Bennett, IA

Cedar Valley Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education with certified AMS/AMI teachers and mixed-age classrooms. The facility features child-sized furniture, extensive Montessori materials, and carefully prepared environments that encourage independence and self-directed learning. They maintain low student-teacher ratios (1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers) and emphasize practical life skills, sensorial development, and individualized learning plans. The center includes secure outdoor playgrounds with natural elements, organic meal programs, and comprehensive security systems including keypad entry and live camera monitoring. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and the developmental progress they observe in their children.

Creative Kids Learning Center implements a research-based Creative Curriculum that balances structured learning with play-based exploration. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators and maintains enhanced staff-to-child ratios. Their comprehensive program includes STEAM activities, literacy development, social-emotional learning, and character education. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor area, fenced playgrounds with safety surfaces, and secure entry systems. They offer enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish language exposure. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily digital reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, with many parents noting exceptional staff retention and consistent quality care.

Little Huskies Child Development Center operates as part of the University of Northern Iowa's College of Education, serving as both a childcare facility and teaching laboratory. The center employs master-level early childhood specialists and maintains exceptionally low child-to-staff ratios. Their curriculum integrates Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches with developmentally appropriate practices, emphasizing project-based learning and child-led inquiry. The facility features observation rooms for university students, natural outdoor classrooms, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. All lead teachers hold advanced degrees in early childhood education, and the program incorporates current research in child development. Families appreciate the research-based approach, transparent classroom environments, and the center's commitment to inclusive practices and diversity.