Backstory: 

I became increasingly frustrated with the current programs that are available due to high child numbers, low staff numbers, lack of compassion for the children, lack of age appropriate knowledge and expectations, poor quality of food, and inconsistencies in programming. It was disheartening to see children not being able to grow to their potential and to not be loved or treated as they should be. Most of my co-workers, that were providing services, were well intentioned and caring individuals but they often had their hands tied or they were stretched too thin. I decided that in order to provide the best care that I could, I would need to branch out on my own.  After some encouragement from current families I served, lots of prayers, and a lot of research, Emily's Early Learning Adventures was born! 

Mission and Values: 

Children thrive in programs that provide a balance between support and encouragement, new and familiar experiences, freedom to explore and structure, along with age appropriate activities and consistency in schedules, caregivers, and expectations. Children also need healthy food, movement, and good sleep in order to grow their bodies and their minds. I strive to provide all of these aspects to every child in my care.

I believe that God created every child differently and every child is amazing! Early development is not a one-size fits all experience. My goal is to help children explore, learn, and grow into who they are as individuals, while following the teachings of the Holy Trinity and the Bible. They will work towards their developmental milestones by building on their strengths and being provided with the resources, materials, and support that they need to be successful. All areas of development are important and all areas will be fostered each day, including social and emotional development. 

 

Providers: 

Emily Schlater - Miss Emily: Owner, operator, and primary teacher

I have a long history of working with a variety of children. This started in my early teens with babysitting, then working at different summer camps, and onto a variety of positions working with children diagnosed with behavior disorders and other special education diagnoses. I went to grade school at St. Albert, high school at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, and attended Iowa State University. I then graduated Magna Cum Laude from College of St. Mary, in 2014, with my Bachelors in Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood Education. For 8 years after graduation, I worked as a services coordinator with the Early Development Network/Early Access to provide special education and early intervention services to children, ages birth to three, and their families. I then spent a year as the lead teacher in a center providing care for young toddlers. I knew I wasn't where I needed to be and that I could do better for the children, so I took the leap of faith and opened my own in-home program. I run this program out of my home and it is my intention to continue to run the program long term. I transformed my main level into a safe and engaging environment for children. I have a 12 year old daughter, whom will be helping and interacting during programming, when she is not working on her schooling or out on field trips. I was classroom mom for several years throughout her childhood. I am currently a Girl Scout Leader and a Gymnastics Coach as well. I love getting to know all of the kids that I work with and watching them grow! I believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. 

* Background check and fingerprints passed through DHS 

* Pediatric and Adult First Aid and CPR certified 

* Mandatory reporter and Safety trained 

* Essentials, Passport, Child Net, and Iowa Early Learning Standards courses completed 

* Nebraska Young Child Institute participant - 5 years 

* National Zero to Three Conference participant - 1 year 

* Several trainings including information on development, special education, social and emotional factors, poverty, inclusion, autism, screen time and development, and more 

 

Emmaline Schlater: helper, playmate, and babysitter (outside of EELA hours) 

Emmaline is 12 years old and in 7th grade. She recently completed a babysitting course through Iowa State. She participated in all of the classes and earned her certificate, along with becoming Red Cross Certified. She is opening her own babysitting service and more details are provided under the additional services tab. She enjoys Girl Scouts, gymnastics, playing the violin, babysitting, and interacting with animals!

 

Molly Setran - Ms. Molly: Substitute Teacher 

Molly will be available as a substitute teacher if I am unable to be present for programming. I will give you as much notice as possible if I am not going to be there. She will also be stopping in periodically to help out and to get to know the children! She is a mother with two children of her own.  Molly found her love of working with children starting babysitting at 13. She nannied for 9 years for a family, and 4 years for another family. Molly also was a camp councilor at Camp Fun' N Faith. After graduating from high school she attended Iowa Western followed by UNO for special education. After school Molly worked in the Education Department at the Zoo for over 10 years, where she was able to work with a wide variety of families and children, including young and special needs program. She also taught scout classes at the zoo.  Since the zoo she has dedicated her time to being a stay at home mother. Spending time volunteering at the school, and American Heritage Girls. Molly is looking forward to and is excited to be a substitute teacher! 

*First Aid, CPR, and AED certified through the zoo 5 times

* Background Checked by the zoo, school, and church for American Heritage Girls (finger printed, drug tested, and social check)

 

Rebecca Schlater - Mrs. Becky: Assistant

Rebecca will be available when I need an extra set of hands around. Situations may include meal prep help, messy activities help, an extra adult for going on walks, and any time an extra set of hands would be beneficial. She lives about a block away and will be available in any emergency situation. Rebecca was a stay at home mom for her 5 children and has six grandchildren. She provided full-time care for my daughter Emmaline for the first five years of her life. She loves spending time with her entire family!