All members of our staff are licensed through the City of Pocatello. As part of that license, they have all successfully passed a background check and have obtained certification in CPR & First Aid.
We understand how important it is to know just who is caring for your child while you cannot be with them! So here is a little information about the Learning Zone team so you can get to know us a little better:
Ashley is the new director of the Learning Zone! She leads our team in providing the best possible "home away from home" for your children.
She studied Early Childhood Education at Idaho State University, where she also worked at the Partnership School. She has worked in a daycare & preschool for the past five years. She is so excited about joining such a great staff of girls & getting to know the wonderful kids at the Learning Zone!
Ashley has always enjoyed interacting with children. When she was younger she was the neighborhood babysitter. Throughout high school & college, she volunteered with several educational programs where she worked with children of all ages. This winter, Ashley has the wonderful opportunity of going to Thailand to work with children in refugee camps and orphanages and she is greatly looking forward to such a rewarding experience!
Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband. They love to hike and kajak and are looking forward to starting their own family in the future.
In addition to the job of assistant director, Jenn teaches the Big Zone Preschool class, for children ages 4-5.
Sandy teaches the Mini Zone Preschool class, for children ages 2-3.
Stephanie plans the fabulous menus for the children at the Learning Zone! In addition to planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks, she works with the daycare children, helping to plan and carry out all of our learning activities. ???
Stephanie also mother to a 2 yr old son.
Karrianne works with the daycare children, planning and implementing learning activities into the daily routine. She is mainly in charge of "Group Time" and "Fine Motor Skills" activities.
She has an Associate's Degree in Preschool Education from BYU-Idaho, and is now working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Child & Family Studies, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Language & Literacy. While working towards her Associate's degree, she also earned a Special Recognition Award, the Outstanding Preschool Education Major Award, and two scholarships, based on her performance as a student teacher.
She taught preschool for 3 years before coming to the Learning Zone. She also has 2 years experience working with children with disabilities, and adapting lesson plans and activities to fit their varying needs and skill levels. She had the wonderful experience of being a presenter at the Utah National Association for the Education of Young Children conference in 2007.
Karrianne loves anything crafty, whether it's scrapbooking for herself or creating activities for the children she works with. She has participated in music (choir & band) and dancing throughout her childhood and still counts them among her favorite hobbies. She is also mother to three little boys of her own, ages 5 years, 3 years, and 6 months.
Another member of the daycare team, Candice helps with the daily learning activities, where her specialty is our "Active Storytimes" where children get to participate and help act out the story, enriching their literacy experience.
She has her Associates of Science degree focused on Surgical Technology. She is very grateful for her background in healthcare, but in the future she plans to continue her education towards a teaching degree.
Candice grew up babysitting and caring for children. Her mom is a school teacher, so she pretty much grew up in a classroom! During and after high school she worked as a teacher assistant in the special education classroom and a summer school teacher in the special education classroom.
Candice has played musical instruments most of her life (violin, cello, & piano). She was an assistant orchestra teacher and also taught musical lessons on the side. Growing up she also enjoyed dancing & cheerleading. She loves to incorporate all of these into her everyday life. She is also mother to a little boy of her own, who is 2.
Karyssa also works with the children who come for daycare, planning and carrying out the activities of our day. She is mainly in charge of our "Creative Movement" time, where the children can participate in activities involving music, dance, & motor skills.
Karyssa is mother to 2 yr old son of her own.
Kydee works with the after school children who come to our daycare, making sure they have plenty of learning experiences whether its help with homework, arts & crafts, or participating in the Youth Classes at Gold's Gym.
