make the transition into school as smooth and joyful as possible.
Beyond my professional endeavors, my heart is fullest when I’m with my own family. My husband and I, partners in adventure for eleven wonderful years, share a love for the great outdoors and sports. Skiing, hiking, ice skating, and volleyball are just a few of the activities that bring us joy, often enjoyed amidst the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. Together, we embrace life’s adventures, cherishing every moment of laughter, exploration, and growth. Jaxson, our curious 9-year-old, and Kinsley, our spirited 6-year-old, infuse our lives with boundless energy and endless wonder, reminding us of the magic that surrounds us each day. Our family is completed by two beloved rescues: Annie, our spirited dog, and Boots, our resilient cat who overcame incredible odds after being found without hind feet on the street.
Shaila Burgess
Hello, my name is Shaila Burgess, and I am delighted to be part of the family here at Curious Minds. I have been an early childhood educator for seven years. This time has provided me with vast amounts of knowledge in child development, and also enabled me to create an environment that best suits the needs of children. I obtained my Early Childhood Education Degree at Front Range Community College as well as an Early Childhood Teaching Certificate in early 2023.
Being the eighth generation in my family to live in Fort Collins, Colorado it has allowed for my sense of adventure to grow and my passion for photography to blossom. I have a deep love for animals, teaching, and the simple joys in nature. Some of my favorite pastimes include rafting, developing and enhancing my photography business, and spending time with my family camping and fishing. I strive to create and instill a level of excellence in my work that will positively influence the students and those around them.
Thank you for choosing Curious Minds Early Learning Center!
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