Preschool

"Imagination Station"

We think of young children as inquisitive and naturally curious about their world. Children's questions provide a foundation for learning and are the basis of our Learning Journey. Our Pre-K Curriculum, we believe in providing children with the concrete experiences through field studies, which prompt the to ask thoughtful questions and lead to real investigations. This cycle of inquiry taps into children's intellect and promotes engaged learning.

Our parents can be assured that their child will graduate ready for Kindergarten and beyond. Our teachers understand that a child's readiness is more than simple shapes, numbers, colors, and letters. We educate the "whole child" and focus on emotional and cognitive development. We believe that children's ability to negotiate, express themselves, wait their turn, and get along with friends are essential components to their success. Our children become thinkers, authors, decision makers and future leaders.

Our Staff

Ms. Stephanie

My journey in the childcare field started back in June of 2001. I began as an Assistant Teacher at Christus Victor Learning Center and when we moved over to It Takes A Village Academy in September of 2019, I continued to work as an assistant teacher in our Preschool Room. I'm happy to report that as of November 2020 I am now the lead teacher in the preschool classroom. I enjoy watching the children learn, play and grow an am happy to be a part of their journey. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and hanging out with my friends.

Ms. Cecelia

I am a student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I'm currently studying Psychology and am on the path of becoming a Child Psychologist. I was valedictorian of my class and graduated from Clarenceville High School in 2018. I love working with your children and I have a passion for helping them to learn and grow! I'm a safe person for children to express their feelings to and I love to help them deal with and/or overcome challenges. I'm the oldest of 6 grandchildren, so I have had plenty of experience with babysitting and teaching children. When I'm notworking, I love to spend time with my family, friends, and pets. I'm a huge animal lover and have rescued 4 cats and a dog! With the stress of being a full time college student, coming to It Takes A Village Academy and working with children make my days so much more enjoyable! The children never fail to put a smile on my face!

Mrs. Katlyn

I work in the Young Preschool Classroom. I recently started working with ITAVA in July 2021. I am currently expecting my first child come March 2022. I have always loved working with children. One of my favorite accomplishments is to help bring the students awesome creativity to life. I love watching what the kids come up with all on their own. That is so rewarding for me! I am currently going to school for my degree in Education and I'm also in the process of starting my CDA. Ever since I was 14 years old, my dream has always been to have my own classroom. This is still a goal that I hope to accomplish one day! Im my free time, I love doing puzzles, arts and crafts, and anything involving animals. I look forward to working with your children and being able to watch them grow!

Mrs. Kayla

I was born and raised in NYC. I'm a mom to a sassy toddler. Fun facts about me are I'm a creative thinker, optimist, gamer, and team player. I could watch anime all day. My favorite thing to do in my spare time is makeup and maybe a little cosplay, it's the best way I can express myself. My first ever job was when I was 16, I worked at a family daycare with kids from ages 6 months- 10 years old for about 2-3 years. I'm very quiet but I could also be the life of the party sometimes. I'm happy to be a part of the ITAVA staff and excited to care for all of your little ones.

Mrs. Karen

My job here at ITAVA is assisting the teachers with the growth, education and care of your precious little people. I started this adventure six years ago at Tipton Academy as a cook/kitchen server. At the end of my sixth year at Tipton I was offered this wonderful opportunity to come to ITAVA to cook. I was recently given the opportunity to work with the infants/toddlers and decided this is where I want to be, helping in the classrooms. I am a lifelong Garden City resident and married to my best friend! We have three beautiful children.

Ms. Madison

I am a teacher in young preschool, obtaining my Child Development Associates. I've wanted to be a daycare teacher since I was a little girl. My childcare experience started when I was only 13 years old babysitting everyday after high school. Then, when I was eighteen, I worked with my sister at her in-home daycare. I learned to love the children as my own. I've always been known for being great with children. I found a passion for being with children. It doesn't feel like a job to me it's more fun than anything. I've been working at ITAVA since September 2022 and I'm so genuinely happy at my job. As a teacher, I get excited to see my student's smiling faces and giggles. The best part of my day is when they hit a milestone. My favorite animal is an elephant and I can make the best elephant noises that my students love! One of my favorite things to do is watch movies with my boyfriend or do scrapbooking.

Mrs. Shelly

Mrs. Sheila

I am retired from the University of Michigan Hospital after 33 years of service. I love children and I cam here part-time to keep myself busy and help make children's day. I've been married for 26 years and have 2 children and a grandchild. I love to spend time with family, go to the movies, shop, and relax. My favorite color is red and I love seafood.

Ms. Amira

Ms. Lawanda