About Exploring Minds Academy in Kansas
We are a Montessori-influenced preschool in Kansas. We care for children from 6 weeks through 5 years old and provide a range of age-appropriate resources and activities to encourage their development right up until they take their next steps in the educational journey.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on inspiring independence and autonomy in our young learners, allowing them to explore and learn in a way that both empowers and excites them.
We also aim to encourage respect for themselves and others, as well as care for nature. By blending indoor and outdoor classrooms and environments in a home-away-from-home environment, we can create a space where children feel empowered and ready to learn.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on inspiring independence and autonomy in our young learners, allowing them to explore and learn in a way that both empowers and excites them.
We also aim to encourage respect for themselves and others, as well as care for nature. By blending indoor and outdoor classrooms and environments in a home-away-from-home environment, we can create a space where children feel empowered and ready to learn.
Core values:
Passion for what we do
Passion for what we do
Respect for ourselves, others, and our environment
Integrity in all we do
Discovering the wonders of our world
Empowering those in our lives
Respect for ourselves, others, and our environment
Integrity in all we do
Discovering the wonders of our world
Empowering those in our lives
Who We Are
Exploring Minds Academy got its start in Erie in 2008 by Pamela Piekarski. But this was not her first venture into childcare, Pamela got her start in education as a kindergarten teacher, back in 1978.
As a retired teacher, with over 40 years of experience in the childcare sector, Pamela has curated a curriculum for Exploring Minds Academy, with roots in Montessori, High Scope, and Conscious Discipline.
However, Pamela's journey to establishing Exploring Minds Academy was not without challenges. In 1985, with three young children, she found that the childcare options available to her family were not up to standard. Undeterred, Pamela decided to become the change she wanted to see, and set up her first center that same year, with her second following in 1987.
From time spent studying in Singapore and Italy to teaching Pre-K to directing and partially owning the Seven Oaks Academy, Pamela has had a rich and varied career. After time in public school classrooms, she took a step back from education, until she was asked to come and support a new center in Erie. Here her calling was rediscovered and thus Exploring Minds Academy was founded on January 1st, 2008.
Here at Exploring Minds Academy we create a space that fosters early learning in a fun and safe environment where children from infants to 5 years old can explore the world around them.
We believe our innovative approach gives children a bright and positive start in life as we encourage both exploration and discovery as well as emotional intelligence and building friendships.
About Our Kansas Location
When you visit us here at Exploring Minds Academy, you will see firsthand what makes us different!
Our setting includes:
Healthy home-cooked meals each day that meet dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, etc.
Music and art facilities to boost creativity
Outdoor play and gardening that teach little ones how to respect Mother Nature and interact with her in a meaningful way.
A Montessori-inspired curriculum, to encourage creative thinking and independence.
A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honored and respected
We are able to facilitate a wide variety of activities, including yoga, music, art, gardening, and the learning of a second language.
Get Our Free Parent Pack
We’d love to send you a FREE parent pack, full of helpful information about Exploring Minds Academy, Kansas…
Get Our Free Parent Pack
We’d love to send you a FREE parent pack, full of helpful information about Exploring Minds Academy, Kansas…
6 Weeks To 12 Months
We offer a warm, cozy "home away from home" for your baby, with a passionate and highly qualified team dedicated to your child's well-being. Our caregivers use responsive play to stimulate your baby's early communication skills, fostering a sense of connection and security.
Our eco-healthy facility ensures a safe, clean environment, adhering to strict environmental best practices. We incorporate engaging learning themes and enrichment activities like music, yoga, art, and dance, encouraging your baby to explore and interact with the world using their senses. Our easy-to-use parent communication app keeps you informed, and we introduce your baby to fresh, nut-free foods. With ample outdoor play areas, your child can enjoy fresh air and develop cognitive and gross motor skills.
1 - 2.5 Years
In our toddler's room, we focus on fostering social skills, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem through positive peer interactions and mindfulness practices. It is also where we begin to encourage independent learning and problem-solving so that our young learners can feel accomplished and proud of what they have learned with us.
2.5 - 4 Years
For our preschool students, we expand on the skills they learned as toddlers, by focusing on nurturing emotionally intelligent personalities and teaching children to identify emotions, share, and build strong relationships.
Weekly themes engage their minds to real-world topics, covering topics like weather, nature, animals, and diverse cultures.
Our highly experienced early childhood teachers are dedicated to preparing preschoolers for kindergarten, providing guidance, reassurance, and encouragement throughout their learning journey.
4 - 5 Years
For our Pre-K children, we are focused on refining everything we have taught them. The Montessori Method underpins our teaching by emphasizing respect, independence, and active exploration, as we focus on nurturing the whole child.
Enriching activities like yoga, dance, art, music, and Spanish promotes fine motor skills and creativity, as well as our outdoor spaces provide acres for exploration and play, fostering physical activity.
Alongside that, our highly skilled, pre-kindergarten teachers, with a deep passion for early childhood education, bring years of experience working with children to equip your child for the transition into elementary school.
Get Our Free Guide
We know how hard it can be choosing the perfect place for your little ones to learn and grow. So we have made it simple for you to find out exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect Preschool. Get your copy now...
Get Our Free Guide
We know how hard it can be choosing the perfect place for your little ones to learn and grow. So we have made it simple for you to find out exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect Preschool. Get your copy now…here
Merging Teaching and Child Care
We offer a variety of programs, for stages including infants and toddlers, preschool, and pre-kindergarten.
We believe that it is never too early to start learning and that it is vital to always present opportunities for children to learn and grow as soon as they start at our center. There are always chances to encourage growth within a child's mind, and it is our job as caregivers and teachers to nourish that potential.
By developing our programs with curriculum experts and childcare specialists, we have been able to hone in on what makes early education a success and create a learning program that allows our children to enter school seamlessly. It is our aim to equip every child in our care with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the next stage of their educational journeys, and beyond.
What to Expect from Exploring Minds Academy
Our mission is to provide the highest quality childcare in Kansas, if not the world!
As part of our commitment, we provide all of our kids with:
Healthy home-cooked meals each day that meet dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, etc.
Music and art facilities to boost creativity
Outdoor play and gardening that teach little ones how to respect Mother Nature and interact with her in a meaningful way.
A Montessori-inspired curriculum, to encourage creative thinking and independence.
A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honored and respected
What to Expect from Exploring Minds Academy
Our mission is to provide the highest quality childcare in Erie, if not the world!
As part of our commitment, we provide all of our kids with:
Healthy home-cooked meals each day that meet dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, etc.
Music and art facilities to boost creativity
Outdoor play and gardening that teach little ones how to respect Mother Nature and interact with her in a meaningful way.
A Montessori-based curriculum, to encourage creative thinking and independence.
A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honored and respected
We would be thrilled to have you join our Exploring Minds Academy family in Kansas.
Contact us with any questions at +1 (913) 490-2632 or click the button below to schedule a tour!
Schedule a Tour at Exploring Minds Academy
The best way to discover what makes Exploring Minds Academy special is to see us firsthand. We provide engaging and interactive tours at our Kansas location, which you can schedule below. We look forward to meeting you soon and getting to know you and your child more!
Schedule a Tour at Exploring Minds Academy
The best way to discover what makes Exploring Minds Academy special is to see us firsthand. We provide engaging and interactive tours at our Kansas location, which you can schedule below. We look forward to meeting you soon and getting to know you and your child more!
Contact Us
3112 S 51st St,
Kansas City, Kansas, 66106
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