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OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
At Growing Roots, our mission is to provide quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. We believe in the immense power of early childhood education. We aim to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where young minds can flourish, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
At Growing Roots, our mission is to provide quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. We believe in the immense power of early childhood education. We aim to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where young minds can flourish, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
STAFF
STAFF
Our dedicated team of four childcare professionals brings a combined 21 years of experience and a diverse range of qualifications. Our team includes one Lead Montessori-trained teacher and three Assistant Montessori-trained teachers. Several staff members have prior experience working with children in outdoor settings and two staff members are mothers with young families, bringing valuable real-world experience. They all share a passion for nurturing and supporting children and helping them flourish.
Tanessa
Tanessa
LEAD MONTESSORI TEACHER & GROWING ROOTS DIRECTOR
Miss Tanessa has eleven years of childcare experience. Her deep interest in child development led her to training in Early Childhood Montessori Education (AIM) as well as Forest School and Tinkergarten. Her favorite thing about working at Growing Roots is that it is a child-led facility where she can focus on the child and meet them where they are developmentally. This creates a strong bond between the child and guide as children learn to navigate their environment and learn social skills.
Valena
Valena
MORNING ASSISTANT MONTESSORI TEACHER
Miss Valena is grateful for her first year at Growing Roots, where she enjoys observing children's interactions and curiosity. Her background includes a Montessori-inspired homeschool education, extensive childhood outdoor experiences, a career as a field biologist, and raising a family. She originally came to the Black Hills to work for the National Park Service and now calls it home with her husband and two kids. Valena is a trained Assistant Montessori Teacher. She loves watching kids discover the natural world.
Mya
Mya
AFTERNOON LEAD TEACHER / TRAINED MONTESSORI ASSISTANT
Miss Mya has dedicated the past five years to working in childcare, gaining experience with a wide range of ages, from infants to elementary school children in after-school and summer programs. She finds deep fulfillment in her role as a teacher, cherishing the opportunity to witness children's growth and acquisition of new skills. Further demonstrating her commitment to professional development, Mya is trained as an Assistant Montessori Teacher and is currently expanding her knowledge through additional courses.
HISTORY
HISTORY
Growing Roots is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. Growing Roots began when parents of young children in Custer banded together to bring a preschool to their community, specifically meeting a need for Montessori and outdoor focused childcare. The first Growing Roots programs opened in the Fall of 2023. We moved to the current classroom (at the same location) in the Fall of 2024.
Growing Roots is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. Growing Roots began when parents of young children in Custer banded together to bring a preschool to their community, specifically meeting a need for Montessori and outdoor focused childcare. The first Growing Roots programs opened in the Fall of 2023. We moved to the current classroom (at the same location) in the Fall of 2024.
What our Parents Say:
What our Parents Say:
“My child is emotionally regulated, happy, and thriving like never before. The student-led learning has allowed him to grow in his ability to do daily tasks to build his independence. I feel the staff remain calm, regulated and caring which seems to keep the children balanced throughout their day.”
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